How to: DIY Lattice Board and Batten
DIY Lattice Board and Batten. Here are the instructions to add character to your walls using lattice strip board and batten.
Why Lattice Strips?
I knew for a while I wanted to add board and batten around my house as I have a lot of plain walls (think builder-grade/ no character). However, I also knew I didn’t want to remove my thin-ish baseboards. Lattice boards sit nice and flush on top of the baseboards. This small entry space that lacked any kind of character was the perfect place to start.
Going into this project, I wasn’t sure exactly how big / thick of boards would look good in this space. I am a very visual visual person when it comes to projects so I headed to the trim section of the lumber store. I finally landed on lattice strips as they are thin and perfect for what I need them for.
Lattice strips are pretty inexpensive as well as handy for smaller spaces, such as the one I am working on.
Skill level: Beginner.
This project is defiantly something a beginner DIY’er can accomplish. This is also one that can be done with out power tools too! If you don’t have a saw, all the cuts can be done in the store. No electric sander? No problem– use sand paper or a sanding block. If you don’t have a nail gun, liquid nails, or a hammer and nails will work.
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Listed are the supplies you will need if you are going to install lattice board and batten.
Supply List:
- 1/4″ x 1 1/2″ lattice trim (pick the very best ones)
- 1/4″ x 4″ Trim
- Paintable caulk
- Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, Color: Pure white semi-gloss
- primer
- stud finder
- drill and pilot hole bits
- level
- painters tape
- marker
- caulk gun
- Miter saw (or use free cuts at the store)
- Brad nailer (or adhesive/ hammer and nails)
- Tape measure
- Wood filler
- Hand sander (220 grit paper)
DIY Lattice Board and Batten Steps
1. Lattice Board and Batten Layout.
Decide where you would like to place all of your boards by measuring total area and laying it out with painters tape before making cuts. I liked the way my area looked with the edges trimmed out and 2 boards spaced evenly between the edges.
For this space, the thicker 4″ horizontal boards were cut and placed first. Then the thin 1.5″ vertical boards.
2. Make Cuts.
Once the layout is decided, cut all the boards accordingly. Most of my boards were the same length, but a few were slightly off as my home isn’t completely level / straight. Any gaps can later be filled in with wood filler or caulk depending.
3. Secure Lattice Boards.
You could use liquid nails to secure boards if you don’t have any tools. Here, an 18g Brad nailer was used with nails going at alternating angles. Some of my boards happened to line up with studs (bonus)!
It was easiest to place one nail in the middle and then ensure the board was level before securing with more nails.
4. Wood Fill Nail Holes and Caulk.
Now is the time to disguise any minor mistakes made when cutting boards and make the project appear flawless. Fill nail holes and seams (where two boards comes together) with wood filler. Caulk where any board meets a wall (smooth caulk with a wet finger or baby wipe).
5. Sand.
Sand all the areas filled with wood filler smooth. Wipe down wall with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
6. Prime and Paint.
Tape off any area that will not be painted with painters tape. I had painted my wall first in hopes that it would make things easier for me than painting everything all at one. I feel like it didn’t make any difference; possibly even wasted some time.
It took 1 coat of primer and 3 coats of color to achieve a smooth finish with good coverage. The trim was brushed on then smoothed with a foam roller. The wall was rolled (foam roller).
7. Add Hooks.
Once the paint dried, add hooks for extra storage. Use pilot holes to not chip the lattice boards ! Placement of hooks was a combination of what looked good as well as hitting as many studs as I could.
Finished Entry Nook, with DIY Lattice Board and Batten.
Here is a look at how the entry way nook looks on the daily. I love how the board and batten adds character while the basket and hooks help keep the floor free of shoes, jackets, and backpacks. This is a high traffic area for my family and it always stays neat and tidy.
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