How to Install Laminate Flooring on Walls; Accent Wall

Laminate flooring accent wall. Within this post, you will learn, step-by-step, how to install laminate flooring horizontally to create a laminate flooring accent wall. After reading this tutorial, you too can have a beautiful accent wall that can easily be completed in one afternoon.

Backstory and Inspiration.

Most of my basement is drywall finished and an open space. However, there are two smaller spaces that was closed off by doors and oddly shaped. One it the utility area- furnace and tools live in here. The other is were all the adult beverages and bar area are being relocated to. This is the area where there is studs (drywall on the other side for the finished area of the basement), but nothing else.

For this area I was looking for something moody, dark, and budget friendly. Think basement mancave/ cigar lounge vibes. Using dark wall colors, wood and leather elements, while displaying an extensive whiskey collection. Luckily, I found just the thing in my garage; laminate wood look flooding. I bought this on close out for a different project, but ultimately changed my mind and couldn’t return it. Perfect!

Design Thoughts and Considerations.

Before beginning this project, consider how you want your wall to look. Light or dark, staggered planks, varying colors, etc. Here, I will be going for a dark wood color that is staggered. Think about filling the nail holes or leaving them. Also consider if you want to just use nails into studs or adhesive as well.

This tutorial will only go over using a nail gun as adhesive is not necessary and harder to remove if you change your mind.

Below are the tools, supplies, and directions needed to make a laminate flooring accent wall.

If you haven’t already, check out this blog post which details a few of my most used beginner tools for DIY fans and homeowners. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the exact products I use. For full disclosure statement, click here.

Supplies

• vinyl planks, I used the click connects
• 1.25″ nails (finish nails 16G)
• Wood putty that matches the laminate flooring.

Tools

• Utility Knife
• Saw or hand saw
• Hammer or nail gun
• Speed square
• Level
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Tapping block
• Rubber Mallet

Directions for Laminate Flooring Accent Wall

1. Prepare the Space for a Laminate Flooring Accent Wall.

Clean walls if needed and remove anything in the way. This may include pictures, outlet and light switch plate covers. Avoid installing in areas that are prone to moisture to wetness as this will ruin the boards. Mark any studs if they are not visible so you know where to nail boards in place at.

Allow planks to acclimate to indoor temperatures for 24 hours before installing. When you are ready to begin, open a few boxes of flooring and pull from each to help with a nice mix of color and prevent one section looking drastically different in shading than the others.

2. Installation of Planks.

To begin the first row, lay out the boards to do a test fit, beginning to lay boards from left to right. Allow for 1/4″ expansion gap between any touching walls. Make cuts to the boards using a table saw. With a level check that the first row of boards is level before securing with nails. Next, press first board against the wall/studs with the tongue side facing down. Secure with nails into the groove of each board at the stud. Be sure that nails are not raised.

For the second row, connect the second row of boards by putting the tongue and grooves together. Use a rubber mallet to help place the boards. Once placed secure that row with nails in the groove as well. I did choose to add some more nails into the board where the studs are for added stability since the wasn’t drywall behind it.

Continue on with all subsequent rows this way until your get to the ceiling. For the top row you may need to cut board length wise to fit.

3. Finishing Touches.

Cover all gaps at the edges with trim. Then, replace any baseboards and or crown on floor and ceiling. If any nail holes visible use wood filler and wipe excess clean with a baby wipe. Replace any outlet or light switch covers.

Final Thoughts.

What do you think of this easy accent wall? I like that it covered the area we needed and didn’t cost much. The wood look added the warmth I was looking for in this space.

I do not have completed all pictures as out basement on the other side needed extensive work due to a water leak. Updated space pictures will be posted some time winter 2024.

If you liked this tutorial please share to Pinterest! Also if you try this project for yourself, I would love to see how it turned out, leave a picture and comment below. For more DIY ideas subscribe and follow!