I have had this vision in my head for years of how I wanted our front entryway to look. I knew if we were still living in this house when my oldest started school that I wanted a board and batten backpack / coat station. This is one of the few blank walls we have in our home, and it has always just been so bare! I have tried a myriad of things over the years – a bench with bins (it collected junk), a small mirror (it looked weird and was the wrong size). None of it was what I really wanted. So when I saw this “backpack” station on Pinterest – I knew I wanted to recreate something similar on our wall. Let’s jump right into it.
DIY Board & Batten | Front Entry Makeover
BEFORE:
Materials Needed:
- 1×4 pine boards (I used 3 8ft boards cut to length, and 5 6ft boards cut to length)
- 1×2 pine board for trim
- Liquid Nails
- Drywall screws
- Wood filler
- Silicone Caulk
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint | I used Behr bright white
- Hooks for backpacks and coats
Tools Required:
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Caulk gun
- Electric sander
- Paintbrushes or rollers
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Plan and Measure:
Start by planning the layout of your board and batten wall. Measure the height and width of your wall to determine how many vertical battens you’ll need and the spacing between them. This step is crucial, so take your time to ensure accuracy. I used this website to get my initial measurements. - Cut Your Wood:
Use a table saw to cut your 1×4 boards to the desired length for the top, bottom & middle horizontal pieces (+ the top trim piece). Then cut your vertical pieces. Don’t forget to cut and measure the space you’ll need to leave for the middle horizontal board. Remember the golden rule: measure twice, cut once! Double-check your measurements before making any cuts. I mis-measured by ONE INCH and had to get an entirely new board. - Attach the Boards:
Apply a generous amount of Liquid Nails to the back of the 1×4 board and press it firmly against the wall at the top. Use a level to ensure it’s straight. Secure it with drywall screws for extra stability. Repeat this process for all of the boards. The combination of Liquid Nails and screws will ensure your battens are securely attached. The order I placed my boards were the bottom board, outside vertical boards, top board, middle bottom vertical boards, middle horizontal board, top vertical boards. - Fill and Sand:
Once all the boards are in place, fill any gaps or screw holes with wood filler. Let it dry completely before sanding it smooth. This will give you a seamless look once the wall is painted. Use an electric sander to speed up the process and make it look better for painting. I had to do this process twice to get it as smooth as possible. - Prime and Paint:
Apply a coat of primer to the entire wall, ensuring even coverage. Once the primer is dry, follow up with your chosen paint color. Use a high-quality paintbrush or roller to achieve a smooth finish. I had pre-treated wood so I didn’t prime but looking back, I wish I had because the wood sucked up SO much of the paint. The primer will help make that not happen. - Caulk the Edges:
Use a caulk gun to apply a bead of caulk along the edges where the boards meet the wall. This will help create a polished, finished look. Smooth the caulk with your finger for a clean line. Use less caulk than you think you need because you end up wasting so much of it when you smooth it out. - Add Hooks:
Finally, install hooks on the vertical battens at a height that is convenient for hanging backpacks and coats. Ensure they are securely attached to support the weight of your items. I used these hooks from Amazon and loooovoed them!
AFTER:
Tips and Pointers for Board and Batten:
👉🏻 Skip the nail gun and do a combo of Liquid Nails and drywall screws. This method provides a strong hold and is easier to adjust if needed.
👉🏻 Get the more expensive wood. It’s smoother and straighter. I had to deal with wonky/crooked wood, and it was very annoying. Investing in higher quality wood will save you time and frustration in the long run.
👉🏻 Measure twice, cut once! Do your measurements multiple times before cutting. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure your cuts are precise.
In the end – I am in LOVE with this project. It cost $165 total to put up and took me 4 days start to finish. I had the BEST time working on this project and feel like I learned so much. I’m so excited for the next one. Seeing it come together, working through problems / problem solving was extremely gratifying and in the end, I got the backpack / front entry station of my dreams!
