How to create a Gorgeous Cedar Wall

HOW TO PLANK A WALL THE EASY WAY! I hope this inspires you to create a beautiful accent wall in your home! One of the best things about learning how to plank a wall is that it’s an affordable project with a huge impact. It instantly adds warmth, texture, and character to any room without requiring advanced woodworking skills.

If you’ve never used a power tool or picked up a paintbrush—I promise you—you can do this! With a few basic tools, a little patience, and step-by-step guidance, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your room is transformed into a space that looks professionally designed.

As much as I like the shiplap, I really didn’t want to cut plywood into strips and balance a coin between boards; it just seemed like too much work. I also didn’t want to spend the money on shiplap, so I came up with a much quicker and less expensive alternative. I used Cedar shingles. The “real” shiplap boards cost $8.22/each, and that wasn’t in the budget. This entire bathroom cost $40.

Cedar Wall Idea: An Affordable Way to Add Rustic Charm

A bundle of cedar shingles only costs $9.98, and four bundles covered the entire bathroom. Not to mention, they smell amazing! This cedar wall is one of those budget-friendly projects that looks far more expensive than it actually is. The natural texture and warm wood tones instantly add character, creating a cozy, rustic feel without spending hundreds of dollars on expensive wall treatments.

A bundle of cedar shingles only costs $9.98, and four bundles covered the entire bathroom. Not to mention, they smell amazing! This is one of those budget-friendly projects that looks far more expensive than it actually is. The natural texture and warm wood tones instantly add character, creating a cozy, rustic feel without spending hundreds of dollars on expensive wall treatments.

Here’s what they look like. As you can see, each cedar shingle has its own unique grain, texture, and natural color variation, adding warmth and character to the finished wall.

Here is the cedar wall raw and unpainted. You could always leave the cedar wall like this, or you can paint it and give it a Key West look like I did. The natural cedar has beautiful texture and warm color all by itself, making it a great choice for rustic or cabin-style homes. If you prefer a brighter coastal feel, a light coat of paint will completely transform the look while still allowing the texture of the cedar shingles to shine through.

As you can see, I decided to overlap them because it was so much easier than trying to align them. Now, I’m going to be honest and let you know I did not apply them to the wall. I hired a handyman because I didn’t have a nail gun and, to be really honest, I didn’t want to do the work! It only took him a couple of hours to complete the job.YES, he nailed them right into the drywall.

I used a hodgepodge of paint. Some of it was latex, and some was chalk paint. I just used what I had and dry-brushed it on in a random fashion. The key is not to overthink it. Layering different shades creates depth, texture, and that perfectly weathered, beachy look that makes every cedar wall completely unique.

I had a few people ask me why I have a towel rack over the toilet. These are not towel racks—they’re handicap grab bars. I installed them in a retail store, where they were required by code. Instead of trying to hide them, I incorporated them into the design so they blended in beautifully with the finished space.

This cedar plank wall adds so much color and texture to a dull space. It’s rustic and beachy! Best of all, it’s an affordable weekend project that makes a dramatic impact, giving your room the warmth, charm, and relaxed coastal character that expensive designer wall treatments often provide.

For more cedar plank projects, check out my custom wall signs! They make great home decor and personalized gifts. And a great way to use up the leftover cedar shingles.

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Thank you!

Cheryl Phan