DIY Horizontal Wood Slat Wall – 5 Simple Steps

A horizontal wood slat wall is an eye-catching design feature that adds warmth, texture, and visual interest to any room. It consists of evenly spaced wooden slats or planks mounted horizontally across a wall, creating a modern and stylish accent. The slats can be left natural or stained to complement the room’s color scheme.

This type of wall treatment serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Functionally, the gaps between the slats provide ample space to display artwork, photos, plants, or other decorative items, transforming the wall into a unique gallery or shelf area.

Aesthetically, the linear patterns and natural wood tones introduce an organic, yet contemporary element that can elevate the ambiance of any space.

The horizontal orientation of the slats creates a visually striking contrast against traditional vertical wall surfaces. The varying thicknesses, widths, and wood grains of the slats add depth and movement, making the wall a focal point that draws the eye.

Whether used as an accent wall or spanning an entire room, a horizontal wood slat wall is a versatile and impactful design choice that adds warmth, character, and a touch of architectural interest.

Benefits of a Wood Slat Wall

Installing a horizontal wood slat wall is an easy and affordable way to add visual interest and depth to any room. The linear pattern created by the slats draws the eye in, giving the illusion of added dimension.

One of the biggest advantages is that you can customize the look to suit your style – play with slat thickness, wood species, stain colors, and spacing to create a truly unique accent wall.

The horizontal slat design also provides the perfect opportunity to showcase decorative items. Use the gaps between slats to display art, photos, plants, and knick-knacks in a fresh, modern way. Larger items can rest on the slat tops, almost like built-in shelving units.

Despite the upscale look, a wood slat wall is an easy DIY project that even beginner DIYers can install in a weekend with basic tools and materials.

Materials Needed

To build a striking horizontal wood slat wall, you’ll need a few key materials:

Wood Slats

The star of the show! Choose wood slats made from cedar, pine, or another wood species you love. Consider the slat thickness – 1/4″ to 1/2″ tends to look best.

You’ll also want to decide on a wood tone – light, medium or dark based on your style preferences.

Plywood Backing

You’ll need plywood sheets to serve as the backing for your slat wall. Get 1/4″ thick plywood cut to the dimensions of your wall area. This provides a smooth, stable surface to mount the slats onto.

Hardware

Stock up on 1-1/4″ long wood screws or 16-gauge finish nails to attach the slats. You’ll also need construction adhesive like Liquid Nails to help secure the plywood backing to the wall studs.

Paint/Stain Supplies

If you want a specific color for your slat wall, pick up paint/stain and supplies like brushes, rags, painters tape etc. You can stain the slats before install or paint the whole wall after for different looks.

With these core materials prepared, you’ll be ready to start your horizontal slat wall project! In the next section, we’ll cover the required tools.

Tools Required

A few essential tools will make building your horizontal wood slat wall a breeze:

Saws

  • Circular saw or miter saw to cut the wood slats to length
  • Jigsaw (optional) for cutting around outlets or other obstacles

Drill

  • Cordless drill for drilling pilot holes and driving screws

Level

  • A 4-foot level to ensure your slats are perfectly horizontal
  • Laser level (optional) for extra precision when mounting slats

Stud Finder

  • Stud finder to locate wall studs for securely attaching the slat backing

Sandpaper

  • Orbital sander with coarse and fine grit sandpaper for smoothing cut ends
  • Sanding block for hand sanding edges and corners

Having the right tools on hand will allow you to measure, cut, and install the slats with precision for a professional, polished look. Proper preparation is key for excellent results.

Wall Preparation

Before installing the wood slat wall, proper wall preparation is crucial. Start by removing any existing wall decor like shelves, artwork, or mirrors.

Use a spackle or drywall compound to fill in any holes or imperfections on the wall surface and allow it to dry completely. Once the repairs are done, give the wall a light sanding to smooth it out.

If you plan to paint the wall a different color, now is the time to do it. Apply a quality primer first, then follow with 1-2 coats of interior latex paint in your desired shade, allowing each coat to dry fully.

A properly prepped wall will ensure a smooth, professional-looking installation of the wood slats.

Measuring and Cutting Slats

Precise measurements are key when building a horizontal wood slat wall. Start by finding the dimensions of the wall space you’ll be covering.

Use a tape measure to get the length and height, making sure to account for any obstructions like windows, outlets, or vents. It’s best to measure a few times to ensure accuracy.

Once you have the wall dimensions, you can determine the length to cut your wood slats. Most slats are sold in long lengths, so you’ll need to cut them down to size using a miter saw or circular saw. Set up a safe, well-ventilated workspace for cutting the slats.

Lay out the first slat and use a speed square to mark your cut line based on the wall length measurement. Double check the measurement before making any cuts. Cut each slat one by one, being careful to make straight, clean cuts.

Having all your slats cut to a uniform length will create a cohesive, professional look for the finished slat wall.

Take the time to ensure precise cuts – it will pay off with a polished end result. Once all the slats are cut, you’re ready for installation.

Installing the Backing

Once you have the wall prepped and ready, it’s time to install the backing that the wood slats will be mounted to. For this, you’ll need pieces of 1/4″ thick plywood cut to size to fit your wall dimensions.

