This project has been on my to do list for quite some time now and I don't know why it took me so long to get it done as this was an easy project.
The area to cover is a small garage entry way in the back of the house. The plank wall idea was to give this space a more beachy brighter feel since it is very small and dark.
After researching "faux plank walls/faux shiplap" etc... on the web, it seemed that everyone had their utility plywood sheets cut into 6 inches wide pieces so I did the same. The bottom plank closest to the baseboard would need to be ripped to fit the space but it seemed easier to do than have to figure out exact measurements.
Materials:
- Measuring tape and pencil
- 4'x8'x5mm utility plywood panels
- Corner trim
- Nail Gun (we used our cordless ryobi 18 gauge brad nailer) and nails
- Miter saw
- Other ripping saw (we used a band saw with a ripping arm but you could use a bladerunner saw, a jig saw or a circular saw)
- Putty
- Latex fast dry paintable caulk
- Primer (or not)
- Paint of choice (we used Sherwin Williams white gloss trim paint)
Instructions:
For this small space, we had to purchase 4 utility plywood panels measuring 4' x 8' x 5mm. Ours were primed a pink/orange color on one side.
The employee at lowes cut all four sheets at once every 6 inches length wise and so were left with 32 plank pieces to transport home.
1. Start by marking the studs on the walls so you know where to nail the planks. I have read of people adding glue to the back of the planks as well but I chose to opt out, in case I decide on another maker over for this space.
2. As every instructions on the internet says, start by nailing your planks from ceiling down as some ceilings aren't straight after the settling of the house.
3. To give the wall a shiplap look, place as many nickels as you need between the top/above plank and the one you will be nailing below. We used 4 nickels for the long planks and 1 or 2 for the short ones, in case you wonder.
We've had to cut a lot of planks to size for this space since we have 4 doors in that hallway. What a time consuming job! Thanks to the hubby and the miter saw. I can't imagine cutting these by hand.
4. Putty the nail holes and caulk the edges and inner corners that need to be caulked and try to do a better job then me!
5. Sand everything that needs to be sanded. Vacuum the gaps and wipe the wood clean of dust.
6. add the outer corner trims (I forgot to take a photo before painting)
7. Prime your wall(s)
8. Paint
9. Paint some more and voila! All done
10. We updated our builder grade light! We replaced it with a beautiful handmade light from the LampGoods on Etsy. This one was made by using a repurposed vintage fan cage. For more lights like this one check out the LampGoods shop
here
We are very pleased with the way this hallway turned out.