How to Make a DIY Wood Slat Wall

Crafting Your Own DIY Wood Slat Wall

Adding a DIY wood slat wall can transform any room, giving it a touch of mid-century modern elegance often seen in upscale hotels and designer homes. With a wood slat wall, you create a timeless accent piece that remains stylish for years. Though it might seem time-intensive, the installation is straightforward, and there are several efficient methods to streamline the process.

If you're curious about acoustic slat wood wall panels diy, feel free to reach out to us.

Two primary methods exist for installing a wood slat wall: using dimensional lumber slats or opting for sheet goods. The former is quicker but pricier, while the latter is budget-friendly but demands more effort and a table saw. This guide will walk you through creating an eight-foot wood slat wall, with insights on adjusting supplies based on your wall's dimensions.

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Slat Wall

A wood slat wall consists of evenly spaced vertical strips extending from floor to ceiling. These slats typically range from 1/2-inch to 2 inches in width, depending on your aesthetic preference. Although narrower slats are more common, the choice is yours.

For faster installation, consider pre-cut, one-by-two dimensional lumber strips. Alternatively, sheet goods like MDF, plywood, or veneer wood offer a more economical approach, although they require additional cutting and preparation. Both materials have their pros and cons regarding cost and effort.

Working with Dimensional Lumber

Dimensional lumber, usually one-by-two strips (actually 1-1/2 inches wide), simplifies installation. Covering an eight-foot wall section with 3/4-inch gaps between slats requires about 48 strips. While softwood strips are affordable, you might need a significant number, increasing the cost. Hardwood strips, though pricier, reduce finishing work.

Tip:

To achieve a high-end look with budget-friendly softwood, stain the slats using walnut, oak, mahogany, or another dark stain. Use wood conditioner first to ensure an even finish.

Creating with Sheet Goods

Cutting a 4x8-foot plywood sheet into strips is cost-effective but labor-intensive. Each sheet produces around 90 to 92 strips, each 1/2 inch wide. Be mindful of the thickness discrepancy between sheet goods and dimensional lumber when selecting materials.

Comparison:

• Dimensional Lumber Slats:
  • Cost: $150-$300 per 8 linear feet
  • Tools needed: miter or circular saw
  • Process: Faster
  • Thickness: Thicker slats
• Sheet Goods Slats:
  • Cost: $40-$60 per 8 linear feet
  • Tools needed: table saw, miter or circular saw
  • Process: Time-intensive
  • Thickness: Thinner slats

Preparation and Safety Tips

Using tools like table or circular saws poses inherent risks, especially for repetitive tasks. Stay vigilant; use push blocks or sticks for safety. It's wise to have an assistant help when handling large sheets.

Space wood slats around 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch apart. Prevent a zebra-stripe look by keeping gaps narrower than the slat's width. For a modern, striking contrast, consider a dark-colored background like matte black.

For closely hugging slats, opt for nominal 1/2-inch plywood (around 3/8 inch thick) instead of dimensional one-by-two lumber (3/4 inch thick). A cordless brad nail gun can assist in securing the slats efficiently. Ensure nails penetrate both the slats and wall.

Building an Affordable DIY Wood Slat Wall

The allure of a wood slat wall drew me in instantly, and I decided to incorporate one into my home. After considering various styles, I envisioned a unique black wall with stained wood slats – a twist that complements the black accent walls in my master bedroom without overwhelming the space.

For more details, visit our website, polyester fiber acoustic panel exporter.

The main challenge was the cost, especially given the size of the wall. I am an advocate for budget-friendly home renovations, making plywood the best cost-effective alternative.

Determining the Plywood Amount

To determine the plywood required, I calculated the total number of slats, opting for 1-inch wood slats and spaces for simplicity. I divided the wall width by two to get the number of slats needed. I bought two 3/4-inch by 4-foot by 8-foot birch plywood sheets, anticipating some waste from the saw cuts. Birch plywood, suitable for staining, was an ideal choice.

Cutting the Plywood

Handling the plywood became manageable after having it cut in half at the hardware store. My husband's assistance proved invaluable while cutting the plywood into 1-inch slats with a table saw.

Safety is paramount when working with saws. Use push sticks and stay cautious, especially when cutting the final slats.

Sanding the Plywood

I began by sanding the cut edges to remove roughness, aligning all pieces and using an orbital sander. I then hand-sanded the edges with a sanding sponge. Only the exposed edges required attention, leaving the sides facing the wall unsanded.

Painting the Wall

Since the wall would be mostly covered, I used an inexpensive matte black paint and applied two quick coats. The paint dried completely before installing the wood slats.

Staining the Plywood

Initially opting for a Golden Oak stain, I found it too golden for our dark floors. I switched to my trusty Special Walnut stain, which was perfect. I stained the cut edges first using a brush to ensure even coverage, following with a light coat on the front surfaces using a rag. After letting it dry overnight, I realized it would have been smarter to seal the plywood at this stage.

Cutting Slats to Length

Walls in my home are rarely straight, so I cut a few slats at a time, fitting them to the wall using a miter saw. This method ensured a perfect fit every time.

Installing the Slats

For uniformity, I used a shorter slat as a spacer between the slats. This ensured consistent spacing. I secured the slats with construction adhesive and a finish nailer, angling the nails for better hold. Once positioned, I removed the spacer and repeated the process.

Cutting Around Outlets

With one outlet and one blank cover plate, I cut the necessary openings in the slats to fit around them.

Sealing the Wood Slats

While sealing before installation would've been easier, I applied a coat of satin finish polyurethane to the front surface of each slat using a brush after installation.

Airing Out the Room

The stained slats emitted an odor that took a few days to dissipate. I ensured proper ventilation and used an odor absorber to clear the smell before allowing use of the room.

Relishing the Finished Wood Slat Wall

The result was a stunning slat wall that significantly enhanced the room’s aesthetic. Inspired, I extended the design around the bay window, elevating my boys' bedroom further.

For ongoing inspiration and projects, follow me on Instagram and Pinterest. I'm always creating something new!

**Please note: I am not a professional. Read tool instructions and prioritize safety. Use appropriate protection. Simply Aligned Home is not responsible for any injuries or damage. All designs are for private use only.**

Materials Used

Tools Used

Interested in more details about wood acoustic baffles? Contact us today for expert advice!