How to Plank a Wall with Wood

Something is inviting and timeless about a wood plank wall. Whether you want to add warmth, texture, or a statement feature to a room, planking a wall with wood can transform an ordinary surface into a standout design element. This article serves as your comprehensive guide on how to plank a wall with wood. You’ll discover how to select materials, prepare for installation, master cutting and fitting, and achieve a beautiful finish—no previous carpentry experience required. With clear advice and practical tips, you’ll finish with the knowledge and confidence to create a professional-looking, handcrafted feature wall that elevates your home.

Choosing Your Wood: Materials and Styles

Selecting the right wood makes all the difference in your project’s look, durability, and budget. Think about your skill level and the style you want to achieve.

Shiplap vs. Tongue and Groove (T&G)

Shiplap boards overlap at the edges, giving that instantly recognizable “nickel gap” look. This design creates visible shadow lines and has a modern farmhouse appeal. Tongue and groove (T&G) boards interlock to create a tighter, seamless surface—perfect for a more polished look. Both options offer simple installation, but T&G tends to hide nails more easily and provides better structural strength, making it ideal for walls that might get bumped or leaned on.

Reclaimed Wood vs. New Lumber

For maximum character, reclaimed wood is hard to beat. It features aged tones, knots, and marks that tell a story, but it may need extra prep like cleaning and sanding. New lumber, such as pine or cedar, offers uniformity and ease of work, and is usually available at most hardware stores. Both options can be stained or painted, but reclaimed wood often shines when left natural or oiled.

The DIY Plywood Plank Method

Want the look of solid wood planks without the expense? You can rip plywood sheets into strips to create custom-width planks. This budget-friendly method allows you to control size and finish, producing stunning results with a minimal investment. Sand the edges well, and you’ll have convincing wood planking for less.

Essential Tools and Materials for the Project

Preparation is key to a smooth and successful installation. Make sure you have all the right tools and materials on hand before you begin.

Measuring and Cutting Tools

You’ll need essentials like a tape measure for accuracy, a pencil for marking, a long level, and a speed square for straight lines. Use a miter saw for fast, clean crosscuts, and a table saw or circular saw outfitted with a fine-tooth blade for ripping boards or cutting narrow strips.

Installation and Fastening Gear

Get a quality stud finder to locate solid anchoring points in your wall. A brad nailer (with 18-gauge nails) ensures secure and unobtrusive fastening, while construction adhesive adds extra holding strength. Don’t forget a caulking gun for adhesives and any necessary caulk.

Finishing and Safety Supplies

Smooth out rough spots with sandpaper or a hand sander. Your finish could be paint, stain, or a protective topcoat, depending on your chosen look. Always wear safety glasses and gloves during cutting and installation to protect yourself from wood dust and sharp edges.

Wall Preparation and Layout Planning

Careful wall prep and precise planning are essential steps that will impact both the look and longevity of your wood plank wall.

Acclimating Your Wood

Allow your wood planks to sit in the intended room for at least 48-72 hours before installation. This helps the boards adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity levels, minimizing the risk of warping or gaps after the wall is completed.

Preparing the Wall Surface

Remove all outlet covers, switches, nails, and hanging hardware from the wall. Clean the surface so adhesive bonds well, and ensure the wall is dry and as flat as possible—uneven sections can interfere with a tight, smooth plank installation.

Finding and Marking Wall Studs

Use a stud finder to locate all vertical wall studs, then mark their positions with light, continuous pencil lines from floor to ceiling. Anchoring your planks to these studs ensures your wall stays secure and can support accessories or light fixtures added later.

How to Plank a Wall with Wood: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a standout wood feature wall is achievable for most DIYers if you approach it methodically. Here’s a standard process for horizontal plank installation.

Step 1: Establish Your First-Row Guideline

Start by finding the highest spot on your floor along the target wall. Using a long level, draw a perfectly straight line for the top edge of your first plank. Even small irregularities in the floor level can become obvious if you start at the lowest point without compensating.

