How to Install Trim Moulding

You know those houses that you just feel “home” in?

Adding millwork in your home creates that feeling. It adds character and personality all homes need. I want to help you feel comfortable doing this in your own home

Whether you are adding board and batten, shiplap, or a panel of some kind, these will essentially be the same steps for installation.

*Shiplap — This has been done a lot in homes that have a Modern Farmhouse design style. You can install this horizontal, vertical, or even diagonal. Depending on the wall and size, you’ll have different amount of cuts for each. Make sure you measure twice and cut once. But don’t get me wrong, I’ve had to go back to the store in order to get another board. 😝 You don’t need to make sure the drywall is patched or in great condition, because you are putting the shiplap over top. You will use your finish nail gun to nail these up. Making sure you know where studs are is important so those nails have something to grab onto.

If you haven’t put down a drop cloth, now would be a great time. You never know what will fall while working on this project. After getting the shiplap up on the wall, you’ll need to go over the nail holes with putty. You will also want to caulk any exposed edges. So for instance, if you installed the shiplap on the entire wall horizontally, you’d caulk on both left and right sides. Next step is to paint! I’d start with a brush to get into those grooves, and then go over the shiplap boards with a smaller roller. It may need a couple coats, so remember to do the grooves first.

*Board & Batten — This design has also taken off in many different versions. The classic is where you add board and batten on the bottom half of the wall, and either have paint or wallpaper above it. Most recently, using the boards and creating an angled/abstract design on a large wall has become very trendy. Similarly to shiplap, you’ll use your finish nailer to put the boards up on the wall. You will then fill in those holes and caulk any edges. There is more caulk needed with you go with board and batten since technically I’d suggest to caulk both sides of each board.

Another thing to think through on this design is the actually wall. You can leave the wall alone and just add the boards (most cost effective) or you can add a Smooth Round Brown Hardboard Wall Panel first before the boards. This creates a more custom look to your design and most frequently used when only doing the bottom half of the wall. And then add paint!

*Wall Panels — They make faux shiplap or brick in the form of a 4’x8’ wall panel. These are very cost effective, but you do need to take into consideration the size and if you are placing boards next to each other and how that will look when finished. With the brick panels, I would suggest to cut around the half bricks on the edges so each panel can slide into one another.

Again, you will use your finish nail gun to add these to the wall. You’ll fill the nail holes and caulk any exposed edges for a more finished look before adding your paint color.

You got this! Remember to have fun and that it’s okay to have to recut something. 😉

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How to Install Wallpaper