What is the distance between the slat panels?

Designing your space and accent wall begins with choosing the right board material. For a natural texture, consider Red Oak or White Oak. If you plan to paint the boards, common boards or poplar boards are more budget-friendly options. When painting, it's advisable to paint the wall first before attaching the boards to save the hassle of painting between each board.

For more details on slatted wood wall panels, contact us anytime.

A wood slat wall consists of vertical wood strips extending from floor to ceiling, each strip ranging from 1/2 to 2 inches wide depending on the desired look. To prevent a zebra-stripe effect, spaces between slats should be less than the width of the slats. For instance, 1/2-inch slats should have 1/4-inch gaps.

Check out detailed instructions on DIY slat walls in this blog post on The Spruce.

Share Your Space

After completing your slat wall, share your space to inspire others! Tag us or use the hashtag #OrnamentalBuild so we can see your creation.

Installing a DIY wood slat wall imparts a sophisticated touch to any room, reflecting a mid-century modern style seen in high-end hotels and designer homes. Though time-consuming, installing wood slats is quite straightforward. Here we present two methods: using dimensional lumber slats for a quicker but pricier option, or using sheet goods for a cost-effective but more labor-intensive route. Follow this guide for an eight-foot stretch of wall, adding materials as needed for your space.

Best Wood for Slat Walls

A slat wall features evenly spaced vertical wood strips from floor to ceiling, each between 1/2 to 2 inches wide. Choose your width based on the aesthetic you're aiming for. Dimensional lumber can expedite your project without the need for a table saw, though sheet goods like MDF, plywood or veneer wood offer a budget-friendly alternative requiring more time and effort.

Using Dimensional Lumber

Dimensional lumber comes in pre-cut one-by-two strips, actually measuring 1-1/2 inches wide. Covering an 8-foot wall with a 3/4-inch gap between boards requires 48 strips. Softwood strips are less costly but adding the necessary strips can still make the project pricey. Hardwood strips cost thrice as much but require minimal finishing.

Tip

Elevate the look of inexpensive softwood slats by staining them walnut, oak, mahogany, or any dark stain. Apply wood conditioner first for an even stain finish.

Building with Sheet Goods

Cutting a 4-foot by 8-foot plywood sheet into strips is a more economical but time-consuming method. One sheet yields approximately 90-92 strips, each around 1/2 inch wide. Unlike dimensional lumber, sheet goods vary in thickness. Decide on the desired thickness before purchasing.

• Dimensional Lumber Strips
• Large sheets of plywood
• $40 to $60 per 8 linear feet
• Requires table saw and additional saws
• Time-intensive process
• Thinner slats

Prepping and Safety Tips

Using any saw can be hazardous, more so with repetitive cuts. Stay vigilant, keep hands away from blades, and consider using a push stick. When handling large sheets, have an assistant help. Slats should be spaced 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart, with gaps smaller than slat widths to avoid a zebra effect. A dark wall background like matte-black enhances the modern look.

For close-wall slats, use 1/2-inch plywood (about 3/8 inch thick). Dimensional lumber would be 3/4 inch thick. Use a cordless brad nail gun to avoid extension cords, ensuring nails penetrate both slats and wall.

For more about felt for soundproofing, our sales team can assist in finding the right options for you.

We supply custom-designed acoustic felt. Our expert staff can help with all your needs.