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Drywall isn’t the only way to finish a wall.

Want more home reno project tips and inspiration?

Seriouslyyou just screw it to the studs and you’re done.

drywall alternatives

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Many luxury homes are still finished in plaster instead of drywall.

Modern wood paneling is geared toward today’s interior design trends, such asslat wallsorboard and batten.

Like shiplap, tongue-and-groove boards can be installed vertically or horizontally and finished with either paint or stain.

Stack of marine-grade plywood

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

Manyceilings are finished with tongue-and-grooveas a complementary addition to drywall walls.

Unlike real brick, faux brick wall panels are lightweight and relatively easy to install.

Thicker textured wall panels can be mounted directly to the studs.

Wall decor Venetian decorative plaster

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Plus, who doesn’t love the satisfying smell of cedar?

The key is to leave the wood unfinished to let it breathe.

An occasional sanding may be necessary to restore its air-freshening qualities.

A person laying a cement backer board onto the floor.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Use it to create a bold backsplash or cover your entire room with it.

The choice is yours.

Many types of hemp wall panels and wall blocks have insulative qualities.

shiplap vs tongue and groove

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Hemp wall blocks can even be used to build standalone partition walls.

However, the most common use for hemp panels is for soundproofing and acoustic treatment.

These prefabricated panels are made of inorganic materials that hold up well to moisture exposure.

DIY board and batten wall

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Looking to finish walls in a moist environment?

Look no further than wahoo panels or PVC panels.

Looking to finish a closet?

Wood Tongue and Groove Ceiling

Getty / Spaces Images

Cedar is the go-to.

While drywall is a great product, it isn’t always the best way to cover unfinished walls.

Cork floor detail

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

barnwood accent wall

Arbor and Co.

Brick surface with paint partially removed

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Corrugated metal panels

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Organized garage wall with black and white checkered rigid plastic floor tiles

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

A modern and elegant home design with 3D wall paneling.

Interior Impressions

Cedar wood panels

By Eve Livesey / Getty Images

Large living room with wall paneling and exposed stone.

Whittney Parkinson Design

Faux Stone Interior Wall

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Industrial Loft

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hemp fiber bonded panels

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Beadboard Wall

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Basement Walls

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Old shower walls stripped down with pry bar to expose wall studs

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Person plastering walls

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