Step 2: Cut and Install the First Plank

Measure the length needed for your first plank and make a precise cut using your miter saw. Apply a solid bead of construction adhesive to the back of the plank, then press it against the wall along the guideline. Secure the plank to each marked stud using your brad nailer, checking that it’s level as you go.

Step 3: Stagger the Seams and Continue Up the Wall

For a natural, craftsmanlike look, stagger the end seams in each row—just like with hardwood flooring. Start the second row with a shorter plank so the seams don’t line up. Continue applying adhesive, attaching boards, and checking for level after each row, making sure each board fits snugly to the previous.

Step 4: Cut Around Outlets and Obstacles

When you reach an outlet or light switch, measure and carefully mark its position on your plank. Cut out the shape with a jigsaw or oscillating multi-tool, ensuring a snug fit. Take your time here—precise cuts mean you’ll have clean, professional results and minimal trim needed.

Step 5: Measure and Rip the Final Top Row

Once you reach the ceiling, measure the gap for your final plank row. Because ceilings are rarely perfectly level, you’ll likely need to rip a custom-width plank. Use your table saw or circular saw for an accurate cut. Don’t force the plank into place; a gentle fit is best, especially at the top.

Mastering Cuts, Gaps, and Corners

Professional results come from paying attention to the details and handling tricky spots with care.

Planning for Expansion Gaps

All wood expands and contracts with the seasons. Leave a small (about 1/8 inch) gap at the floor, ceiling, and any adjoining walls or corners. These expansion gaps keep your planks flat and reduce the chance of buckling. Later, you’ll cover them with trim for a polished appearance.

Handling Inside and Outside Corners

For inside corners, you can either butt one wall’s planks against the other for a subtle seam or use a trim piece for added structure. On outside corners, a matching corner molding creates a crisp, finished edge and protects the board ends from damage.

Finishing Your Wood Plank Wall

The finishing stage is where your wall’s final look truly emerges and its surface gains long-term protection.

Painting for a Clean, Modern Look

For a smooth painted surface, fill all nail holes with wood filler, lightly sand smooth once dry, and apply a quality primer. Follow with at least two coats of your chosen paint, letting each coat dry completely for durable, even coverage.

Staining to Highlight Natural Grain

If you’re staining, many prefer to leave nail holes untouched—this blends with a rustic look. Apply stain evenly with a rag, following the wood’s grain, and wipe away the excess. Once dry, protect the wall with a clear polyurethane or water-based topcoat to guard against scuffs and dust.

Adding Trim for a Finished Edge

Baseboards, ceiling trim, and corner molding cover the expansion gaps and provide a clean, intentional finish. Take care to miter corners where pieces meet for a seamless transition.

Exploring Different Patterns and Orientations

Your options extend far beyond basic horizontal layout—get creative with your installation style.

Vertical Plank Installation

Installing planks vertically isn’t just a design choice; it can actually make rooms feel taller and more open. Use a level to mark perfectly plumb lines for alignment, and follow the same fastening and finishing process.

Creating a Herringbone or Chevron Pattern

If you’re ready for a challenge, lay your planks in a herringbone or chevron design. These patterns require careful planning and precise angle cuts, but their dramatic visual effect is truly worth the effort in modern or traditional spaces.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the best preparation, minor issues can crop up during or after installation. Here’s how to handle them.

What to Do About Gaps Between Boards

Small gaps are normal and can be filled with paintable caulk before painting or left for a rustic finish. If you notice wide gaps, it may mean the boards weren’t installed tightly enough or weren’t properly acclimated. Take extra care in pressing planks together and letting wood acclimate before installing.

How to Handle a Warped or Bowed Plank

It’s best to set aside any board with obvious warps. If a slight bend is all you have, start nailing at one end, pressing the plank flat until you can secure the rest along the studs. Avoid forcing boards that don’t want to sit flat, as this can pull nails or damage surrounding planks.

Conclusion

Achieving a beautiful wood plank wall is well within reach when you plan carefully, let your wood acclimate, and take a methodical, level-first approach. Knowing how to plank a wall with wood gives you the power to transform your home, adding value and personal style. With each step—and each board—you’ll take pride in a project that brings warmth, character, and craftsmanship into your living space for years to come.