Wall panelling continues to be one of the most effective ways to inject character and charm into a space. From classic shaker styles to modern geometric designs, panelling elevates a room instantly—without necessarily draining your bank account.
The best part? You can achieve a high-end finish on a budget. With a little planning, a bit of elbow grease, and a few smart choices, you can pull off a wall panelling project that’s stylish, satisfying, and affordable. Let’s dive into the top ways to save while still getting that perfect panelled look in 2025.
Tip Number 1: DIY IT! Seriously, You’ve Got This.
Yes, it’s the classic advice—but it’s never been more relevant. Labour costs have continued to rise in the UK due to the ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople. In 2025, getting someone out for a “small” job like wall panelling can still be a challenge—and expensive. Labour quotes between £2,000–£4,500 are not uncommon, and that doesn’t include materials.
The good news? Wall panelling is an ideal DIY project—even if you’re new to the tool game. With the rise of beginner-friendly tools, video tutorials, and step-by-step DIY kits, it’s never been easier to take control of your own design.
DIY wall panelling often takes a weekend or less, especially with a friend helping. Sure, there’s a learning curve—things like caulking, measuring accurately, or getting those cuts just right—but these are all skills you can pick up along the way.
Roomix Kits are designed for beginners and come with everything you need—including pre-selected materials and an easy-to-follow How To Guide. You get all the creative freedom, none of the guesswork.
Bottom line: Want to save the most money? Roll up your sleeves and go for it.
Roomix customers installing their shaker wall panelling
Tip Number 2: Cut Your Own Wood (If You're Up For It!)
Cutting your own panelling strips can feel like a bit of a slog, but it’s a major money-saver. Pre-cut wood costs more—whether you're ordering from timber merchants or getting it cut through a service like ours at Roomix.
In 2025, affordable hand saws and compact electric mitre saws (which have become more accessible and beginner-friendly) make the process easier than ever. If you’ve got a steady hand, a mitre box, and a podcast to keep you company, cutting your own MDF or pine strips is totally doable.
Of course, if cutting isn’t your thing, we do still offer custom-cut strips (just drop us a message). But if budget is your priority, get that saw out and get slicing.
Tip Number 3: Only Buy What You Need (Seriously!)
One of the most common ways to overspend on DIY projects? Overbuying materials. On the flip side, there’s nothing worse than being mid-project and running out of caulk or filler—especially if you're losing daylight or motivation.
To avoid both problems, accurate planning is everything. That’s why our Roomix kits are carefully calibrated based on thousands of customer projects. We’ve tested every configuration—wood type, wall size, glue amounts, you name it—so you get exactly what you need. Not too little, not too much.
Here are some of the materials included in a Roomix kit.
Want to go ultra-precise? Our free Shaker Panelling Design Tool is a game-changer. Just pop in your wall dimensions, visualise your layout, and get a tailored materials list.
And for tricky layouts or unique walls, you can always message us for a bespoke order—we’re happy to help make your project a breeze.
Bespoke Orders:
Of course, the more specific you can be with the size of your wall or the dimensions of your room, the more accurate we can be with our quantities. For even greater accuracy, get in touch via WhatsApp and we can create a bespoke order for you!
Design Tool:
If you’re doing a shaker panelling project, our design tool does all the maths for you. Enter your wall width and height, design your panelling layout and get a tailored shopping list with the exact quantities of wood and materials you'll need.
Tip Number 4: Make Use Of Your Off-Cuts!
Don’t toss those leftover pieces! Repurposing your panelling offcuts is a fantastic way to stretch your budget and reduce waste—something we’re all more conscious of in 2025.
Here are a few ideas:
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Add decorative moulding to plain wardrobes or cabinet doors.
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Frame a mirror or artwork with leftover trim.
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Use strips to create a matching headboard or shelf detail.
Upcycling isn’t just thrifty—it’s fun, eco-friendly, and makes your project feel extra creative.
Affordability & Inclusivity At Roomix
At Roomix, our mission has always been about making great design accessible—without compromising on quality. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned DIY-er, our kits, guides, and tools are built to help you succeed.
We only use high-quality, sustainably sourced materials. We work with suppliers who care. And we regularly review our prices to make sure we’re staying competitive—even as material and shipping costs shift across the industry.
Wall panelling doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. With Roomix, it’s creative, cost-effective, and totally achievable. And trust us—there’s nothing more satisfying than standing back and saying, “I did that.”
