The Genius Wooden Accent Wall DIY That Costs Less Than $100

If you are doing some home redecoration and have checked out the accent wall ideas that you will start seeing everywhere in 2025, you probably found great inspiration for adding visual interest to your walls. Unfortunately, some stylish accent walls can be quite expensive, especially if you are interested in a unique option like a dimensional accent wall. These accent walls give texture to a space, and they look stunning in both neutrals and bold colors. Luckily, if you are willing to take on an accent wall project yourself, you can get a great result on a budget by adhering wooden planks in a design of your choice before painting.

To create an easy wooden DIY accent wall, you will need wood boards, painter's tape, a tape measure, a level, Liquid Nails, 2-inch nails, a nail gun, paintable fast-dry caulk, spackle and a putty knife, 220-grit sandpaper, paint, and painting supplies. For the wood boards, 1 by 2 pre-primed MDF strips are a great and affordable choice for a project like this. You can get a 1 by 2-inch pre-primed MDF board that is 8 feet long for $3.48 at Menard's. The standard ceiling height in the United States is 8 feet, although newer homes may be a bit taller, so this is a good board length for vertical lines. The number of boards you will need depends on your design, so make sure you map out your idea and know the length and number of boards you need before purchasing your supplies.

Once you have your materials, start by brainstorming and sketching possible designs that will work for your space. Make sure you know how to choose an accent wall and design that fits your style before committing. Once you have a rough idea in mind, give your walls a thorough cleaning so you can map your design out on your wall using painter's tape to understand how it will look and make any adjustments as needed. Next, you can measure for materials and go purchase, measure, and cut your boards to size. Hold the boards up to the wall throughout the process and make sure you use a level at every step to ensure a straight, clean finish. When you are satisfied with your design and feel ready to secure the boards in place, apply Liquid Nails to the back of a board and gently hold it to the wall. Check the alignment with your level, firmly press the board to the wall, and use the nail gun at regular intervals to secure it. Repeat this process as needed until all of the boards are up.

To finish the DIY, spackle and fill the seams between wood pieces and the nail holes on the boards. Applying caulk at the seam between the boards and the wall is also an important step for clean lines and an even more secure final result. Sand the filled areas with 220-grit sandpaper. Finally, learn how designers pick the perfect shade of paint and paint your new wooden accent wall.

When it comes to designing the layout of your boards, there are some important practical considerations to keep in mind. First, think about what decor you have and plan to use in the space. For example, if you know you want to hang a mirror, photos, or artwork, make sure that there are large enough spaces between the boards to fit your frame. Also remember that the boards will collect dust and require some cleaning over time. Having many boards and horizontal boards that are high up on the wall will make it more difficult to care for and keep clean. Plus, the more boards you have, the more expensive your project will be. Finally, recognize that once the boards are in place, they cannot be removed without damaging the wall. 

Once you have considered the practicality, think about style, especially related to the room the accent wall is in. For a more timeless and traditional look, stick to grids or vertical lines. These symmetrical and geometric patterns look like board and batten and can mesh well with nearly any style, making them especially better for hallways, dining rooms, and other living spaces. A more modern look with diagonal or seemingly random lines is an amazing style, but it is a bit less versatile if your decor changes around it. Of course, however, if you know you love the modern style, then it is a perfect option for you and your home.