Want to learn how to install a DIY herringbone accent wall? Then you’re in the right place because…
The herringbone accent wall is done!!! And this dinging room has officially become a sitting room. Let’s be real though, does anyone still actually use their dining room? We are always eating in our breakfast nook, and this space was too perfect for a sitting room. It’s actually been just an empty flex room for the past two years. It’s the first time I’ve had furniture in here!!
I have the entire install process saved to my IG story highlights HERE!
Let’s get into the install tutorial!
Tools Required:
Materials:
Step 1: Remove trim and mark location of wall studs
It’s important to remove any trim (like baseboards and crown moulding) so that the wall boards can be installed beneath the trim. I use a pryer and a mallet to gently pry away the trim. Don’t be too aggressive and damage your wood here – you will need to reinstall them once you’re done with the accent wall!
Step 2: Find your centerline and install the boards
Find where your centerline is first! This will determine where your first board lies. The centerline actually will NOT line up with a board edge – it will be in the center between the two board edges… if that makes sense.
I found the easiest way ensure the first board was at 45 degree angle was to cut a 45 with my miter saw, and then have the board sit on the floor. I also used my triangle guide to double check that I was at a 45 degree angle with both the floor and a laser level vertical line.
**Quick tip: Check your angle with the 45 angle guide as you install each board. These boards are a bit wonky – which gives them lovely character – but if you’re not careful, you can get off track quickly.
I’d recommend taking a step back every once and a while looking at your work to make sure you’re on the right track since the pattern can feel a bit confusing at times.
To accommodate for electrical outlets, mark the outlet location on the board with pencil, and then make your cuts with a jigsaw. I also used outlet spacers to support the extra space between the outlet / drywall as necessary!
Step 3: Reinstall baseboards, add quarter round, caulk, and spackle!
The best part!! Reinstall your trim with the brad nailer and caulk as necessary! Trust me, caulk makes ALLLLL the difference in these projects. I found that taping the boards prior to caulking between the boards and baseboards / quarter round / crown moulding gave me the cleanest line, but be sure to do some trial and error to see what works best for you. Without tape, I felt the caulk looked a little messy on the boards since they are a somewhat porous material (compared to smooth shiplap.)
Installing quarter round on either side (and the ceiling, if you don’t have crown moulding) will really pull this wall together and make it look finished.
I tried filling the nail holes on the wall boards with both wood filler and Drydex spackling – I found that the spackling matched the color of the wall boards much better than the wood fill!
Click here for the link to the wall boards
This is phase one of the sitting room – stay tuned on my Instagram account for more updates on the other side of the room next week! 🙂
