I transformed our conservatory by adding panelling – it’s super warm, but everyone’s worried about condensation
A MUM has left social media users totally divided after sharing how she transformed the family’s conservatory with panelling.
Crafty mum-of-two Abi Richards, from the UK, took to TikTok to proudly show off the incredible makeover – however, the response was mixed, with many concerned about a common winter issue.
Determined to make the conservatory ”feel a little bit more cosier”, the 34-year-old came up with the idea of adding panelling onto the wall – which would also give the family extra storage space.
To achieve this, the DIY enthusiast first started by adding some insulation sheets on the windows, she demonstrated in the video.
”Just taking the chance to try and make it a little warmer in here if I can.”
Once done, Abi, who posts under the username @abilourichards, went over with some white panelling she had purchased from Wickes for £33 a sheet.
The mum went on: ”I cut it down to size, it’s originally 1.8m. I’ve trimmed it down and it cuts so easy with the jigsaw.”
Although the process was relatively simple, Abi did warn that she found it rather challenging to get the panels to stick onto the surface, with the mum squishing it down using her forehead, hands and feet.
”It was pretty easy to work with, just a little bit tricky to get it all lined up.
”But nothing that a little bit of caulking and trimming won’t help when it’s finished,” the savvy parent noted, adding she’d paint it later.
All chuffed with the budget-friendly transformation, Abi said: ”I’m actually really impressed.
”It definitely feels more like a room rather than a conservatory – and it’s gonna allow me to put bookshelves on it.”
She wrote in the caption: ”I’ve searched for videos on it and can’t find anything so I thought I’d share in case useful for anyone!”
But although Abi may have been pleased with the glow-up, dozens raced to comments to point out to a potential issue they’d spotted – condensation.
One eagle-eyed social media user warned: ”Moisture behind those panels are going to be mouldy within weeks!”
Another agreed, adding: ”Unfortunately, it will be a condensation trap.”
Someone else was also not convinced on the idea, writing: ”Not sure it’s a good idea for condensation reasons and won’t look great from the outside either.”
”Not sure that will be strong enough for a bookshelf to be honest,” a fourth chimed in.
After being warned by several people about the common household issue, Abi explained that dampness wasn’t typically a problem in her house.
”We don’t usually get condensation in our conservatory, but I will be able to see from the outside if it’s causing any problems.”
Luckily for the talented DIY lover, the response mainly seemed to be positive, as there was also plenty of support by those praising her skills.
”This is epic,” a fan of the makeover said.
”Looking forwards to seeing the end result, well done so far,” another penned.
”What a fantastic DIY! Great job,” Wickes TikTok account had left a comment.
”Omg, you wonder genius woman! I’m doing this,” a fellow crafts fanatic couldn’t wait to give the panelling hack a go, too.