Turning a Blank Wall into a Stunning Focal Point

As newlyweds, my partner and I are always on the lookout for new home projects to tackle. When we moved into our fixer-upper in Akron, Ohio, one of the first things we noticed was the stark, blank wall in our office. It was begging for a makeover, so we decided to take on the challenge of creating a herringbone wood accent wall.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – “Herringbone? Isn’t that, like, really hard?” That’s exactly what we thought too. But after doing some research and following a helpful tutorial from Christine at HoneyBuiltHome, we realized that this project was actually quite doable, even for DIY newbies like us.

Gathering the Supplies

The first step, of course, was to get all the necessary supplies. We measured our wall and determined that we’d need roughly 125 inches by 108 inches of wood to cover the space. After some browsing on Timber Building’s website, we settled on a selection of beautiful 1×4 cedar planks.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – cedar? Isn’t that a bit expensive? Well, yes, it can be. But we decided to splurge a little because we wanted a high-quality, durable material that would really make our accent wall stand out. And let me tell you, the warm, rich tones of the cedar ended up being the perfect choice.

In addition to the cedar planks, we also picked up a 18-gauge brad nailer from Amazon. This one has been a game-changer for us, and it’s relatively affordable too.

Measuring and Cutting the Wood

With all the supplies in hand, it was time to get to work. We started by measuring and cutting the cedar planks to the desired lengths. Now, I’ll admit, the angled cuts for the herringbone pattern had us a little worried at first. But once we got the hang of it, it was actually quite satisfying to see those perfect 45-degree angles come together.

To make the cutting process a little easier, we invested in a miter saw. This tool was a total lifesaver, and it allowed us to achieve those precise cuts with ease. We also made sure to mark our measurements carefully and double-check everything before making the final cuts. Attention to detail is key when it comes to a project like this.

Laying Out the Pattern

With all the wood pieces cut, it was time to start planning the herringbone pattern. We laid out the planks on the floor, experimenting with different arrangements until we found a layout that we loved. This part of the process was surprisingly fun and creative – it was like putting together a giant, wooden puzzle.

One thing we learned during this step is that it’s important to be mindful of the grain direction. We wanted the wood to flow seamlessly, so we made sure to alternate the grain direction as we built out the pattern. This added an extra layer of visual interest and depth to the final design.

Assembling the Wall

Now came the moment of truth – time to start putting the wall together. We started by attaching a horizontal base piece to the wall, using our trusty brad nailer to secure it in place. From there, we worked our way up, carefully aligning each plank and nailing it down.

I have to say, the process of watching the herringbone pattern come to life was incredibly satisfying. It was almost like the wall was revealing its true potential, one piece at a time. And the more we worked, the more confident we became in our ability to execute this project with precision.

One thing that really helped us during the assembly phase was the use of small spacers between each plank. This ensured that the gaps were consistent and that the overall pattern looked clean and cohesive. It was a little extra step, but it was well worth it in the end.

Finishing Touches

With the main wall structure complete, it was time to add the finishing touches. We decided to leave the edges of the planks exposed, as we loved the rustic, natural look that it gave the accent wall. But we did take the time to lightly sand and seal the wood, just to protect it and give it a beautiful, glossy sheen.

And let me tell you, the end result was nothing short of stunning. The rich, warm tones of the cedar, combined with the intricate herringbone pattern, created a focal point that just commands attention. It’s the kind of wall that makes you want to just sit and admire it, taking in all the little details and nuances.

The Joys of DIY

As newlyweds, my partner and I have always been drawn to the joys of DIY projects. There’s just something so rewarding about taking on a challenge, facing it head-on, and ultimately creating something beautiful and unique. And this herringbone wood accent wall project was no exception.

Sure, there were a few moments of doubt and frustration along the way. But by following the right tutorials, using the proper tools, and staying patient and focused, we were able to transform a boring, blank wall into a true showstopper. And the best part? We get to enjoy the fruits of our labor every single day.

So if you’re looking to breathe new life into a ho-hum space in your home, I highly recommend giving the herringbone wood accent wall a try. It may seem daunting at first, but trust me, the end result is well worth the effort. Just take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative. After all, the best part of DIY is the opportunity to put your own unique spin on things.

Happy building!