illustration by Sophie Barlow

It doesn’t look like it, but a wood slat accent wall is a fairly beginner-friendly project. The idea is to create an accent wall in your room of choice—perhaps in an entry or hallway—composed of a series of 1×2 boards. It’s a modern look that adds architectural character, warmth and texture.

1. GATHER WOOD

Measure for the accent wall dimensions, getting height and length. This project is based around boards that are listed as 1 inch x 2 inch x 8 feet (or 10 feet, depending on ceiling heights), yet the actual dimensions of the boards will be smaller, about 3/4 inch x 1½ inch. However, since there is about a ½-inch gap between each board, to determine the number of slats needed, just divide the length of the wall (in inches) by two, and add an extra board or two to the cart for mishaps. As for the slat material, choose between MDF (ideal if painting the boards) or wood, like pine or poplar (which looks great unfinished or stained).

Lastly, think about where the slats will meet junctures with window or door trim, the ceiling and baseboard. For the latter, add a strip of ¾-inch quarter-round to the top of the baseboard before installing the slats, so they have a ledge to rest on and look more finished. Or, remove the baseboard altogether so the slats meet the floor.

2. PREP EVERYTHING

Cut the slats to the correct height, sand if using pine, and paint or stain the wood slats as needed. If going for a natural look, just seal with polyurethane. Consider whether the background wall will contrast with the wood slats or be a similar color. Prep the wall as needed with the chosen paint color.

3. INSTALL

The first slat is the most important—if it’s not straight and level, the rest of the wall will be crooked. Use a level to ensure it is straight, not the walls or existing trim. Attach the slat to the wall at multiple points using a Brad nailer, so the board is flat and there are no air gaps between wood and wall. There are various methods for nailing, such as applying nails at an angle on either side of the board in an X-pattern, or adding a nail at the front, at the top, middle and bottom of the board. Use the method that’s best for your walls.

Take a piece of scrap wood (just a shorter 1×2), put it on its short edge flush with the first slat, and line up the second slat against it for a tight fit. The scrap wood is used to make sure the spacing between the slats is consistent and uniform across the wall. Proceed until all the slats are applied.