Wood Accent Wall DIY Step by Step Guide

A stunning wood accent wall is a perfect addition to any room, giving it a feature or focal point. If you’re looking to add warmth, texture, and character to any room in your home, an accent wall made of wood is an excellent choice. Not only does it provide a visually appealing look, but it’s also a budget-friendly DIY project that can be completed in a weekend, especially if you already have basic tools on hand.

In this post, we’ll discuss the best types of wood for accent walls, including popular options like board and batten and shiplap. We’ll also provide a detailed material list, price estimates, and step-by-step instructions to help you build your very own wood accent wall.

All the materials required for this project can be easily found at your local lumberyard or big box store like Home Depot. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a novice looking to take on a new project, creating a wood accent wall is a rewarding.

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Roll up your sleeves, gather your tools, and let’s get started on transforming your space with a beautiful wood accent wall that will leave a lasting impression!

Board & Batten Wood Accent Wall

Board and batten wood accent wall is an easy way to add texture and beauty to a space. The great part is any DIYer can accomplish this task in a weekend depending on the length and of course skill level.

I believe MDF is best suited for an indoor wood accent wall, unless moisture is going to be present, like a bathroom. Bedrooms, offices, or dining areas are perfect places for these wood accent walls. These boards can be picked up and are almost always in stock at Home Depot or Lowes. Lets learn more about MDF boards and the advantage of using them for wood accent walls.

What is a MDF board?

MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard. It is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers and combining them with wax and a resin binder. These wood fibers are then compressed under high pressure and temperature to form panels of various thicknesses and densities.

Why I use MDF Boards for Wood Accent Wall

MDF boards are known for their smooth and uniform surface, making them ideal for applications where a consistent finish is desired, like a wood accent wall. They are also popular for use in DIY projects and woodworking due to their affordability, ease of machining, and ability to hold screws and nails well.

One advantage of MDF is its uniform density and lack of knots or grain patterns, which allows for consistent cutting and shaping without the risk of splintering or tear-out. However, MDF is not as strong or durable as solid wood and can be prone to swelling or warping when exposed to moisture. Therefore, it is typically used indoors or in controlled environments where moisture exposure is minimal.

Cost and Where to Buy MDF

MDF boards can be found at almost any lumber store. For most of us we shop at Home Depot or Lowes, and this is a great place to purchase the boards. They come in various sizes, so have an idea of the look you’re trying to accomplish before going to the store. I personally like the look of a 1×4 and these come in 8ft or 12 ft lengths.

Use these for both the vertical and horizontal strips. As of now the price is $10.47 for the 12 ft length. For a 10ft wall this would easily come under $100 for MDF wood accent wall.

Here’s a general guide to help you hang board and batten:

1. Measure and Plan: Start by measuring the wall where you intend to install the board and batten wood accent wall. Determine the height and width of the boards and the spacing between them. Use a level to ensure straight lines and accurate measurements. Consider drawing a layout on the wall to visualize the design before starting.

2. Prepare the Wood Accent Wall: If necessary, remove any existing trim or molding from the wall. Clean the wall surface to remove dust and debris. Patch any holes or imperfections and sand the surface smooth if needed. This will give an amazing finish to the wood accent wall.

3. Cut the Boards and Battens: Using a saw, cut the boards and battens to the desired lengths according to your measurements. Miter saw is the best option here. Sand the edges to smooth any rough spots.

4. Attach the Boards: Start by placing the horizontal boards at the bottom and top. Use a level here. Use your stud finder to make sure your nailing MDF board into a stud. Position the boards vertically and evenly spaced according to your layout. Use a level to ensure the boards are straight and plumb as you attach them to the wall. Measure each board because your wall or floor may not be level. This will cause larger gaps and more time filling with caulk or wood filler. Use a brad nailer or liquid nails if you will not be hitting a stud.

5. Fill Nail Holes and Sand: Use wood filler to fill any nail holes or gaps between the boards and battens. Once the filler is dry, sand the surface smooth to prepare it for painting or staining.

6. Paint or Stain: Apply primer and paint or stain to the boards and battens according to your desired finish. Use a brush or roller to ensure even coverage and allow sufficient drying time between coats.

7. Finish: Once the paint is dry, step back and admire your newly installed board and batten wood accent wall. Enjoy the added dimension and character it brings to your space.

Material list for your board & batten wood accent wall:

Still unsure if this is the right project for you to tackle? Check out my post on 25 Half Wall Paneling ideas for more information.

Shiplap Wood Accent Wall

DIY Shiplap wood accent wall is another weekend project that can have a major transformation to a room. Maybe you’re thinking, I don’t have shiplap in my house. No problem. This is a project any DIYer can tackle.

