How to Create a Wood Slat Wall

Wood paneling is back — but not the same kind you had in your basement in the '70s. Wood accent walls are once again a popular type of modern wall treatment — with good reason. From kitchens to bedrooms, wood slat walls are being used to create a midcentury modern vibe with an earthy, cozy feel. Installing one of these accent walls can instantly transform any space into a stylish oasis, and — with a little know-how and a couple of time-saving hacks — it's easier than it seems to DIY.

How to Create a Wood Slat Wall

1. Cut the Plywood

Measure your wall (in inches) and divide the width of your wall by 2.25 to determine the number of slats you will need. (When hung, each slat will be 1-1/2 inches wide with a 3/4-inch gap between.) Measure, mark and cut the plywood to create the slats. (Plywood typically comes in 8-foot sheets, so the height should fit an 8-foot ceiling.) Cutting large sheets of plywood can be tricky — and dangerous — alone. Ask a friend to help, and protect your fingers by using a push block to move the plywood through the saw.

2. Prep the Slats

While the surface of the plywood is pre-sanded, the edges of the slats need to be sanded after they're cut. Instead of sanding each piece individually, line up a group of 15-20 slats with the faces touching and the cut edges exposed. Clamp the pieces together, and use an electric sander to sand the edges all at once. This method is quicker and provides more leverage for a smooth finish, since the pieces are braced against each other. Flip the slats over and repeat on the opposite edges. Unclamp the slats and do a quick, light pass with a high-grit sanding block on the edges of each slat.

3. Apply Stain

With the boards still stacked together in the same manner, use a small foam roller to apply stain to the upward-facing edge of the slats. Flip the slats and repeat on the other side. Flip all slats a quarter turn so the flat side is facing up and apply stain. There is no need to stain the opposite side as it will be touching the wall. Wipe down boards with a clean, dry rag. Let them dry overnight.

4. Hang the Slats

On a pre-painted wall, begin installing the slats. (Darker colors will blend better under the slats.) Starting on the right side of the wall, place the first slat in the corner. This piece will determine every other slat’s position, so use a level to make sure it is perfectly vertical. Use an electric finish nailer to attach the slat to the wall. Use one wall slat as a spacer, turning it so the narrow side is against the wall and butt it up against the left side of the installed slat. Place a third slat to the left of the spacer and tightly hold the three slats together. (This job may be easier with an extra set of hands.) Assure that the last slat is plumb, then nail it in place. Repeat this step across the entire wall, checking that each piece is level as you go.

6. Give Yourself a High Five!

Installing a wood accent wall really is easier than it looks. Creating a beautiful focal wall using basic plywood requires no complicated math or measuring, and using the spacer makes it simple to achieve a professional quality finish.