Holly's Pro Tips

Feeling inspired to build a feature wall of your own? As you’re planning your project, keep these tips from Holly in mind to make it picture-perfect. 

1. Cut down on the sawing. Most places that sell lumber will cut the necessary MDF (medium-density fiberboard) to your dimensions to save you some work. For this project, ask for 6- by 48-inch planks.
2. Be precise. The cut planks must be exactly the same size to avoid having gaps in the pattern. The 48-inch pieces will fill out most of the wall, but you will need to custom cut smaller pieces yourself to fill in the smaller sections.
3. Add depth and character. You can use a router to round off the edges of the cut planks. This will create subtle grooves where the edges meet.
4. Save yourself a trip. Buy primer, paint, and painting supplies when you get the MDF for the project. MDF will need to be painted, so choose your color in advance.
5. Play perfectionist. The first plank you hang can make or break the pattern, so make sure it’s perfectly centered and angled exactly at 45 degrees. Our online instructions show how to do this with your new favorite tools: a chalk box and 45-degree level.
6. Impress your friends. Snap before, during, and after photos of the wall from the same angle. Post them online and get ready for the likes!