Easy Board and Batten Wall: Everything You Need To Know

Transforming a plain wall into a statement piece can be simpler than it sounds! I recently tackled a full-length, vertical board and batten wall for the first time, and the result has completely transformed the space. What makes it even better is this is the perfect DIY project for a beginner, even if you have never used a power tool before. All you need is a few tools to get started and to make a board and batten accent wall. In this guide, I'll not only show you the steps I followed, and how to calculate a board and batten accent wall, but I'll also answer common questions like:

What is a board and batten wall and what are the different styles of a board and batten wall?
What is the easiest way to install a board and batten wall?
Do you need wood glue for a board and batten wall?
How far apart should board and batten panels be?
What kind of paint works best for a board and batten wall?
How do you fill gaps in a board and batten wall?

what is a board and batten wall

A board and batten accent wall is a decorative wall treatment that adds texture and dimension to a space using a combination of wide, flat boards (the “boards”) and narrow strips (the “battens”) to create a raised pattern.

what are the different styles of a board and batten wall

Vertical board and batten

The most common style features vertical battens evenly spaced across the entire wall for a clean, classic look.

square panel board and batten

Another popular option is square paneling, where vertical and horizontal battens form a grid-like pattern for a more modern or traditional feel.

3/4-height board and batten

You can also opt for 3/4-height board and batten, where the treatment covers only the lower portion of the wall, adding visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Whether painted in bold tones or neutral hues, this versatile design element suits a variety of interior styles.

Let’s dive into the materials, tools, and steps, as well as a few DIY board and batten tips that I learned along the way!

Materails used for diy board and batten accent wall

3"x8'x0.5" MDF boards (I used 12, purchased in 10 packs)
Wood filler
220 grit sandpaper
Caulk
Paint: French Grey by Farrow and Ball
18-gauge 1-inch nails

tools you'll need for installing board and batten accent wall

Measuring tape
Online calculator (for spacing the boards)
Saw (to cut MDF boards to size)
Nail gun (18-gauge)
Caulk gun
Level
Painter’s tape
Paintbrush and roller

step 1: Measure and Plan - How to calculate board and batten wall?

The first thing you want to do to calculate board and batten is measure your wall to determine how many MDF boards you'll need. To avoid guesswork, you'll want to use an online board and batten calculator. This will help you figure out the ideal board and batten spacing. Most tutorials recommend spacing boards 12-24 inches apart. However, the final spacing depends on your wall’s width and the look you're going for.

For my 15-foot wide wall, I spaced my boards about 22 inches apart with 8 boards in total. This spacing worked perfectly for me, but you can test different spacing using painter’s tape to see what you like. One tip: try to use an even number of boards so that you don’t have one placed directly in the center of the wall.

What if your floor trim is thicker than your MDF boards? My trim was ¾ of an inch thick, but my MDF boards were only ½ an inch thick. To make everything flush, I laid a horizontal MDF board on top of the trim and connected another to cover the seam.

Step 2: Cut the MDF Boards - How to Measure and Cut for a Perfect Fit

Once you’ve planned your spacing, it’s time to cut the MDF boards to the correct length. Be sure to measure twice and cut once for accuracy! Remember, walls can be uneven, so measure each board individually as you work your way down the wall. This will ensure minimal gaps where the boards meet.

If you accidentally cut a board too short (like I did on my first couple of boards), don’t worry! You can use wood filler to fix small gaps later, but try to avoid this by being as precise as possible.

New to using a saw? Don’t be intimidated! This project is a great opportunity to practice. Just measure, mark, and cut straight along the line. A helpful tip: account for the blade width when cutting to avoid trimming the board too short.

Step 3: Install the Boards - Do You Need Wood Glue for a Board and Batten Wall?

Now that your boards are cut, it's time to install them. Using a level to keep everything straight, I began nailing the boards in place with an 18-gauge nail gun and 1-inch nails. Start with the outermost boards and work your way inward, making sure to maintain consistent spacing.

A common question is: Do you need wood glue for a board and batten wall? Some tutorials recommend wood glue to help hold the boards in place, especially when they don’t align with studs. So I opted not to use wood glue, and my boards held up just fine with nails alone. However, skipping the glue makes future wall changes easier, should you decide to remove the boards down the road.

Step 4: Fill, Sand, and Caulk - How Do You Fill Gaps in a Board and Batten Wall?

Once all the boards are installed, it’s time to fill any gaps or nail holes. One of the most common questions people ask is: How do you fill gaps in a board and batten wall? For nail holes and seams where you want a seamless finish, use wood filler. Once the wood filler dries, sand everything smooth with 220 grit sandpaper to ensure a polished surface before painting.

For gaps between the boards and the wall, caulking works wonders. How do you caulk a board and batten wall? Use a caulk gun to apply a bead of caulk along the edges of the boards, smoothing it out with your finger or a caulk tool as this gives the wall a clean, seamless look.

Step 5: Paint - What Kind of Paint Works Best for a Board and Batten Wall?

After all the prep work, it’s finally time to paint! One question that comes up frequently is: What kind of paint works best for a board and batten wall? I chose French Grey by Farrow and Ball, which is a high-quality paint that adds a subtle, elegant touch to the room. I recommend using a paint that has good coverage and durability since accent walls often draw a lot of attention.

Next, I applied two coats, starting with cutting in around the edges using a brush, then rolling the rest of the wall. In hindsight, I would have painted the wall before installing the boards to save time, but either method works!

Cost breakdown

10 pack of 3.5” x 8’ x ½” MDF boards (I needed 12 total): $54 CAD x 2
Wood filler: $6 CAD
Caulk: $15 CAD
Paint: $57 CAD
TOTAL: $186 CAD

Bonus Tips for a Perfect Board and Batten Wall:

What tools do you need for a board and batten wall? A nail gun, measuring tape, level, and saw are must-haves. Also, using an online calculator to calculate board and batten for spacing will make the process smoother!
Practice using a nail gun on scrap MDF before starting the project.
Use painter’s tape along the edges of the wall where it meets the ceiling or adjacent walls to get clean, crisp lines when painting and caulking.
use painters tape to mark where you plan to put the boards, take a step back and ensure you like the spacing of the boards for your space.

video

Click here to see a video I made on Instagram walking through the steps!

Final Thoughts on My DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall

This DIY board and batten accent wall has completely transformed my space, adding both character and height to the room. The vertical pattern draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller than it is. Plus, the bright accent wall provides a stunning focal point while still keeping the room light and airy. If you’re looking to add some architectural interest to your walls, this is a great, budget-friendly project that’s well worth the effort!

I hope this guide—along with the answers to some of the most common questions—helps you as you tackle your own DIY board and batten wall! Let me know if you give it a try.

Check out my latest blog post on how to hang your curtains for a luxury look!

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