I love the look of a board and batten wall.  When I turned 40 my hubby asked what I wanted for my birthday.  “For you to teach me how to make a board and batten wall!”  Super random I know, but it made me feel like a grown up to use a nail gun – so that’s exactly what we did.    This was my first big project with an air compressor and a nail gun – both intimidated me.  But it was so much fun! Here it is:

With his help it turned out awesome and I couldn’t believe how easy it was.  It added so much depth to this tiny hall and brightened the room.  I loved it!

Now, 1 1/2 years later I am finally writing a tutorial on how you can do it too.  First off, watch my 60 second DIY Tutorial on it, and then follow along – I know you will love it!

Supplies Needed:

• MDF Bender Board
• Paint (I use paint and primer in one)
• Painting Supplies

Tools Needed:

• Circular Saw
• Nail Gun
• Air Compressor (for nail gun)
• Stud Finder
• Level
• Measuring Tape

Step One – Clean and Measure Your Wall

I first make sure my wall is clean so the paint will adhere well.  Do not worry about scuffs because they will be covered with your paint and primer.

Second you need to decide where you would like your boards to fall.  I chose to have them land 16 inches apart on the studs.  This makes them adhere better and you do not need to use wood glue.  I would recommend this.   Start by using your stud finder to locate the studs.  Make sure to mark where they are! Then measure the height of your wall.  Multiply this by how many studs you have in the wall.  I also measured the length of my wall so I could add a board to the top.  This is optional.

Step Two – Buy Your Boards

Home Depot sells the them, they are called MDF Bender Boards.  They are usually under $3 a piece.

Step Three – Cut Your Boards

Use your circular saw to cut the boards to length.  Remember to account for the top board if you are using one.  If your wall is taller than you board, or your ceiling is longer than you board, you will add multiple MDF boards.  I had to do this with my horizontal top piece.

Step Four – Mount Your Boards

Add your horizontal top board first.  Make sure you use a level to see that it is even.  Do not believe the line of your ceiling, sometimes it is incorrect and will guide you wrong.  When you are ready to mount, use your nail gun to place nails into the studs, about 2-3 feet apart.  You do not need a lot of nails to hold it into place.  And the more you nail, the more you will need to cover up with putty if they are noticeable.  My holes were super small so I chose not to use putty.

Once the top is up you will mount your vertical boards along the marks you made from your studs.  Once again use nails sparingly.

Step Five – Paint Your Wall

All you have left to do now is paint – it’s that easy!  Make sure you cover your carpet before you get started!  I love to check out the Home Depot clearance paint rack.  They always have amazing deals.  I grabbed a gallon of Behr Paint and Primer for $9.00!

Please let me know if you have any questions! And if you want to learn how to make this Faux Brick Sign then head to my highlights in Instagram here for all the details!

Happy Building!

Love,