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DIY Accent Wall: Stained Slat Wall

Our DIY Accent Wall is a StainedSlat Wall, with it’s sleek, minimalistic look, this has become one of the most popular accent walls in recent years. If you are looking to add some texture to your walls in a day, a slat wall is one of the easiest ways to achieve that look. Watch our video and follow the steps below to see how you can build a stained slat wall like this in just one day! If you’re looking for more accent wall ideas, click here.

We used our 266 Lattice to create this stained accent wall.

New to accent walls? Check out our DIY Accent Wall: Quick Start blog post to learn the basics!

Materials:

  • Measuring tape
  • Stain (1 gallon)
  • Nail gun and Pin nails
  • Saw to cut moulding
  • Paint sprayer or brush and roller

Profiles:

Use this Green Print as a guide, but feel free to be creative with your design! Note: the size of your wall and the moulding used will affect the placement of the moulding.

HOW TO INSTALL:

Step 1: Measure everything and mark your wall
Measure the wall height and width, and make sure you take into consideration outlets, windows and light switches. This will help you get a feel for the board footage needed and where to cut your moulding. We recommend adding 10-15% board feet for waste and board cuts.
Mark the wall where moulding will be placed to get a visual of how everything will look.

Step 2: Cut and pre-stain your moulding
Cut the moulding needed for your wall. Refer to the green print for a better visual understanding. We recommending cutting your moulding first before pre-stain/staining. We recommend using pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to help prevent streaks and blotches by evening out the absorption of stains. It can be applied over any wood, but is especially necessary when working with soft or porous woods like pine. You can either use a paintbrush or a paint sprayer for pre-stain.

Step 2: Stain your moulding
Once your pre-stain is dry, you can start staining. For this accent wall, you can either use a paintbrush or a paint sprayer for the stain. Be sure to rub the stain in to ensure an even finish. We went with stain for this accent wall, you can always use paint instead if it aligns better with the look you’re going for.

Step 3: Install moulding
When installing your moulding, use a scrap piece to make sure the spacing is as consistent as possible. This will ensure that the distance between each piece of moulding is uniform. We recommend using pin nails, and a nail gun to secure the moulding profile for long-term wear and tear. For this project caulking is not required, as the pin nails are virtually invisible when installed.

Enjoy your beautiful accent wall!

HELPFUL TIPS WHEN CREATING AN ACCENT WALL

  • Choose a balanced, unobstructed wall that stands out.
  • Choose rooms or spaces where you want to make an impact. Bedrooms, living rooms, and entryways are great spaces to create a custom look. Select spaces where guests will see it, or where you spend a good amount of your time.
  • Bold colors really make a statement. Dark greens, grey, black, and blue are currently in.
  • White accent walls make a statement without being too bold.
  • Try to pick a style of accent wall that complements the look of your home and room; just because you like a modern style wall doesn’t mean it’s the best pick for a colonial style room.
  • Go in with a plan and draw out your design before beginning.
  • Find 2-3 moulding profiles that you think will achieve the look you’re going for. Then, take each sample and place it on the wall to see which you like the best.
  • Create a jig if you have to repeat a cut. This will save time and help with consistency.
  • Use hot glue to apply moulding first so that you can adjust the moulding if needed. Then use finishing nails to secure the moulding.
  • Rent a nail gun, use your own, or use an adhesive.
  • Once everything is in place, apply more nails to ensure it is long lasting.
  • Use putty to the nail holes rather than caulking for a better finish.
  • If using a paint sprayer, keep 1.5 to 2” of space between you and the wall for an even application.
  • Take your time in the finishing stage. The little details when you finish will make the wall look more polished.
  • We estimate that creating an accent on a 12′ x 8′ wall can cost around $300. This includes paint, moulding, tool rentals, and other materials. You can save money by using tools from your home or borrowing from friends.

Check out our Slat Walls Pinterest Board for more inspiration. Tag us in your pictures on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook  ! Follow us @WeAreWoodgrain