![](https://easternwhitepine.org/wp-content/uploads/DIY-pine-accent-wall-1024x1024.jpg)
Got an itch to make some changes to your living space? An accent wall makes a dramatic impact, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull off, even if you choose to install some rustic wood planks instead of simply painting it a bright color.
This weekend DIY project uses either 1×4 or 1×6 pine boards, which you can find at your local lumber retailer or home improvement store. To get just the right worn-in look, many people choose to distress the boards using methods like hammering, chiseling or wire brushing before staining and installing the boards.
At Family Handyman, a DIY project submitted by user P McDermott mixes up different stains for a lovely patchwork effect.
“Some boards received 1 coat, some received two coats, some were wiped off to make them lighter, others received one color followed by a different color. No two boards ended up the same due to variations in the wood grain.
I put 1/4″ underlayment on the drywall first using a few drywall screws through the studs, then glued and nailed the boards to the underlayment. The corner moldings were also homemade using a standard 2×4 ripped in half and using the table saw to cut out the “block” so that only the corners were left. I enjoyed designing the wall and [my wife] loved figuring out what colors to use, how long each board was going to be, and where to place them on the wall.”
![](https://easternwhitepine.org/wp-content/uploads/Eastern-White-Pine-Wood-Plank-Wall-Eldridge.jpg)
Designer Kristin Eldridge took a similar approach, but with darker stains. In their case, doing some of the work and hiring a contractor to complete the rest was the right choice. They used “everything from kitchen utensils to an ax” to distress the wood and set up a workstation in the backyard for staining.
“Here’s where the contractor comes in…he and Brent cut the boards into various sizes and then he nailed them to the wall with a nail gun. He used some spacers so that some of the pieces would be lifted and create a less-than-perfect look, which is what we were going for. We also decided to have him wire some sconces on each side. I went with this sconce from Lowe’s and left off the light shade for a more industrial look. Later, we installed wire baskets to the wall for night stands. I ended up changing out my pillows to these kilim ones and made the graphic black and white pillow for contrast. Oh and the black and white photos are a mix of old photos and instagram photos attached with washi tape.”
![Eastern White Pine Wood Plank Wall Eldridge Work station](https://easternwhitepine.org/wp-content/uploads/Eastern-White-Pine-Wood-Plank-Wall-Eldridge-Work-station.jpg)
Of course, there’s always the shiplap wall option, too. Popularized by Chip and Joanna Gaines’ popular HGTV show ‘Fixer Upper,’ shiplap produces a gorgeous rustic effect, and it’s easy to DIY. Check out our tips and tutorials.