Materials and Price

I think the most affordable option is heading to Home Depot and buying a quarter inch thick 4 by 8 ft Sandeply plywood. The smooth surface creates a perfectly clean look when painting. It is also very durable and can withstand everyday damage. I prefer the quarter inch thick sheets mainly because of the weight. The thicker the board the heavier and harder to work with IMO. This option is perfect if you paint the wood accent wall.

Ask Home Depot to rip the boards if you don’t have a table saw. Just make sure you know the measurements before going. The height of the board is what will matter at this point. For our Kitchen island remodel used 5 ½ inch boards to create the shiplap look.

Also, before you head to the store make sure you have the square footage of the wood accent wall. To figure this, just measure the height and length of the wall and multiply the two together. This is the square footage. A four by eight piece of plywood will cover 32 square feet. Make sure you buy extra because after cutting you will have some waste. Usually add around 10% of the total coverage area for cut loss.

Other Wood Accent Wall Options

There are other options for a gorgeous wood accent wall. If the plywood seems like too much for you to tackle, you can buy boxes of pre-cut shiplap wood from Home Depot. These boxes are $100 a box and cover 21.5 square feet. Compare this to the plywood that covers 32 square feet and costs $30 per sheet.

These products are very durable, but are only recommended for interior use. The boards are kiln dried, which will reduce warp and shrinkage. I would suggest if you do go this route, let the boards acclimate for a few days before the install. In our old home we made a wood accent wall from Home Depot packaged boards. One tip is to paint the wall black before installing the wood planks so any gaps between the wood isn’t visible.

There are some advantages of the boxed shiplap. One being it comes in a variety of finishes. The tongue and groove style will have consistent seams, giving a professional look to your wood accent wall. Another advantage is you will not have to worry about sanding or painting. There is time saved by going this route. Now, the total cost of each will depend on the size of the wood accent wall. Make sure you budget and compare these costs before starting the project.

Here are step-by-step instructions for installing DIY shiplap wood accent wall:

1. Measure the Wall: Measure the length and height of the wall where you want to install the shiplap. This will help you calculate how much material you need.

2. Gather Materials: Purchase shiplap boards, adhesive or nails, a level, saw (if cutting boards to size), wood filler, sandpaper, primer, and paint or stain. I would plan on buying at 10% more than your coverage area.

3. Prepare the Wall: Ensure the wall surface is clean, smooth, and dry. Remove any existing trim or molding if necessary. Patch any holes and sand the surface to create a smooth base for the shiplap. Make sure you paint the wall if there will be gaps in the boards. Just match the wall with the boards as close as you can. You will not want red showing in the gaps of a white shiplap accent wall.

4. Cut Shiplap Boards: Measure and cut the shiplap boards to the desired lengths using a saw. If you’re installing them horizontally, cut them to the entire length of the wall. Preventing seams. If the boards will not reach then you will want to stagger the joints. (At Least 6 inches) Use different length starter pieces, or your eyes will draw to the seams.

5. Apply Primer & Paint: Prime the shiplap boards before installation to seal the wood and create a smooth surface for painting. After this make sure you paint the boards. It is much easier to paint the boards before they are installed. Light sand between coats will give it a smooth and professional looking finish.

6. Start Installation: Begin at the bottom corner of the wall. Apply adhesive to the back of the first shiplap board or use nails to secure it to the wall. Use a level to ensure the board is straight.

Mark your studs on the wall before installation begins. This will make your nailing process much faster. Use a stud finder at the bottom and top of the wall. Mark it. Connect the lines using a straight edge. Studs should be 16 inches apart on center. You will not need to glue using this strategy.

7. Add Spacers: Place spacers (such as coins or shims) between the boards to create even spacing. This will give the characteristic gap between each board that is typical of shiplap. If you’re installing the tongue and groove you will not have to worry about this.

8. Continue Installation: Repeat the process, adding additional shiplap boards one by one. Use a level frequently to ensure each board is straight and level. Make sure you’re staggering the joints.

9. Cut Around Obstacles: If necessary, cut shiplap boards to fit around windows, doors, outlets, or other obstacles using a saw.

10. Fill Nail Holes: Once all the boards are installed, fill any nail holes with wood filler. Allow the filler to dry, then sand the surface smooth.

11. Paint or Stain: Apply paint or stain to the shiplap boards according to your desired finish. Use a brush or roller to ensure even coverage. This should only be touch ups.

12. Finish: Once the paint or stain is dry, step back and admire your newly installed DIY shiplap wood accent wall. Enjoy the cozy and rustic charm it brings to your space.

Material List for a Shiplap Wood Accent Wall:

Board and Batten and Shiplap wood accent walls are two of my favorite DIY projects. They can be finished in a day or weekend and will have a huge impact on the space. If you have the tools, the project is fairly cheap and can add a perfect cozy feeling to the space. Let me know if you have any questions. I would love to help! Check out all the other projects we have done around the house!

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Wood Accent Wall DIY Step by Step Guide