interior wall covering

[glocksrus]

We are looking for suggistions on what to put on the interior walls in our living room-kitchen. We don't want sheetrock. We have a source to beaded white pine siding, but don't know about finnishing it. We want something easy to keep clean.

[glenn kangiser]

PEG is best on this stuff but I think a good clear  coat of something would be good.  I like gloss.

[Redoverfarm]

Beadboard paneling would be a good choice if you are wanting to get away from drywall.  You can stain it what ever color that you want.  In regards to keeping it clean it would all depend on the type of final finish you choose.  Not just one coat but IMO at least three with intermediate sanding between coats 1 & 2 . 

I recently finished 1300 sq ft of paneling for the ceilings in my cabin.  I chose a lighter transparent stain to keep it light but still allow the wood to show through.  You could actually leave it natural in color but the top coats are required to make it durable and look good. 

Here is a picture of my 2X6 ceiling in the kitchen on my project page.  It has a pickled or white wash finish.

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3613.msg49416#msg49416

Here is a picture of the loft ceiling finish on my project page. It is a cape cod grey

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3613.msg66638#msg66638

[glenn kangiser]

....and of course, John - one of the great projects here.  Too much stuff here for me to remember it all....senility....

[glocksrus]

That is what's there now. Just finished the bedroom in it also. We used a semi-gloss in there and sanded inbetween coats. It turn out nice. Just wanted something different in the living room this time. It's painted dark bottom and light top(wain's coat)now.

[Redoverfarm]

I am prone to semi-transparent stains.  With a multitude of companies available I am sure you can find something to your liking.  Unlike drywall where you can change the color as often as you like stained wood is a one shot deal.  Any change after that will have to be paint.

If you do decide to stain it is easier to finish it before installing it.  Making sure that you stain the tounge face side as it will open and close depending on humidity.  If left unstained it will show a streak of unfinished running vertical along the groove side of the next piece.