Learn how to turn reclaimed wood into a stunning DIY plank wall! Create an affordable statement wall in a herringbone pattern with this full tutorial.
Hey friends! This is an old project that I felt was time to update since our kitchen has changed so much! So, I've updated it to answer some of the most questions we've received about it AND to include new photos. This is still hands-down one of our favorite DIY projects we have ever tackled, which is why we couldn't possibly get rid of it when we recently completed our big kitchen renovation.
We initially created this DIY plank wall way back in 2014, when we gave our old kitchen a bunch of cosmetic updates so that we could save for our complete kitchen renovation. I'm so glad we did! It wound up taking us 6 years to save for our full kitchen remodel! It was worth the wait, but the cosmetic updates we made cost us less than $700 and allowed us to enjoy the space while we saved for the full remodel.
But back to this plank wall! Initially, I planned to create a standard, horizontal reclaimed wood DIY plank wall. And I was excited about it. Then, my marvelous, amazing, genius husband and DIY partner very casually said, “Why don't we do a herringbone plank wall?” WHHHHHHAAATTTT??? I thought he would think I was going out on a design limb by wanting to do a plank wall, so for him to take it up a notch made me the happiest wife on earth! My answer, of course, was YES!
Sourcing Wood for the Plank Wall
Our first hurdle came when we started brainstorming where to get the wood. We did not want to spend much money since we are on a serious budget for our kitchen refresh. We thought about pallets and even looked for some reclaimed wood on Craigslist. But we just weren't excited about any of the possibilities. Then, my genius husband suggested we use the wood from the privacy fence on the deck. It was SO UGLY and we were planning to take it down anyway.
Preparing the Wood
Joe started by removing boards and sanding them down. It was a messy job, but the boards looked great once they were sanded down. Turns out there was gorgeous cedar under all the old paint and green algae. 
We played around with various stains and finishes until we settled on a simple combination of tung oil and a very, very light dry brushing of grey paint.
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This was the look we ended up with:
Once our wood planks were “perfectly imperfect,” we started planning for the wall application.
To be honest, we had a hard time figuring out exactly where to start. But we did figure it out, and now you can benefit from all of our head-scratching.
What is a herringbone pattern?
First, let's quickly review the basics of a herringbone pattern. With a herringbone pattern, the ends are straight cuts that are butted against each other to create a 90-degree angle. The cuts are actually quite easy, because they are all straight cuts everywhere, except where the ends meet the end of a wall. Here is a diagram of a herringbone pattern:
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DIY Plank Wall with a Herringbone Pattern: Tutorial
Materials needed to create a herringbone plank wall:
- Compound Miter Saw
(or circular saw and speed square) - Nail Gun
- 24-Inch Level
- Speed Square
- Measuring Tape
- Chalk Line (or marker)
(or circular saw and speed square)
(or marker)Steps:
1) Measure and find the center of your wall. Use a long level and a marker, or a chalk line, to draw a vertical line all the way down the center of your wall.
2) Grab your first two boards. Again, note that all of your boards (except those that terminate at the end of a wall or meet up with a wall in the corner) will be cut to the EXACT SAME LENGTH and will be straight cuts. Our boards are 28 inches long.
Butt the end of your boards together to form a 90-degree angle. Align the boards along the center line that you marked on the wall. The center line should intersect the middle of the two boards. See below for an illustration of what I mean (the grey line represents the center line that you will have drawn on your wall).
To confirm that your angle is correct, place your speed square in the corner created by the boards. If your 90-degree angle is perfect, the speed square to sit in the corner without shifting around.
Once you are certain your angle is correct, nail the boards into place with your nail gun. If you don't have a nail gun, you could use a hammer and nail to do it the old-fashioned way. Be sure to get at least one nail per board in a stud so that they are sufficiently secured to your wall.
3) Continue adding boards and confirming your angles before nailing them into place. It moves fairly quickly, with the exception of having to make some special cuts to allow for outlets and light switches. Just mark and cut the boards accordingly.
And here is the finished product. We LOVE IT! This gorgeous DIY plank wall now serves as the perfect backdrop for the casual sitting area in our new kitchen. And for years it served as a beautiful background for our kitchen table (now we have seating at the island and opened the kitchen to our dining room, so we no longer needed the table in the kitchen).
This awesome herringbone wall is an amazing focal point for any room, but don't forget the rest of your space!
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Zero says
May 17, 2016 at 1:59 amThat easily was the best and most sinple way ive ever seen an accent wall done. It looks like you used about 60 planks. How long were the nails you used? It looks amazing: professional even. Great job.
Anita Kennedy says
February 11, 2016 at 10:40 pmAwesome job!
