Many homes in suburban developments take on a cookie-cutter appearance. An easy way to add visual interest and character to a room is with a feature wall. Feature walls can be created with a bold paint color or wallpaper; however, wood trim has become increasingly popular. Hiring someone to do the work is an option, but creating a board and batten wall is a great DIY project for beginners. You likely already have the tools necessary to complete this project.
Choose the Perfect Wall
When selecting the wall, assess your space, and determine which wall naturally draws your attention. You may choose to further accent an aspect of the room like a fireplace, stairway, or the wall where a piece of furniture sits. Try to choose a wall without windows, doors, or complex angles that will detract from the design.
Plan Your Design for a Board and Batten Wall
A board and batten wall is perfect for beginners because of the simplicity in the design, which is typically a uniform grid pattern that is made of squares or rectangles. There is no rule as to how large or small these need to be. However, to get the full effect of the design, allow a minimum of three sections from top to bottom and from side to side. If you have eight-foot ceilings, you will want to make the shapes a minimum of about 2.25 feet tall. You also will want to decide on the width of the trim pieces. Using board widths that are two to three inches provides a nice effect for board and batten walls.
Paint the Wall
Before you nail trim pieces to the wall, paint it. It is easier to paint only the trim pieces on the wall instead of painting in between them after they are attached to the wall. Choose a bold accent color so your wall pops. Bold, dark colors make a great contrast to most neutral decors. A white wall with white accents also works if you want to keep the room bright.
Cut and Nail the Trim
Now that you have planned your design and painted the wall, it is time to start cutting and nailing. Measure multiple times to avoid mishaps as you start nailing them to the wall. Use trim nails that leave small impressions in the wood and are easy to cover and paint for a seamless, finished look.
Cover Imperfections to Finish the Board and Batten Wall
Use wood filler to cover the nail heads, making sure it is paintable, and then sand for a smooth finish. You will also need to caulk the wood seams and between the wood trim and the wall. Paint to cover the imperfections.
A board and batten wall adds visual interest and value to your home and can be completed in a day without special tools or skill. Take your time to plan your project for the best results.
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