After we tore out our fireplace, our wall was in serious need of repair. There was no way that I wanted to undertake that myself and MAYBE have it turn out “just okay.”
So, I decided to do a wall treatment instead, and went with a classic board and batten! Because our walls are heavily textured and I wanted a treatment that would stand the test of time (ie, I wouldn’t hate it in a year), I went the extra mile to cover up the texture.
There are a few products you can add on top of textured walls to create a smooth surface, but I went with something I had used before with success: masonite. First, I removed our baseboards. Then, I nailed up (4) 8×4 foot sheets of masonite. The last one had to be trimmed a bit, and I did cut holes for outlets/switches. I used (this) tool and it was pretty successful, but I would use a different, more precise tool if I were to do it again. We have some imperfections where our outlets and switch covers are, because I didn’t want to put the masonite under the switch plates. I wasn’t sure how to safely extend the switches and outlets out to account for the extra quarter inch the masonite would add).
Once the masonite was up, I primed (twice) and then painted it Alabaster by Sherwin Williams. Pre-Painting the masonite made the job SO much easier when it came time to paint the vertical boards.
Next, I added 1x4s. I decided to go more chunky with these because of how wide the wall is, and I am happy I did! I really didn’t want super skinny strips, because I worried that they’d either be too sparse or too busy. Adding boards on the top and bottom was the first step.
Then, I added boards over the masonite seams and on both ends of the wall. I then spaced them evenly, using my best math/division skills. The only one that was different that the others was the last one on the far end of the room. It simply had to be that way. It was that, or not having one on that end of the wall at all. That would have resulted in an unfinished look.
Finally, I caulked and painted the boards, filling all the nail holes and spaces between the boards and the wall.
I am so happy with how it turned out! It truly unified the space that was once divided by an overly-huge fireplace and ill-placed wall. I would absolutely recommend this project for anyone who wants to make a BIG impact on a small budget!