Tasha says
February 13, 2016 at 1:00 amThank you Kennedy!
Kelley says
July 29, 2015 at 12:58 pmWow! You are my hero. That wall is so fantastic, and the wood transformation is amazing. Thanks so much for sharing. I am adding this to my find a place to do this in my house list. :)
Tasha A. says
August 3, 2015 at 8:18 amThanks so much, Kelley! We love our herringbone wall!
roman says
February 18, 2015 at 1:47 pmamazing work! really look nice, warm and comfy! congrats!
Tasha A. says
February 18, 2015 at 7:39 pmThank you!
stefanie says
January 9, 2015 at 1:12 amThe wall looks great! However, aren’t you concerned with having treated lumber in your home?
Tasha A. says
January 9, 2015 at 7:51 amThanks, Stephanie! The wood is cedar, so it was not treated :)
Susan the farm quilter says
November 17, 2014 at 12:36 amLove the herringbone pattern!! This looks totally, professionally, fabulous!!!
Stacy says
October 1, 2014 at 9:42 pmHi Tasha! I LOVE your wall! I had the artsy idea to make this happen in my house and I’m SO glad that you did it first so I don’t have to fumble through and mess it up! I am wondering how you determined the length of your boards in order to get the pattern just right on the wall. Your herringbone looks so delightfully centered :) Thank you!!
Tasha A. says
October 8, 2014 at 10:02 amThank you, Stacy! As I recall, we measured the midpoint of the wall and marked it. Then we held two boards up in the herringbone pattern {butted together to form a 90 degree angle} and eye balled the length that would give us 4 equal sections. I wish it was more scientific than that, but there was some guess work involved. I hope that helps some. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Stephanie says
June 18, 2014 at 11:07 amSooooooo Fabulous!!!! Can you tell me what width the wood boards are?
Tasha A. says
June 19, 2014 at 9:58 pmThank you, Stephanie! I believe they are 6 inches wide. I hope that helps!
Katie @ Little House of Four says
April 29, 2014 at 8:53 pmI’ve done a few plank and board and batten walls, but never a herringbone pattern. You did a fantastic job! I’m sure it’s going to look even better once the kitchen is completed. Love, love, love!!!
Tasha A. says
April 29, 2014 at 9:45 pmThanks so much, Katie!
Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says
April 29, 2014 at 8:48 pmWhat a great idea! It turned out amazing! Consider it pinned! :)
Tasha A. says
April 29, 2014 at 9:45 pmAwww, thanks so much, Beth! I really appreciate it!
Shannon says
April 27, 2014 at 1:30 pmThis looks awesome. What a great project upcycle. I love the rustic look of this. I’d love to have this in our bedroom I’m redoing. Hmmmm! It might just happen.
Shannon ~ bohemianjunktion.com
Tasha A. says
April 27, 2014 at 4:53 pmThanks, Shannon! It would look awesome in a bedroom!
Christine says
April 22, 2014 at 7:09 pmI think you should make a wall like this at my place! hehe So pretty!! You’ve been featured at From Dream to Reality! :)
Tasha A. says
April 22, 2014 at 8:45 pmThank you so much, Christine! You made my night!
Janet says
April 20, 2014 at 9:37 pmIt’s gorgeous! I was watching an episode of House Hunters International recently and there was an apartment in Paris with original floors that were over 100 years old that had the most gorgeous Herringbone floors. So this isn’t just a trend, it should stand the test of time. I LOVE, love, Love it! I’m scanning my house to see were I can put one, I just decided- the back and side of my peninsula in my kitchen!
Tasha A. says
April 21, 2014 at 10:11 amThanks so much, Janet! That is exactly why we opted for a herringbone pattern. It’s a true classic! It will look gorgeous on the back of your peninsula. I hope you will share your results!
Suzy @ Worthing Court says
April 19, 2014 at 9:37 amI don’t blame you for being so excited over this project, Tasha. It is fabulous! Your project is going to be featured at The Scoop this Sunday night. Thank you for linking up!
Tasha A. says
April 19, 2014 at 2:14 pmOh my goodness, thank you so much, Suzy! You made my day!
Amelia says
April 18, 2014 at 11:36 pmThat looks awesome! Nice work, and a totally do-able project, too.
Tasha A. says
April 19, 2014 at 2:16 pmIt is totally doable, Amelia! You should give it a try!
Kelly Goldman says
April 18, 2014 at 9:10 amThat looks awesome! I’m a huge fan of re-using wood!! Also, the stain+paint combo is great!!
