Creating a Wooden Plank Wall--Guest Post

Today I am welcoming Peter Boucher with a Guest Post on Creating a Wooden Plank Wall.  I've always loved planked walls.  Thanks Peter for this information!

How to Create a Wooden Plank Wall

Wooden plank walls are a beautiful and unusual way to create an accent wall. Perfect for rooms with a natural theme, wood can be very versatile as it can be painted or varnished any way you want it to be.

Working It Out

There are lots of different ways to style a wood plank wall. Whether you go for thick or thin, horizontal or straight, painted one colour or three, it’s all doable. But figuring out exactly what you want is the easy bit. Take a look at Pinterest for endless hours of inspiration.

Prep and Paint

A wooden plank wall is a bit more work than your regular paint – or wallpaper job. However, the finished article is much more impressive.

First, you need to realise that this may be a job with a bit of to-ing and fro-ing. Start by measuring the wall so you know its dimensions. Then head out to the nearest hardware store and pick up some wood. The amount of wood that you’ll need will depend on its thickness and the size of your wall, so you might end up needing more wood than you first expected. You’ll also have to decide whether you want one plank as long as your wall or several planks to fit along one row.

Paint or varnish your wood to your desired finish, then cut if necessary.

Building the Wall

The method that you use to attach your planks to the wall will depend on the thickness of it. Whether you use wood adhesive, a nail gun or screws is up to you, the wood and the effect you want to achieve. If you want something reliable and permanent, it is advisable to use a drill, like this one from Elcocks, and screws or nails.

Start from the bottom, making sure that each plank you lay is straight. Add row upon row, and if you come to light switches or plug sockets, then you have two choices. Either start from the edge of the wall and work your way in, and cut the wood to shape when you get to the socket, or work your way out from the socket instead. The latter method is less hassle when it comes to cutting to shape, but it may not work for everything, like a sink, for example.

Once it’s finished, sit back and admire your beautiful wood plank wall.