Tools and Materials
Make a Statement in Any Room of Your Home with Decorative Wall Moulding
With just a little effort, you can add depth, texture and visual interest to any room in your home by adding wall moulding. Make a statement and transform a plain room into one with character. With just a few materials and a little effort, you can start small and create an eye-catching accent wall or go big with four elegantly decorated walls.
How to Create a Decorate Wall with Moulding
Follow these steps to create a decorative wall using moulding. Use this technique for a wall in your home office, bedroom, living room or any other room in your home where you want to put a unique architectural stamp.
Step 1: Choose the Layout for the Moulding
Before you can decide how much lumber you need, you'll first need to decide what layout you want to create on the wall and then measure. Here, Ken (@busydadsworkshop) went with a symmetrical square repeating pattern.
Step 2: Take Measurements, Mark Studs and Snap Chalk Lines
Measure and mark lines on the wall where you want the moulding to be placed. Snap chalk lines and run level lines to ensure the pattern is perfect. Also use a stud finder to mark the location of studs on the wall. The studs will hold the moulding securely in place.
Step 3: Cut the Moulding
Once you know where you want to place your moulding and you’ve measured, using your saw and miter box, begin cutting the boards for your moulding. When you need to fit the moulding for internal corners, cut two pieces of moulding at 45 degrees, and for external corners cut two pieces at 135 degrees. Also take into account any other non-standard angles or dimensions, such as windows.
Note: Even though you've done measuring, you may need to cut boards as you install to ensure the pieces fit properly.
Step 4: Install Baseboards and Horizontal Boards
For your installation, you can use glue or other adhesive, a nail gun, screws, trim nails or a nail set to secure moulding to the wall.
What is a Nail Set?
A nail set is a short, tapered hand tool, typically made of hard steel, that’s used to sink a finish nail’s head just below the wood’s surface to avoid denting or damaging the wood. To use, position a hammer above the large end of the nail set while the tapered end is centered against the head of a finish nail. Lightly tap the hammer until the nail is set just under the surface.
Mount the top baseboard using the method of your choice, followed by the bottom baseboard. Next, install the remaining horizontal boards, ensuring that each board is level before securing.
Step 5: Install Vertical Boards
Install the vertical board(s), ensuring that each board is level before securing.
While using glue prevents pulling and warping of the moulding over time, it also creates a more permanent fixture. If you want something that gives you more flexibility (think renter-friendly), choose an alternative installation method like double-sided tape.
Step 6: The Finishing Touches
For a smooth finish, use wood putty or a filler stick to hide any nail holes or gaps between the moulding and wall. Once the putty is dry, lightly sand away any bumpy spots before painting.
Step 7: Apply Primer, If Necessary, and Paint
Apply primer to the moulding according to the label. Skip this step if you’re not using a primer. Once the primer is completely dry (which can take up to three hours), apply the paint. For help with painting, see our article A Beginner's Guide to Painting.
As an alternative to using a primer and then a paint, you can use a paint and primer in one.
Nail Gun Safety Tips
A nail gun, also called a nailer, is a convenient tool to have on woodworking DIY projects. It gets the job done quicker than a standard hammer and nails. However, like any power tool, a nail gun can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. Here are some useful tips to help you stay safe when using a nail gun.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• When using a nail gun, always assume that it’s loaded.
• Be mindful of where your hands are when using the nail gun and never put them directly in front of the nose of the nail gun.
• Never point a nail gun at anyone.
• Always wear eye protection, closed-toe shoes and, if necessary, hearing protection.
• When using a battery-powered nail gun, don’t install the battery until you’re ready to use the nail gun.
• Disconnect the power or remove the batteries before clearing jams or loading nails.