DIY Board and Batten Wall in a Bathroom: Beginner Guide

If you want to give your bathroom a custom, high-end look without spending a fortune, a DIY board and batten wall is the way to go. This project completely transformed my small bathroom, adding dimension, character, and a polished finish. The best part? It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and makes a huge impact in just a weekend.

Tools and Materials for a DIY Board and Batten Wall

One of the best parts of this project is how little you actually need. With just a few basic tools and inexpensive boards, you can completely transform a bathroom wall on a budget.

Tools for a DIY Board and Batten Wall

• Miter saw
• Brad nailer
• Tape measure
• Level
• Laser level
• Stud finder
• Caulk gun
• Paintbrush and foam roller

Materials for a Board and Batten Bathroom Wall

• 1×2 boards for battens and the top cap
• 1×4 boards for the top horizontal piece
• Wood filler
• Caulk
• Primer
• Paint (I recommend this one)
• Hooks (optional, for function and style)

Step 1: Plan Your DIY Board and Batten Wall

Start by deciding how tall you want your board and batten wall to be. For my bathroom, I chose to run the boards about two-thirds up the wall. Use a tape measure and laser level to mark your lines, ensuring everything is straight and evenly spaced.

Step 2: Install the Top Board

Cut your top horizontal board to fit the width of your wall. Use your laser level to help position it, then secure it to the wall with a brad nailer (or even just a hammer and finish nails). This piece will serve as the anchor for your vertical battens, providing the molding with a defined edge. Use a stud finder first to be sure that you are attaching the board right to the wall studs.

Step 3: Measure and Cut the Vertical Battens

I used 1×2 boards for my battens to keep the look clean and simple. Spacing is up to you, but a typical range is 12–20 inches apart. Mark your layout, then nail the battens into place, keeping them straight and evenly spaced.

Step 4: Continue the DIY Board and Batten Pattern Around the Room

I’ve used board and batten as a single feature wall in other rooms (like behind a living room sofa or a stained wood wall in a bathroom). But for this project, I wanted a more finished look, so I carried it all the way around the bathroom. That meant tackling trickier spots, like behind the toilet and above the vanity, but the extra effort made the space feel complete and cohesive.

Step 5: Add a Cap to the Top Board

To give the wall a clean edge, I capped off the top with another 1×2 board, this time turned sideways. That small detail really finished it off and added some extra depth to the design.

Step 6: Fill Holes and Caulk the Seams

For a polished look, fill all nail holes with wood filler and let it dry. Sand smooth, then run a bead of caulk along the edges of the boards where they meet the wall. This makes everything look seamless and professional when it’s finished. Trust me, paint will NOT hide your nail holes.

Step 7: Prime and Paint Your Board and Batten Wall

Once the filler and caulk are dry, it’s time to paint. First, use a high-quality primer. This is especially important for pine boards to block tannin bleed-through. Use a paintbrush for the corners and edges, and a foam roller for the flat areas.

After the primer has a chance to dry, you can move on to paint. I went with a crisp white (the same color as the wall) to keep the bathroom bright, but you could also choose a bold color for contrast.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

Once the paint dried, I installed these black hooks along the top rail. They’re not just decorative; they’re perfect for hanging towels, loofahs, robes, or even clothes. Adding hooks makes the board and batten wall both stylish and functional, which is exactly what a bathroom needs.

A laser level made it a cinch to get all of these hooks perfectly in line along the entire wall.

The Finished Board and Batten Bathroom Walls

This DIY board and batten wall gave my bathroom a custom designer feel without the custom price tag. It adds texture and charm while blending perfectly with the other updates I made, like painting the vanity and upgrading the mirror. If you’re looking for a weekend project that makes a huge impact, this one is worth it!

Every project I’ve done in this basement bathroom remodel has been focused on keeping it budget-friendly while still making a big impact. From painting the vanity and updating the mirror, to stenciling the floor, tiling the shower, and now adding this DIY board and batten wall, each step has completely transformed the space without the cost of a full remodel. It’s proof that with a little creativity (and some paint and wood), you can give any bathroom a brand-new look on a budget.

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Pin now and come back anytime you’re ready to add a DIY board and batten wall to your bathroom!

FAQ: DIY Board and Batten Wall