Measure the full length and height of your wall and cut the plywood into panels that can be spaced out every 16 inches or so horizontally. This spacing allows you to securely attach the backing into the wall studs. Use a stud finder to mark the stud locations on the wall.

With the plywood backing cut to size, apply a generous amount of construction adhesive to the back of each panel. Position it on the wall, lining up the edges with your stud markings.

Secure the plywood firmly into the studs using 2″ deck screws. Make sure the panels have a wood stud at all edges and seams for maximum support and stability.

For added strength, you can optionally use thin furring strips cut to size and attached horizontally over the seams between plywood panels. This creates a smooth, even backing for the wood slats to be installed on top.

Mounting the Slats

Once the plywood backing is securely mounted to the wall studs, it’s time to install the horizontal wood slats. Proper spacing and leveling is crucial for a professional, uniform look.

Use a laser level or chalk line to mark evenly spaced horizontal lines as a guide for the slat placement. A common spacing is 4-6 inches between slats, but this can be adjusted based on your design preference. The laser level will ensure the slats remain perfectly level across the wall.

Apply a bead of construction adhesive along the back of each slat before mounting. This will help hold the slats securely in place. Then position the slat along your marked line and secure it to the plywood backing using 1-inch finishing nails or screws. Space the nails or screws every 12-16 inches along each slat.

Use a nail setter to recess any nail heads slightly below the wood surface. This will allow you to cover them with wood putty later for a seamless look. If using screws, countersink them just below the surface.

Take your time to ensure each slat is level before nailing or screwing it into place. Having an extra set of hands is helpful for longer slat pieces. Use a piece of scrap wood as a spacer between slats to maintain uniform gaps.

Once all slats are mounted, go back and apply a thin bead of wood putty over any exposed nail or screw holes. Allow it to dry fully before sanding smooth for a continuous wood grain appearance.

Design Considerations

When planning your horizontal wood slat wall, there are several design factors to consider for the perfect look. First, think about the type of wood you’d like to use.

Cedar and pine are affordable and easy to work with options. However, woods like oak or walnut offer richer tones and more intricate wood grains. The choice comes down to your desired aesthetic and budget.

Slat thickness also plays a big role in the overall vibe. Thinner slats around 1/4″ to 1/2″ create a more delicate, modern feel. Thicker slats 3/4″ and up have a chunkier, rustic appearance. Mixing slat thicknesses can also add visual interest.

The stain or paint color you choose for the slats drastically changes the end result as well. Light natural stains allow the wood grain to show through for a bright, airy ambiance. Deep espresso or ebony stains create a rich, dramatic statement. You can also opt to paint the slats a bold color for a fun pop.

Finally, consider the pattern you want to create. A simple straight pattern with consistent spacing is clean and minimalist. Varying the gaps between slats creates a sense of movement.

You could even arrange the slats in a herringbone, chevron or other geometric design for added flair. Get creative to make it your own!

Styling the Finished Wall

Once your horizontal wood slat wall is installed, it provides the perfect backdrop for decorating and adding your personal style. The slats create natural shelving to display art, plants, and decorative items.

Shelving: Take advantage of the slat spacing by inserting small shelves cut from wood to match your slat material. These floating shelves are ideal for displaying collectibles, books, or framed photos.

Art: The visual texture of the slat wall makes an excellent gallery setting for hanging artwork. Mix and match frame styles, sizes, and groupings for an eclectic look. Or create a unified display using matching frames.

Plants: Liven up the space by incorporating potted plants and greenery onto the shelves. Choose varieties that thrive in your home’s lighting conditions. Trailing plants can be placed on higher shelves to softly drape down the wall.

Decorative Items: Fill in the gaps with your favorite decorative accessories like vases, sculptures, or baskets. Vary the shapes, textures, and colors for visual interest. Group some items together and leave other areas more open.

Get creative by combining different decor styles and rotating seasonal pieces. Don’t be afraid to rearrange and refresh your displays as desired. The horizontal wood slat wall acts as a stunning yet functional backdrop for showcasing your unique personality.

Troubleshooting FAQ

Uneven Walls

One of the biggest challenges with a horizontal slat wall is dealing with uneven wall surfaces. Older homes especially tend to have walls that are far from perfectly flat. The best approach is to use a laser level or string level to map out the high and low points across the wall.

Then you can shim out the slat backing in the low areas to create a flat plane for mounting the slats. Be sure to securely attach the backing into the studs in these shimmed-out areas.

Wood Movement

As wood expands and contracts slightly with humidity changes, you may notice small gaps appearing between your slats over time. To minimize this, choose a wood species like cedar that is more dimensionally stable.

Also, leave a small 1/8″ space between each slat when installing to allow room for expansion. If dealing with large spans of slats, you may need to factor in larger expansion gaps.

Cost Estimates

The overall cost for a horizontal slat accent wall can vary significantly based on the wood species, slat thickness, wall dimensions, and whether you DIY or hire a professional. As a rough estimate, expect to pay $3-$8 per square foot for materials if using affordable wood like cedar or pine slats.

Hiring a carpenter or handyman to install it could add $500-$2000 in labor costs for an average room. High-end woods like rift oak can push material costs to $10+ per square foot. But this project can be very affordable if you’re able to source inexpensive slat wood and do the work yourself.

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