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How to make a feature wall using wood panels

Room with green wall, plants and cube storage unit with wicker basket inserts.

Overview

Boring bit of wall? Not anymore! Using wood panel lengths as a feature creates a focal point and a designer look to an otherwise dull space – and it’s a simple way to give a room more character.

This project uses wood panels, but the same approach can be adapted to create a timber feature wall, or styled with decorative moulding or trim for a more classic finish.

Key takeaways before you start

Here are the main things to know before you start measuring and cutting.

  • Check the wall for hidden services, such as electrical wiring or plumbing, before you fix anything in place.
  • Plan your timber feature wall pattern on paper first so you can confirm spacing, angles and cut lengths before installation.
  • Dry fit every timber length before gluing or nailing, because small alignment issues can stand out once the wall is finished.
  • Wear eye protection, a dust mask and gloves when cutting timber, and work in a well-ventilated area when using adhesive.
  • Choose timber lengths, MDF sheets, pre-finished wall cladding, trim or moulding based on the look you want and the finish you’re planning.

Steps

1

Gather your tools and materials

Below are all of the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project.

Depending on your look, you can use timber wall panels, MDF sheets or pre-finished wall cladding, and finish the design with optional trim or moulding. Before you commit, think about whether you want a simple linear design, an angled timber feature wall pattern or a more traditional panelled look with wall trim.

2

Measure up

Before you get started, take out your measuring tape and figure out where you’d like to place your timber lengths on the wall you’ve chosen, how they’ll sit and how long they need to be.

We recommend drawing your design on paper beforehand. This will help you visualise the layout and plan spacing, especially if you’re creating a timber feature wall pattern or panelled design with trim.

Check the wall area before you start fixing anything in place. Make sure your planned layout won’t interfere with powerpoints, switches, vents, wall-mounted fittings or other features.

For our project, we ran some pieces of timber straight and some on an angle, so we had our square on hand, set to a 45 degree angle. Mark up where you’ll need to cut each of your pieces and also mark and measure the wall so you know how long each piece will need to be.

3

Cut your lengths

Once you’ve figured out how you want your lengths to run, you’re ready to cut.

Safety tip: Always wear eye protection, a dust mask and gloves when cutting timber. Secure your workpiece where possible and keep hands clear of the cutting path.

When sawing, use long strokes with your elbow tucked in, and angle your saw about 45 degrees from the wood. Avoid pressing down on the timber – let your saw do the work. It’s better to cut slightly under size and sand back if needed.

This project is completely customisable, so get creative with your timber panels or feature wall layout.

4

Dry fit to your wall

Once you’ve got all your pieces cut, do a dry fit to your wall to make sure everything lines up.

Tip: Small alignment issues will stand out once installed, so take your time here. Check that your spacing still looks even from a few steps back, not just up close.

5

Glue the back of your panelling

Grab your caulking gun and Liquid Nails and apply it to the back of your timber pieces in a squiggly line, then press firmly into place following your marked layout.

Safety tip: Work in a well-ventilated area when using adhesives and follow the directions on the adhesive label.

6

Nail your panelling in

After you’ve glued everything on, reinforce your timber with nails.

We used a nail gun for this step, but you can also use a hammer.

Important: Before nailing into your wall, check for hidden services such as electrical wiring or plumbing. If you’re not sure what’s behind the wall, get the wall checked before you start fixing panels in place.

7

Fill any gaps

Once your panels are fixed in place, fill any nail holes and joins using Spakfilla or wood filler.

This will give you a smoother finish, especially if you’re planning a painted wall or adding trim or moulding details.

8

Paint your feature wall

Once the filler has dried, you’re ready to paint.

Dark colours can highlight more intricate designs, while lighter colours suit more subtle timber or panelled wall styles.

9

Add trim or moulding for a different finish

If you’re after a more traditional or decorative look, you can add wall trim or moulding to your feature wall.

This can create a panelled effect often seen in Hamptons-style or heritage interiors and works well alongside timber wall designs.

10

Plan your feature wall project

How easy was that? All it took was some timber lengths, a little imagination and a bit of effort, and your wall has a whole new look.

Ready to give your wall a new look? Choose your timber lengths, wall panels, trim or moulding, then plan your layout on paper before you start cutting and fixing.

11

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a wood panel feature wall if I’m renting?
Check your rental agreement and get approval before fixing timber, MDF, trim or moulding to a wall. This project uses adhesive and nails, so it can leave marks or damage if the panels need to be removed later.

How do I know what pattern will work on my wall?
Start by drawing the layout on paper and marking the main measurements. A simple straight layout is usually easier to plan, while angled timber lengths or decorative wall trim need more careful spacing and cutting.

Do I need to check for wiring or plumbing before nailing the panels?
Yes. Always check for hidden services before nailing into a wall. If you’re unsure what’s behind the wall, get it checked before you start fixing timber or wall panels in place.

What should I do if the timber lengths don’t line up during the dry fit?
Pause before gluing or nailing. Recheck your measurements, sand back small overcuts or recut any pieces that are clearly out of place, because alignment issues are much harder to fix once the panels are installed.

Can I use MDF sheets or pre-finished wall cladding instead of timber lengths?
Yes, depending on the look you want. Timber lengths work well for custom patterns, MDF sheets can suit broader panelled designs, and pre-finished wall cladding can help create a more finished look with fewer separate pieces.

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.