Tasha A. says
April 19, 2014 at 2:20 pmThank you so much, Kelly! We are so happy with how this project turned out!
gail says
April 16, 2014 at 8:50 pmgorgeous! Love how your wall turned out. :)
did you see my table top I blogged about this week? http://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2014/04/wooden-chevron-tabletop-using-shutter-slats.html
catching you this week.
gail
Tasha A. says
April 16, 2014 at 9:10 pmThank you so much, Gail! I just returned from checking out your AMAZING table top. I love it! Looks like Louie does, too! Thanks so much for catching me this week :)
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says
April 16, 2014 at 4:22 pmTasha, this is incredible and what a great use of old wood! Thanks for sharing it over at The Makers and I hope you are having a great week!
Tasha A. says
April 16, 2014 at 6:32 pmOh, thank you so much, Katie! My pleasure linking up at your fabulous party! I hope you are having a fabulous week as well!
Carrie This Home says
April 16, 2014 at 2:57 pmI absolutely love how this turned out Tasha! This project is totally worth bursting for!
Tasha A. says
April 16, 2014 at 6:34 pmThank you so much, Carrie! You are so sweet!
[email protected] says
April 16, 2014 at 7:08 amGirl…this is awesome! You WOW me with every single projects you make!! Pinning:)
Tasha A. says
April 16, 2014 at 8:03 amThank you, Aniko!!!! Now if I can just get that eat-in area furnished, we will be in good shape :)
Janai B. says
April 15, 2014 at 11:44 amOh wow! LOVE it-I am definitely doing this in my morning room! Oh, the possibilities.
Tasha A. says
April 15, 2014 at 1:57 pmThanks so much, Janai! I would love to see how your project turns out!
Angela (Life in Velvet) says
April 14, 2014 at 5:31 pmOh I’m SO, SO jealous of your wall! Just amazing! I don’t know how you guys keep coming up with these amazing ideas! I’m DYING to see the rest of the kitchen too :) Thanks so much for linking up at Thursday STYLE! Have a great week :)
Tasha A. says
April 14, 2014 at 7:22 pmAwww, thanks so much, Angela! We are dog tired, but our kitchen makeover is coming along. We have family coming in town this week, so we probably won’t get much done until after Easter, but we are so tired, I think the break will be welcome :)
Julie at Being Home says
April 11, 2014 at 10:58 amI love this! What a fantastic way to use what you already had and make it stylish! That wall makes a nice focal point and statement. Well done! :D
Tasha A. says
April 11, 2014 at 11:12 amThank you so much, Julie! I am thrilled that is cost us absolutely nothing! I can’t wait to finish the kitchen and to put a table and chairs in front of the wall. Have a great weekend!
Melissa @ A Prudent Life says
April 11, 2014 at 8:36 amI love this SO much! It really makes me miss our similar wood walls in the living room of our old house. They add so much warmth and character! And congrats on marrying the genius and thought to do herringbone :)
Tasha A. says
April 11, 2014 at 10:44 amThank you, Melissa! Now I just need to finish the rest of the kitchen. Sigh. We are TIRED! Have a fabulous Friday and weekend!
anna says
April 11, 2014 at 12:26 amthis is FANTASTIC! I love it SO much!you did an amazing job!
Tasha A. says
April 11, 2014 at 10:44 amHi Anna! Thank you so much. We are so happy with how it turned out, and it was actually much easier than I expected. Have a fabulous weekend!
Nancherrow says
April 10, 2014 at 8:25 pmWhat a cool way to upcycle! You’re right-that fence was very unfortunate. But that wall is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Tasha A. says
April 10, 2014 at 9:33 pmThanks so much, Alison! It’s my pleasure linking up to your party!
Corey @ tinysidekick says
April 10, 2014 at 12:23 amThis is awesome Tasha! So funny how styles come back cause my parents did a similar plank wall in their first home. It looks amazing!
Tasha A. says
April 10, 2014 at 8:08 amThat’s funny, Corey! Sounds like your parents have fabulous taste, just like you :)
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
April 9, 2014 at 9:24 pmUm, holy crap. I totally just burst on your behalf. GORGEOUS. Also, your husband knows what herringbone is?!! Marry him all over again. It is incredible!!
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 9:54 pmThank you, Kelly! LOL! I just read your comment to Joe. You are right. Any man that knows what herringbone is is my SOUL MATE! I think I’ll keep him for sure :)
[email protected] says
April 9, 2014 at 8:19 pmThat’s so fabulous! LOVE it! And I’m really impressed that not only was your husband on board with the whole plank wall idea but he even knew the word for herringbone ;)
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 8:36 pmThank you! LOL! I hadn’t even thought about that, Gretchen. You are right, that is impressive!
Tanya from Dans le Lakehouse says
April 9, 2014 at 7:14 pmThis looks amazing!! Never would (wood?) have guessed where you got the wood from. Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun.
