Wall clad with tea chest panelling

pineapple

I once saw a photo of a kitchen wall panelled with varnished vintage tea chest sides and have hankered after something similar since. Due to a kitchen refit, it's now or never. I'm thinking that the way to go would be to fix battens to the wall and then attach the 'panels'. I need to talk to the guy doing the kitchen about this - he seems very clued up and is currently building his own house! But am I asking a lot? What are the snags/difficulties? I was wondering whether they might warp over time. Cheers

DigForVictory

I think it'll be visually stunning, but will eventually be a swine to clean. That said, once you have battens in place, then you can switch out panels for other things as your tastes and tolerances change. And you can plasterboard over the lot easily if you want a plain wall.

Rigging electrics & any pipes behind it all might be a bit ticklish, as could be dealing with infestation problems if they arise, but as long as it can all be dismounted without replacing Everything, whyever not?

Enjoy your wall!

FreeBear

The plywood used in old tea chests is very thin (around 3-4mm from memory). As long as it doesn't get wet, it is reasonably stable.

The plywood was used extensively in the years of austerity after both world wars - I've seen furniture constructed out of the stuff. My airing cupboard is built out of the stuff, and I keep finding the odd bit around the house.

pineapple

Thanks folks. It wouldn't be a cheap project by any means. Another difficulty is sourcing enough of the right chests. The more decorative ones are hard to find and quite pricey and many are being used, as said, for constructing furniture. Wish I could find the pic that originally inspired me. The wood had been varnished and the effect was stunning.

getmore4less

not a full wall but will this one do

https://www.mckayflooring.co.uk/check-this-out-kitchen-made-from-upcycled-tea-chests/

dunroving

Possible fire hazard too close to the stove?

frogglet

I have seen furniture made out of what is supposed to be recycled barrels and other printed on wood. but on closer inspection they have been made to look like it using stencils.

pineapple

getmore4less wrote: »

not a full wall but will this one do

https://www.mckayflooring.co.uk/check-this-out-kitchen-made-from-upcycled-tea-chests/

Wow that's interesting thanks. It might be worth trying to contact the builder. I would use a deepish varnish and fit them on the wall opposite the cooking area so not near a cooker.
Not sure it's true any longer though that there are warehouses full of them. Maybe the plain ones but old tea chests with lettering and logos seem to be in short supply.