This post is in paid partnership with Zircon Corporation.  All opinions are my own and I only collaborate with companies that I use myself in my projects.  I hope these links help you as you learn and grow!

First off, I have to say – I love my Zircon StudSensor (that you can buy here). I have used their products for over 10 years and it has saved my hide on so many projects. Anytime I choose to hang something without using my stud finder, I always end up regretting it (and so do my poor walls). I have showcased the StudSensor HD55 in a lot of my previous posts and I am so excited to partner with the Zircon team and showcase the StudSensor L70 during this project! Make sure to follow their instagram page here for lots of creative home ideas.

Supplies Needed:

• MDF Bender Boards (measurements will be discussed in Prep Step)
• Paint and Painting Supplies (great kit here)
• Brad Gun Nails – I used 2 inch long 18 gauge brad nails (found here)

Tools Needed:

• Zircon StudSensor L70 (you can order one here)
  • Additional Zircon Stud Finders can be found here 
• Circular Saw
• Level
• Brad Nailer Gun and Air Compressor (Framing Nailerz has a great post on the difference between Brad Nail Gun verses Finish Nail Guns here if you would like to read up on it)

Prep Step:

You will need to know how many boards you will use and pick these up at Home Depot (they are called MDF Bender Boards for $3 each).

Length + Height + Spacing

First, measure the length of your wall. This is the first measurement you will need. Then decide how tall you want the boards to go (I picked 6 feet, they are sold in 8 feet lengths), this is your height. Then decide how many boards you want and the space in between. I recommend 16 inches apart because this is the standard length between studs. I needed a total of 14 boards for my wall (only $42).  Add in a bucket of paint and you are in about $60, that’s a deal!

Make sure the wall is cleaned from debris and you have patched any holes you might have. Sanded them down and wipe off any dust.

Step One – Find Your Studs

The Zircon StudSensor L70 is one of the easiest tools to use in your tool box. Add batteries and place it vertically onto your wall, taking care to move it slowly and steadily. You will push the black button on the left side and wait for a beep. Once the light turns on and it beeps, you are ready to look for your studs.

Move the stud finder slowly across the wall. As it gets closer to a stud, you will see the bars begin to light up. Once you have hit the center of the stud, all 4 bars on each side will light up and it will beep again. This time the arrow will show. Make your mark here. Continue to do this across your entire wall.

Also note that this Zircon StudSensor L70 can find wires as well as DeepScan though metal. It is such a great asset to any DIYer.

Additionally, mark near the top of your wall and the lower end of your wall. Then, you can use a laser level or chalk line to make sure you are marking the exact place of the stud. Sometimes they are not perfectly in line, so this helps to make sure you are hitting the stud each time with your nail gun.

Step Two – Add Your Boards

You will add your top vertical board first. Cut additional pieces if you have too, to make the entire distance. Use a level to ensure the board is even as you nail it in. Use your nailer to apply nails into the spots where you’ve marked your studs.

After this board is up, you will add your horizontal boards into the studs where you have marked. Make sure to measure carefully as you go to ensure they are evenly spaced. Know you have an inch or so of room to move the boards to one side or another since the studs are 2×4’s which are 3.5 inches wide. Mike likes to lay out all the boards first to make sure they are where he wants them before nailing.

Step Three – Paint

The hardest part is done! So easy right? Now you just need to paint. I always prefer a paint and primer (I use BEHR) because it is easy to apply and takes only a coat or two. Otherwise, you will need a primer coat because the MDF board will soak up the paint. For this project, I did primer first and then added 3 coats of Sherman Williams Whitey White paint.

Step Four – Decorate

This is the fun part! I reused most of what I had, then added a few new items to freshen the room up. Here is a recap:

• I had already used Country Chic Chalk Paint on my headboard from RC Willey and you can read that tutorial here.
• Then I rolled out a gorgeous new rug by Home Dynamix from their Nicole Miller Monaco Collection.  Mine was the 595-196 that can be found here.  Follow their instagram page here.
• My final touch was a beautiful hand crafted sign by the talented Cherie Kay Sign Company.  They did a wonderful job and you can grab the same sign here.

What a simple way to uplift this room! I know you can do it too. Let me know of any questions you have. You can do it!

Love,