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 8:37 pmLOL! I love puns :)
Krista @the happy housie says
April 9, 2014 at 6:05 pmThis turned out amazingly Tasha! I love it- what a great transformation and reuse!!
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 8:38 pmThank you so much, Krista! I am so excited about it!
Carmody says
April 9, 2014 at 5:37 pmGreat job and I love the Herringbone pattern. What an incredible upcycle!
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 8:38 pmThank you so much, Carmody!
Meg @ Lip Gloss and Lumber says
April 9, 2014 at 2:30 pmHi Tasha, you have out done yourself with this one. I love the herringbone pattern, it looks even more amazing in the wood on the wall. And using the privacy screen, genius! Hold on to that one, he’s a keeper for sure. Was your privacy fence made of cedar? I love the finish you came up with too, it looks great! Thanks for sharing :)
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 8:39 pmAwww, thank you, Meg! He is a keeper :) We aren’t totally sure what type of wood the planks are, but I don’t think they are cedar. I wish I knew!
Courtney @ Crafts by Courtney says
April 9, 2014 at 12:57 pmThat wall looks amazing!! I can’t even believe you made that out of an old fence. Now that’s crafting on a budget if I’ve ever seen it. I can’t wait to see what you come up with for the rest of your kitchen!
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 1:53 pmAwww, thank so much Courtney! We love it and were VERY excited that it did not eat any money out of our small makeover budget :)
Colette says
April 9, 2014 at 9:31 amAmazing transformation!! I love your herringbone plank wall! I can’t believe that is the same wood as your privacy wall!! Good luck with your project!
Cheers, Colette
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 10:25 amHi Colette! Thank you. We are tired, but are excited to get it all done and reveal it soon!
Janis says
April 9, 2014 at 2:37 amThis looks amazing & I love it. I just know you home is going to be beautiful.
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 10:26 amThanks so much, Janis!
Angela, blue i style says
April 9, 2014 at 1:39 amIt looks fantastic! Great work and major props to your hubs! Can’t wait to see the rest of the kitchen reno!
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 10:27 amThank you, Angela! We are sooooo tired, but the kitchen transformation is about 50% done and we are loving it. Can’t wait to show it to all of you soon!
Mindi says
April 9, 2014 at 12:44 amUmmm, so awesome!!! I love it too!! Great job, and kudos to your husband for coming up with the idea! I pinned, because I am determined to get a plank wall in my house someday (my closest doesn’t count, but I love it too) I want a big accent wall! Thanks for sharing!! I can’t wait to see the rest of your kitchen when you finish!
Tasha A. says
April 9, 2014 at 10:27 amHi Mindi! Thank you so much. I know, I was so impressed when Joe suggested a herringbone pattern. The plank wall in your closet is amazing. Well, your whole closet is amazing. I’ll come to your house and give you a herringbone plank wall if you come re-do our closet :)
Bre @ Average But Inspired says
April 8, 2014 at 8:58 pmTasha, I love this! It looks beautiful. What a perfect use of your unfortunate looking privacy fence (ha!)! You and your husband did a wonderful job. – Bre @ Average But Inspired
Tasha A. says
April 8, 2014 at 10:14 pmThanks so much, Bre! We are so happy with how it turned out!
Kathryn says
April 8, 2014 at 8:13 pmI cannot believe that wall. This is my favorite project you did so far even though I love and are amazed at them all. The fact that you saved that privacy wall and made it look so beautiful is so great. Paul & I are so into recycling things, the reason we have so much stuff. Ha, Ha. You both just keep amazing me with all your interesting projects.
Tasha A. says
April 8, 2014 at 10:16 pmThanks, Kathy! I think it’s my favorite project, too! It was all Joe’s idea!
[email protected] says
April 8, 2014 at 7:19 pmThis is sorta kinda totally amazing! I love it. I love the texture of it and the color of the wood is beautiful. What a great way to recycle old wood. Great job!
Tasha A. says
April 8, 2014 at 10:19 pmHi Shavonda! Thank you! We are totally in love with it :)
Debra Boyer says
April 8, 2014 at 6:10 pmFabulous and kudos to your great husband! Loving the look and really, the price was so right! Anxious for the full reveal.
Tasha A. says
April 8, 2014 at 10:18 pmThanks so much, Debra! I am anxious for the full reveal, too. I can’t wait to get it all done. It’s going to be SUCH a transformation!
Emilie says
April 8, 2014 at 5:12 pmLove it, what a great way to recycle the fence! Eagerly looking for your kitchen reveal now:)
Tasha A. says
April 8, 2014 at 10:18 pmThanks so much, Emilie! I hope to have the full reveal up by early May, but you will start seeing more kitchen projects here and there between now and then :)