Creating a board and batten wall treatment is easy and doable by any do it yourselfer. This step by step tutorial will help you add beauty and architectural interest to a blank wall on the tightest of budgets. Beyond style points, you can use the finished board and batten treatment as a picture ledge or for towel or coat hooks.
Preparation
Per 8 feet of wall space, boards spaced every 12" and more than 48" in height, you will need . . .
1 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
10 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long (if you need to replace moulding)
Liquid Nails Adhesive
I choose to use pine boards for my Board and Batten project because it is formaldehyde free. You can treat your walls with Board and Batten cut from MDF as well.
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Now cut to fit 1x2s to fit between the baseboard and the top board. Attach with nails and glue, to the studs in the wall. Use a level.
Now of course you should be aware of the finished design, and if a board just doesn't work, or your wall wasn't built to code, don't feel like you must attach a board to every stud.
Step 6
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 05:19
Woo! Love it, looks amazing.
Woo! Love it, looks amazing.
Kevin M (not verified)
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 07:02
I did a similar treatment in
I did a similar treatment in our breakfast area, but because there was paneling there previously I used 1/4" plywood to cover up the glue marks/holes in the drywall instead of ripping it all out and putting up new drywall. That was quicker and cheaper. It turned out great - it is one of my favorite projects ever.
Denise B (not verified)
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 07:11
You read my mind
I've been trolling the internet and making plans to do this. Thanks for reading my mind!
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 07:27
I find it easier to paint the
I find it easier to paint the wall first and to pre paint the boards, less potential drips. Then all I have to do is touch up the nail holes after they are all up.
Cindy Wellmann (not verified)
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 07:57
You are unbelievably
You are unbelievably talented!
Mesha (not verified)
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 09:31
Question ...
Did you put up a board backing, behind the spacers? Or, is this drywall, painted white?
In reply to Question ... by Mesha (not verified)
Ana White
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 10:27
Hi Mesha, my drywall is flat
Hi Mesha, my drywall is flat (no texture) so yes, that's drywall there. But another reason you want to stay on stud is if you do need to put a backer board up, you will be able to nail it to studs, and then hide the seams with the boards, because the boards will be spaced every 24", it will line up perfectly with a sheet of backer board.
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 11:17
Corners???
What about inside or outside corners? What would you do if the measured space between the vertical boards hits a corner?
Stacy Tyhurst (not verified)
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 12:40
THANKS! I am getting ready
THANKS! I am getting ready to do this project in the coming weeks and needed some guidelines to go by. Your site is awesome by the way (I spend way too much time drooling over things I want to do).
Emily@Decorchick (not verified)
Wed, 07/13/2011 - 14:47
Fabulous!
Hi Ana, your B&B looks amazing!! I'll never get tired looking at this stuff, and I just finished another wall treatment in our living room and can't wait to post it. Thanks so much for the mention girl, you rock! xo