How To Create A Double Batten Accent Wall
Hello and welcome to the blog!
For my first project of 2022, I tackled my entryway wall. This is the only wall in the main living area of my house that can be turned into an accent wall, so that’s what I did! This is a twist on the classic board and batten. Let’s get into how I created this double batten accent wall.
Supplies used
Tape measure
Pencil and Paper
Tape
Joint compound, drywall taping knife, and sanding block (if drywall repair is needed)
Miter saw or circular saw
Brad nailer & brad nails
Level
Wood filler
Paintable caulk & caulk gun
Paint of your choice
Paintbrush, paint roller frame, roller cover, paint tray, and paint pail.
Electrical outlet box extender (if you need to trim around an outlet)
Tutorial
Step 1. Measure your wall
The height of your wall will determine what length boards you need to purchase. The length of your wall is necessary to decide how many sets of boards you want and the spacing of the boards. My wall is just under 8 feet tall and 108 inches long.
Step 2. Decide what type & size boards you want to use
I decided to use boards with two different widths for my wall. I saw this done by lakeandlumber on Instagram, and I loved the idea. You can also use the same size boards; it’s totally up to you! I used primed 1 x 2 and 1 x 3 boards for my project. You can use MDF, PVC, primed 1 x boards, or rip-down wood to your desired size.
If you need to visualize what size boards you like best, you can use tape or buy a few different size boards to see how they look together. Knowing what size boards you want to use is important for the next step!
Step 3. Decide on the spacing between boards - Calculate or layout boards
There are two ways you can go about this step - calculating or by eye. I prefer to calculate the spacing using a math equation, but you can also just lay out a few boards and decide your spacing that way. Laying out the boards can make it easier to avoid electrical outlets (I’ll talk more about how to deal with electrical outlets in step 5).
If you want to calculate the spacing between boards but hate math, don’t worry, I did the math for you! There are two calculators below; the first calculator is for equal spacing between the sets of boards, and the second calculator is for different spacing on the outer gaps. Calculator #2 is what I used for my accent wall. Just enter the measurements of your wall and boards. The calculator will tell you how far apart your boards should be for either even spacing (calculator #1) or different spacing on the outer gaps than interior gaps (calculator #2). One note is that these calculators do not include having boards on the edge of the wall. That would require a slightly different calculation; if you’d like a tool for that, let me know in the comments below. If you are looking for a calculator for a classic board and batten wall check this one out.
Diagram to help with calculator input
Calculator #1: For even spacing between all sets of double battens
Calculator #2: For different spacing on outer gaps than interior gaps
Step 4. Repair drywall as needed - prep for painting the wall
Take the time to fill in any nail holes and repair drywall as needed. Tape off any areas you won’t be painting.
Step 5. Measure your wall height and cut boards
Trim around outlet (before adding vertical board)
Mark where your boards will be placed on the wall and measure the wall height at those points. Walls are not always square, so your boards’ height might slightly differ depending on where they are placed. I label the boards so I know what order they go in and write the measurements on the back. Then, cut the boards using a miter saw or circular saw and dry fit to make sure they fit nicely.
If one of your boards intersects with an electrical outlet/light switch/air vent, you can add trim around it to make everything look seamless. I used scrap 1 x 2 around my electrical outlet and added an outlet box extender so my outlet would sit flush with the trim.
Step 6. Paint the wall and boards
Unless you use a paint sprayer, it will be easier to paint the boards and wall separately before attaching the boards. I’m using Benjamin Moore Regal Select paint in Eggshell color matched to the Behr color Cracked Pepper.
Step 7. Attach boards to the wall
Using a 1.5 inch spacer to help place a board
To make this process easier, cut scrap wood to use as spacers. Cut to the length you decided on in step 3. I used three spacers; 12 inches, 1.5 inches, and 20.6 inches. Use the spacers to position the board correctly, then attach the board to the wall with a brad nailer. You may need to shim your boards, so they sit flush with your baseboards (if they are the same thickness). I like to attach the board with one nail near the bottom, use a level to make sure the board is straight, and then continue securing it to the wall.
Step 8. Fill nail holes and caulk seams
Fill nail holes with your choice of wood filler. To avoid sanding, you can apply the wood filler, let it dry for a few minutes, then take a wet paper towel and wipe off any excess. Next, caulk the seams where your boards meet the wall; this will help disguise slightly warped boards and wonky walls.
Step 9. Touch up paint
Paint the areas you wood-filled and caulked, and you’re done! Enjoy your beautiful new double batten accent wall!
Completed double batten accent wall
If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below, I’d love to answer it! Also, if you'd like to see my projects in real time, give me a follow on Instagram. Thanks for reading!