Our living room is right in the middle of our home, as it should be IMO! However, with an open concept floor plan it makes the spaces just kind of blend together a bit.
In our living room we have the main wall and a shorter, partial wall. My goal in this space was to create bold accent walls that would more define the room while also make it the true focal centerpiece on our main floor. That is when I settled on using shiplap painted in a dark moody color! However, I wanted to create the shiplap look in a more budget friendly way rather than using the actual shiplap planks.
Materials:
- 4ft x 8ft Plywood Underlayment boards
- Wood FillerÂ
- Sandpaper
- Latex Primer
- Paint (I used the color SW Iron Ore)
- Paint Supplies – Roller, Paint Brush, paint pa
Tools:
- Table Saw (or Circular Saw with guide)
- Nail Gun
- Level
- Stud finderÂ
- Orbital Sander
- Multi ToolÂ
Step One: Calculate Material Needed
The underlayment boards come in 4ft x 8ft panels. To determine how many panels you will need measure the full wall you want to add the planks to. You will be able to cut 7 – 6″ plank strips from each 4’x8′ panel.Â
My wall is just over 8ft long and 8.5ft tall between the crown moulding and the baseboards. Therefore, I needed 3 of the underlayment panels. There would be more excess from the third panel as I would only need two additional planks but overall the cost was significantly less still than the actual shiplap planks.Â
Step Two: Cut the Plank Strips
Make sure you have some help for this step! Having an extra set of hands was so necessary! To cut the panels into 6″ planks I used my table saw with my guide set at 6″. I kept the panel edge pressed firmly on the guide as we push it through the saw to rip down each of the planks.Â
I was able to get 7 – 6″ planks from each 4’x8′ sheet of underlayment.Â
You could also use a circular saw with an attached guide set at 6″, or the Kreg rip-cut!Â
Step Three: Mark Studs on the Wall
Use a stud finder to locate your wall studs and mark them with a light line from the ceiling to floor. This will help keep your nails in a straight line as well.Â
Tip: If you’re not going to hit a stud angle the nails upward then downward.
Step Four: Hang the Planks
To hang my planks I used my brad nailer with 1 1/4″ nails. I started with my top board pressed against my crown moulding, and used my level to make sure the board was attached straight.Â
Then I used a few quarters for spacing the boards as I worked my way down the wall.Â
If you wall is longer than the 8ft planks, make sure to alternate where your joint is on each row.
Tip: Check with your level every few boards to make small adjustments as needed. Â
Tip #2: Paint in the gap before attaching the next board. This is very helpful especially when using a dark colored paint to make sure there is full coverage.
Step Five: Cut around Outlets
To cut around my outlets, I marked by boards based on measurements from the edge of the wall to the outlet, and from the floor to the outlet. Then I used my multi tool to cut out the rectangle on the board.Â
Step Six: Fill Nail Holes
Fill any nail holes with a wood filler. Depending on how you plan to finish your planks you may want to use a color match filler, or a stainable filler. I am painting my planks, therefore, I used a drywall spackling. Â
Once the filler is dry, sand flat with 220-grit sand paper.Â
Step Seven: Prime the Plank Boards
This is optional as most paints come as a paint and primer, however, I would say this is highly recommended to make sure the paint finish holds strong. I used Sherwin Williams multi-purpose latex primer. I used a paint roller and was able to quickly cover the boards.Â
Step Eight: Paint!
Once the primer has dried (make sure you read your primer for recommended time before painting), you can now paint your planks!
Using a paint roller, paint your wall. Make sure to have a paint brush handy for any touch ups in-between the planks. I would recommend using a disposable paint brush because pushing the brush into the gaps may mess up the brush bristles.Â
Links to Create a Faux Wood Finish
DIY Shiplap Accent Wall
Equipment
- Table Saw (or circular saw with guide)
- Nail Gun
- Level (minimum 24 inches)
- Stud Finder
- Orbital Sander
- Multi Tool
materials
- Paint Supplies (roller, paint brush, paint pan)
- 4ft. x 8 ft. sheet Underlayment amount depends on wall size.
- Sand Paper 220-grit
- All Purpose Primer
- Paint in color of your choice!
Instructions
- Calculate material need.
- Cut the plank strips.
- Mark Studs on the wall.
- Hang the planks. *tip: paint the gap before attaching the next board.
- Cut around outlets.
- Fill nail holes.
- Prime the plank boards.
- Paint!
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