So, you have a big blank wall in your home. You know it’s an eyesore and you want to fill it – but it’s such a large space, you can’t decide what to do with it!
Well, a great way to add warmth, texture, and intrigue to any room is with a DIY wood plank wall!
To make this project even more appealing, you can save money and still create a stunning focal point for any room with relative ease. No expensive contractors required!
If this sounds like something you’d like to try, you’re in the right place!
We’ve outlined a guide to creating your own plank wall, as well as a few design tips and tricks to help you make the space of your dreams.
Now then, let’s get started!
How To Make A DIY Wood Plank Wall
Regardless of the style you choose, there are a handful of materials you will need.
The planks themselves are an obvious one, but you should also have a level, a miter saw, a nail gun, a jigsaw, and some caulk on hand.
The jigsaw should only be necessary if you have outlets, light switches, or other obstacles that will require some angle cuts.
And if you don’t have power tools in your home, you don’t have to purchase them!
Your local hardware store should have a rental service available, meaning you can rent whatever tools you need (for a fee) for the day or weekend.
There are a few different options when it comes to the actual creation of your plank wall. Here are a few of them:
Pre-Finished Boards
Because of the growing popularity of this design, you can now purchase pre-finished boards for your project.
This means they will already be sanded, stained or painted, and sealed when you buy them.
If you’re a beginner with woodwork and feel a bit overwhelmed by the process of creating a wall, this option is ideal!
All you have to do is purchase the boards from your local hardware store, cut them to the length you desire, and nail them to the wall in your chosen pattern.
Tongue And Groove Boards
Tongue and groove boards are exactly what you would imagine – wooden planks that are cut to fit together like puzzle pieces.
These are easy to put together, but may require more effort than the pre-finished boards, as you will need to add any stain or paint yourself.
Similar to the process with pre-finished boards, however, you can find tongue and groove boards at the hardware store.
Measure your wall and decide approximately how many you will need before shopping.
Then purchase your boards, cut them to size, and nail them to the wall, fitting them together as you go.
Reclaimed Boards
For a rustic appearance, consider using reclaimed wood for your plank wall!
You can often find used pallets at larger stores, as their shipments arrive on them.
But if you want an even more unique look, use salvaged floorboards or plywood.
This option may require a great deal of sanding, which is usually the most tedious part of any woodworking project.
So if you’re a beginner or just not in the mood for a lengthy project, this isn’t the choice for you.
If you do decide to tackle the ultra DIY route, be sure to pick up a dust mask while you’re getting your other materials.
Sawdust can be extremely harmful, should it be inhaled.
To keep yourself healthy, you should definitely invest in a disposable face mask supply to have on hand.
Laminate Or Wood Flooring
Last but not least, wood flooring isn’t restricted to floors anymore!
You can purchase real wood or laminate flooring and install it on the wall the way you would on the floor.
This option doesn’t require any sanding or staining, as flooring is pre-finished.
Short of staining and finishing your wood yourself, wood flooring offers the most design choices.
You can find laminate or wood flooring in just about any color or stain you desire!
Choose Your Design
Now that you’re considering which material you’re going to use, you need to start thinking about the design of your wall.
What color will it be? Will the planks be uniform or vary in size?
If you’re going with wood flooring or tongue and groove boards, your plank size will be pre-determined.
You can cut them to different lengths, but in order for the boards to fit together as they’re designed, you must keep them the same width.
However, if you choose reclaimed wood or standard pre-finished boards, you have more decisions to make.
For a clean, bright look, consider keeping the wood its natural color or paint it white.
If you’re looking for a rustic or industrial vibe, a dark stain or even a variegated pattern will give your wall a lot of character.
With your DIY wood plank wall and a few pieces of handmade furniture, your home will not only be beautiful but will have the one of a kind appearance homeowners dream of.
Customization Is Key To A Unique Home!
By creating a DIY wood plank wall, you will be adding a touch of customization to your home, making it unlike any other.
And you shouldn’t stop there! DIY projects are a great way to add personality to your home while honing a new skill and even bonding with friends and family who lend a hand!
Now, you need to be cautious with the DIY projects you choose to undertake.
It’s very easy to get in over your head and end up spending more than you would had you hired a professional in the first place.
A good rule of thumb is to never attempt a project that requires special permits or building code compliances.
But even with these off the table, you have plenty of options to choose from.
To get more ideas for customizing your home, be sure to check out our blog!