How to Build a Board and Batten Entry Wall

I love the look of a board and batten (or wainscoting) wall. I’ve been wanting to create one in our entry area near the front door but I was very nervous and let’s be honest, working mom life has me swamped. But, I finally got the nerve to do it and we spent a Sunday cutting wood, painting, measuring and creating my dream wall. I’m so happy with the results and I hope this little guide can help you get up the nerve to create a space you love in your home as much as I do!

So here’s what I had to work with.

The wall was about 6 feet wide and I wanted my wainscoting to go up pretty high so that I could create a shelf for pictures. I decided on 5 1/2 feet tall.

I measured everything out and I went to Home Depot to get my supplies.

I spent about $100 on everything to build the wall.

I used molding to put a lip on my current molding that would let the new boards sit flush.

I also got this molding to put at the 90 degree angle where the boards would meet the top ledge for picture frames.

The wood panels I purchased were:

1x3x8 (verticals)

1x6x8 (top and bottom horizontals)

1x4x8 (outside verticals, middle horizontal)

I sanded the wood, cut it down to my measurements and started placing them on the wall with the top and bottom horizontal panels first.

We used a brad nailer to attach the panels to the wall.

Then I measured the side vertical 1x4x8 boards and sanded them and placed them. Once I measured out the middle bar, I placed it and nailed it to the wall and that’s how I knew what sizes I needed for the interior vertical panels.

Then I went to work on the vertical panels. I used wood filler to fill the gaps to give it a better finalized look. (Truly cosmetic)

I measured out the top ledge and with the help of some wood glue and the nailer, we attached it to the top and put in the molding to give it a better look and help support it too. Then it was time to get painting!

After a few coats of paint and some finishing caulk in the small gaps where the boards met the wall, I guesstimated the location for each hook and screwed them in!

And voila! Just some touch ups needed on the wall and I was done!

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