Lady nails boards in clean vertical lines, the wall looks straight from a designer home

A DIY slat wall is an excellent way to add texture and design to any room in your home. It's a straightforward yet impactful home improvement project that can transform bland walls into a stylish feature that resembles high-end designer homes. Vertical slats create an illusion of height, making rooms appear larger and more spacious while adding a modern touch.

Slat walls are versatile and can be used in various spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways. They work well as a feature wall behind a bed, as an accent wall in a living room, or even in a home office to create a sophisticated backdrop. Pair with minimalist furniture and decor to emphasize the clean lines and architectural interest of the slats.

1x2 inch wood boards (amount depends on wall size)
Measuring tape
Spirit level
Pencil
Sandpaper (120 grit)
Paint or wood stain
Paintbrush or roller
Nail gun or hammer
Finishing nails
Wood filler
Saw (hand saw or miter saw)
Drop cloth or tarp

Measure the wall where you want to install the slats to determine how many boards you'll need.

Cut the 1x2 inch boards to the height of your wall using a saw.

Sand the boards with 120 grit sandpaper to ensure they are smooth.

Paint or stain the boards to your desired color and allow them to dry completely.

Lay a drop cloth or tarp to protect the floor in your working area.

Use a spirit level and pencil to mark vertical lines on the wall at equal intervals. This will serve as a guide for spacing the slats.

Starting from one end of the wall, align the first board with your pencil line and use a nail gun or hammer to secure it in place with finishing nails.

Continue nailing the boards to the wall, using the marked lines as a guide to ensure equal spacing between each slat.

Fill any visible nail holes with wood filler and sand lightly once dry.

Touch up paint or stain as needed to cover any marks or filler.

For a different look, consider varying the width of the slats or experimenting with different colors or finishes. You could alternate between natural wood and painted boards for a more dynamic appearance. If you're feeling adventurous, try creating a pattern with the slats by varying the spacing or arranging them at different angles.