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wood slat wall in living room
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DIY Wood Slat Wall

Transform your space with a DIY wood slat wall! Follow this easy guide for a stylish and modern update to any room in your home.

Materials

  • Wood Slats I used 4×8 Sande Plywood
  • Stain (optional) – We used Varathane gunstock wood stain color
  • Measuring Tape
  • Circular Saw
  • Brad Nailer
  • Brad’s Nails
  • Level
  • Wood Glue
  • Orbital Sander or Sandpaper
  • Paint for Wall (optional) – I used pewter green by Sherwin Williams
  • Paintbrush
  • Rag
  • Drop Cloth
  • Painters Tape
  • Paint Rollers

Instructions

  • Measure and plan
    Before you begin, measure the wall dimensions where you want to install the wood slat wall. Take into account any doors, windows, or other architectural features that may affect the placement of the slats.
    Use a measuring tape and level to mark the locations where the slats will be attached to the wall. Consider the direction in which you want the wood slats to run. A vertical wood slat wall can make a room appear taller, while horizontal slats can create a sense of width and openness. We opted to go vertically, floor to ceiling, across the entire living room wall.
    Next, determine the spacing between each slat. This will depend on your design preference, but a common range is 1 to 4 inches. 
  • Cut the wood slats
    When we visited Home Depot, we originally thought of purchasing these 1×2 pre-cut pine wood. However, once we calculated the cost to cover the entire wall, it was well above the budget we had allocated. Select pine wood cost approximately $7.40 each, which would be well over $500 just for the number of wood pieces we needed. 
    Instead, we opted to buy (3) 4’x8′ sheets of plywood for around $65 each. Each 4’x8’ plywood created approximately 27 pieces of the 1×2 wood slats. 
    We used a circular saw to cut the wood slats. We double-checked the measurements over and over again to make sure before making any cuts to avoid any mistakes. 
    If you have pre-cut wood slats, then you may be able to skip this step. 
  • Sand the wood slats
    Use sandpaper or sander to give the wood slats a smooth finish. This will help to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. This will prevent any splinters and ensure a more polished look. After sanding, wipe away any dust with a clean cloth.
  • Stain the slats
    Apply the desired finish to the wood slat wall. I used the gunstock stain color by Varathane.
    When staining, stain the front of the wood that will be seen and the sides of the slats. No need to stain the back. Allow it to dry overnight before proceeding to the next step. 
    Staining is optional, but another option is to let the natural wood tone shine through.
  • Prepare the wall and remove baseboards
    The color of the wall behind the slats is crucial as it serves as the backdrop for the slats themselves. You might want to consider selecting a darker shade for a more striking and contemporary appearance.
    In our case, we decided on a darker background and painted the wall with Sherwin Williams Pewter Green. We found this color appealing and thought it would create a pleasing contrast with the wood slats. I applied two coats of this paint using a paint roller and touched up the edges with a paintbrush.
    Additionally, we had to remove the existing baseboards for this project. When we took them out, we chose to create unique baseboards using stained pieces of plywood that matched the original baseboards’ size. It’s worth noting that this step isn’t mandatory; you can also remove the baseboards and have the wood slats run flush from the floor to the ceiling.
  • Attach the wood slats
    To begin installing your wood slats, start from either the left or right side of the wall. Before you start, think about the spacing between each slat. We used a spare wood slat as a support board to create a gap of approximately 1 inch between each vertical slat. However, standard spacing can range from 1/4-inch to 1-inch apart. 
    Place one wood slat on the wall at a time, paying special attention to the first one to ensure its level. Since even in newer houses, walls might not be perfectly straight, use a level to confirm the alignment. Hold the first wood slat in the corner and check its level with the help of the level tool before attaching it.
    Once it’s leveled, use a brad nail gun to secure the wood slats to the wall with the brad nails. We nailed them at the bottom, top of the wall, and a few nails in the middle for added stability. You can also apply wood glue to the back of each slat before attaching it for extra support.
    Now that you’ve established that the first board is level, you can set aside the level and use a spare wood slat turned on its side as a spacer between the boards for the remainder of the DIY slat wall installation. Continue attaching the subsequent individual slats one at a time, using the scrap piece of wood as a spacer until you reach the desired number of wood slats on wall.
    Take a step back and admire your final look. Your new wood slat wall will instantly elevate the ambiance of your space and become a conversation piece for guests.