Interior room with a rustic wood accent wall made from natural reclaimed planks in varied tones

How to Add a Wood Accent Wall (The Easy Way)

Add warmth, texture, and style to any room by learning how to add a wood accent wall with just a few tools — no contractor required.

  • Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time Required: 2-4 Hours
  • Skill Level: First-time DIYer
  • Tools Needed: Saw, level, adhesive, measuring tape, nailer or hammer

Tools & Materials

Tools

  • Tape Measure — for measuring wall dimensions and plank length
  • Level — to keep rows straight
  • Miter Saw or Hand Saw — for cutting planks to size
  • Brad Nailer or Hammer — to secure the planks to the wall
  • Stud Finder — to locate secure mounting points
  • Pencil — for marking cuts and stud locations
  • Safety Glasses — protect your eyes while cutting wood

Materials

  • Wood Planks — choose tongue-and-groove or shiplap for easy alignment
  • Construction Adhesive — holds planks flat to wall
  • Brad Nails or Finish Nails — secure planks in place
  • Wood Filler (optional) — for covering visible nail holes
  • Paint or Stain (optional) — for a custom finish before or after install

→ Accent Wall Essentials

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Step-by-Step Instructions


1. Choose and Prepare Your Wall

Pick a flat, dry wall that you want to turn into a focal point — common spots include behind the bed, behind a couch, or in a home office.

  • Remove any decorations, shelves, nails, or outlet covers.
  • Wipe down the wall with a dry cloth or sponge to remove dust and grease.
  • If you’re planning to paint or stain your wood, it’s easiest to do that before installing.

Beginner Tip: If your wall is heavily textured, lightly sand it or skim coat with drywall compound so the planks lay flat.

2. Locate and Mark Your Wall Studs

Use a stud finder to locate studs and mark them vertically with a pencil.

  • Try to hit at least one stud per plank if possible — this gives your nails better hold.
  • If you can’t line up with studs, don’t worry — construction adhesive and drywall anchors will still get the job done.

Get a stud finder

3. Measure the Wall and Plan Your Layout

Use a tape measure to get the width and height of the wall. Then plan how many rows of wood planks you’ll need.

  • Lay out a few planks on the floor to visualize how the wall will look.
  • Stagger the seams between boards (like bricks) for a natural, professional look.
  • If your planks vary in tone, mix them up to avoid color clumping.

Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape on the wall to map out the first few rows if you’re a visual learner.

4. Mark a Level Line for the First Row

Using a long level or laser level, draw a straight horizontal line near the bottom of the wall — this will guide your first plank.

  • Don’t trust the floor to be perfectly level — walls and floors are often uneven.
  • This line ensures your entire wall stays straight as you build up.

Shop level set

5. Cut the First Plank

Use a miter saw or hand saw to cut the first board to fit the full width of the wall.

  • Double-check your measurements before cutting.
  • If needed, cut around outlets or light switches using a jigsaw or coping saw.

Beginner miter saws

6. Attach the First Plank

Apply a zig-zag bead of construction adhesive to the back of the board.

  • Press it onto the wall, aligning it with your level guideline.
  • While holding it in place, secure it with 2–3 brad nails (into studs if possible).
  • Check with your level one more time before moving on.

Brad nailer options

7. Work Up the Wall, One Row at a Time

Repeat the process: measure, cut, glue, place, and nail each board.

  • Use short scrap pieces at the ends of rows to stagger seams.
  • For each board, check that it’s level and flush with the one below it.
  • Alternate short and long pieces to keep things looking natural.

Beginner Reminder: Don’t rush. It’s better to check for level every row than to tear off crooked boards later.

8. Fill Nail Holes (Optional)

If you want a clean, polished look, apply a small amount of wood filler to any visible nail holes.

  • Let it dry completely, then sand smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
  • This step is optional, but it helps the wall look finished — especially if you’re painting.

9. Optional: Paint or Stain the Wood

If you didn’t paint or stain beforehand, you can finish it now.

  • Use painter’s tape to protect the surrounding walls and ceiling.
  • Apply stain or paint with a foam brush, rag, or roller, following the wood grain.
  • Let each coat dry fully before adding another.
  • If you stained the wall, consider a coat of clear polyurethane to protect the finish.

Beginner Tip: Always test your finish on a scrap piece before applying it to the full wall.

10. Reinstall Outlet Covers and Enjoy Your New Wall

Put your outlet and light switch covers back on, clean up sawdust, and decorate your new feature wall.

Great Job! You just created a high-end accent wall using real wood, and you did it yourself.

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Pro Tips

✅ Pro Tips

✅ Test your layout before committing
Lay out a few rows on the floor first to see how your planks line up — it’s easier to adjust now than after they’re nailed in.

✅ Stagger seams for a pro finish
Use offcuts from one row to start the next. This gives a natural, balanced look that avoids long, obvious seams.

✅ Use a long level or laser level throughout
Even a small drift can become a big problem by the top row. Check for level every 2–3 rows.

✅ Pre-stain or pre-paint when possible
It’s cleaner and faster to finish boards before they’re on the wall — especially in tight corners.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping the wall prep
Dust, grime, or uneven texture can cause boards not to stick — clean and smooth the wall first.

❌ Trusting the floor instead of using a level
Many floors aren’t perfectly straight. If you build off the floor without leveling, your whole wall may tilt.

❌ Not planning seam placement
Random seams or lining them up row after row can make even a beautiful wall look like an afterthought.

❌ Rushing the cuts
A ¼” gap here and there adds up fast. Always measure twice and cut clean.

Essentials: What You’ll Need

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