Bertha Heathcote
Adding accent walls is one of my favorite ways to improve a home. Today, we will learn how to install MDF shiplap on interior walls to create a character filled and customized look! This post may contain affiliate links where I earn a small commission on your purchases.
One of the easiest ways to increase character and customization in your home is to add wood accent walls and millwork. Board and batten, architectural design, mouldings, shiplap, paneling, and other wood additions are all amazing ways to create your own look on a budget. Here are a few of the rooms I’ve added wood accent walls to in our home to create a custom look!
This year, I tackled Owen’s bedroom to create a more modern and older boy’s room look. One of the elements I wanted to add to his room is MDF shiplap underneath his loft beds.
MDF shiplap comes pre-primed, has no wood grain and is lighter weight. I love the clean lines it gives, and it has the tongue and groove installation style to make spacing effortless. While this product isn’t excessively expensive, it does cost more than some of the popular shiplap hacks going around. This was more cost effective, but the preciseness of the finished outcome wasn’t as good.
Overestimate so that you don’t run out mid-way through the project due to failed cuts or mis-measurement. Once you’ve purchased your boards and have all your supplies, set up a work station outdoors.
MDF shiplap puts off a lot of saw dust for even small cuts. This first board will be the foundation for the rest of the room, so you want to make sure it is level!
I chose not to use construction adhesive in addition to the nails because I do not plan to hang anything on this accent wall. Since my nails aren’t going into studs (for the most part), it is essentially a floating wall.
If you plan to hang items of any substantial weight onto your shiplap, you’ll want to ensure it is nailed into studs, add secured perpendicular boards to nail it into, or use construction adhesive. We have three square windows in Owen’s room that I used a jig saw to cut out my boards. Make sure that you take into account the 1/4″ gap that is naturally built into the boards.
Once you have worked your way around the room, the final step is to trim out any areas that need some assistance.
Since you are adding depth to the wall, you either have to extend the entire electrical box, or use these receptacle spacers! If they are to code in your state, you can use receptacle spacers to extend your outlets and light switches rather than pulling the entire electrical box forward.
Use wood filler to fill in any nail holes directly on the surface of the shiplap. I love that we were able to brighten it up without simply adding boring white walls.
