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DIY Board and Batten Without Removing Your baseboards

Published: · Modified: by · 2182 words. · About 11 minutes to read this article. · 81 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads and sponsored posts · This blog uses cookies · See our privacy policy for more info Filed Under: DIY, Giveaway, Home Decor, Sponsored Post

We are about to embark on a huge master bathroom remodel!  Woot woot!  But before we delve into the world of making our bathroom completely unusable for weeks or months at a time, we decided to tackle a bit of a smaller project to update and upgrade our master bathroom: DIY Board and Batten (without replacing your baseboards!)

DIY Board and Batten Installed on bathroom Walls

Yes, you read that right.  We did NOT replace our baseboards.  I will show you how to make this work without that added work and expense!  Pretty awesome little trick.

Also, I am super thrilled to be able to work with both The Home Depot and ScotchBlue™ Painters Tape to bring you this post today and to be a part of their amazing Blog Hop!  Woot woot!

2014 BlogHopGraphic DIY Board and Batten Without Removing Your baseboards 1 Board and Batten So back to my project of the day...we did not do this Board and Batten throughout our master bathroom, just in the toilet room.  Because this room simply holds a toilet, and a closet, it is teeny tiny.  It has no windows and prior to working on this project, had no decoration either.  It was blah and a bit dark.
View from the floor of installed Board and Batten
Adding white board and batten to our toilet room instantly lightened and brightened the room!  And it also helps the room feel taller which in turn helps the room not feel as small.
So excuse the cramped photos...but here are a few before shots of our boring master bathroom toilet room!
Collage of bathroom before installing Board and Batten
Really it is just four blank walls and a toilet.  Ha!  Not much to see here.  Well...until we worked a little magic!
So we headed to one of our absolute favorite stores, The Home Depot!  And we gathered our supplies so that we could begin building!
supplies for installing board and batten on bathroom walls

Supplies for installing board and batten without removing baseboards:

  • 1" x 4" primed wood (these will become your vertical and horizontal board and batten pieces)
  • Decorative Trim for the Top, primed (be sure that the bottom of the trim is at least ¾" thick)
  • Smaller Decorative Trim for the Bottom, primed (this will "extend" your baseboards, be sure one side it at least ¾" thick)
  • Semi-Gloss White Paint (we use Porter Cliff White as it matches our existing molding)
  • Paint Roller (4" - 6" in size)
  • Paint Tray
  • Foam Paint Brush
  • Level
  • Ryobi® AirStrike Cordless Brad Nailer (or similar)
  • 2" Brad Nails
  • Compound Miter Saw
  • Electric Sander
  • 120 Grit Sandpaper
  • Caulk
  • Paintable Wood Putty
  • ScotchBlueâ„¢ Painter’s Tape for Delicate Surfaces with Edge-Lock™ Paint Line Protector 2080EL
How much to get??
Well sadly, I really can't give you that answer.  It will all depend on the size of your room and how close together you want your vertical pieces of wood.  But here are a few things to keep in mind:
  • 1" x 4" will be used for a top and bottom horizontal border and your vertical pieces, so get enough to be able to horizontally go around the room, twice.  Plus enough for all of your vertical pieces.  Be sure to add a bit extra for your cuts and just in case.
  • Get enough top and bottom decorative trim to go around the room horizontally.  Be sure to add a bit extra for your beveled cuts and "just in case".
  • You do not have to buy pre-primed wood.  However, The Home Depot had a great selection and we knew it would save us a ton of time and money since we wouldn't need to prime the wood ourselves prior to painting!  So consider buying primed wood if possible.
Installing the top horizontal piece for Board and Batten walls

Steps for installing board and batten.

  1. The first step was to determine the height we wanted our board and batten to be.  We decided that we wanted our 1" x 4" top horizontal piece to be equal to a horizontal piece found on our doors so we began there.
  2. We first installed our top horizontal 1" x 4" piece by lining the height up with a particular piece in our door and then used the nail gun to adhere it in place.  There is no need to bevel the corner cuts on this piece of wood, but you can if you like.  Be sure to use a level during this step!
  3. Next, we placed our top decorative trim on top of the 1" x 4" top piece and nail gunned that into place.  We cut all of these corners at a 45-degree beveled edge so that they fit together well.

We had one "tricky" wall where the trim would sit very snugly between two door frames that met where the trim would go at a 90-degree angle.  Because of how thick our trim was, we needed to notch out a bit on the top of our trim to fit underneath the door frame. Then we worked on our bottom molding.

installing trim a few inches above Baseboards to heighten them

How to increase the size of your baseboards without replacing them when your installing board and batten walls

We desperately did not want to replace the baseboards, however, because baseboards angle towards the wall at the top, it would look silly to place a 1" x 4" board directly on top of it.  There would be an awkward overhang and that would bother the perfectionist in me!  So we did the exact same thing we did when we installed our DIY Plank Walls, we installed a small piece of trim, upside down, just a bit above the existing baseboards.
We found a cute decorative piece of trim where one side angled in, and the other angled out and we knew this would be perfect.  Again we used our nail gun to nail this trim into place.  Break out your level for this step as well!
And then we installed a 1" x 4" piece of wood directly on top of the bottom trim using our nail gun.
Top and Bottom Trim with vertical pieces to form board and batten before painting
Once the top and the bottom trims were installed, it was time to install our vertical pieces.  Again we used our 1" x 4" wood pieces for this portion of the project.  We simply measured the height in between the top and bottom trim, cut, and used our nail gun to install these.
Now you might be wondering, how far apart do we place the vertical pieces of wood?  And that is a great question!  One that I again cannot fully answer for you, but here is what you need to consider:
  • We wanted to have a board extending out from either side of each corner, and at every door jamb.  So we started there.
  • In theory, you should have vertical boards equidistant from each other.
  • However, due to wall size and variation, this isn't always possible.
  • Wour eye won't notice a slight difference when the walls are perpendicular or parallel to each other.  So you can actually get away with a bit of fudging here and no one (except you) will know!

We ended up placing a board in each corner and every place our wall ended (like into a door jamb).  We left the two smallest walls alone at that point.  Putting another board in between them would have made the board and batten pattern too busy.

On each of our longer walls, we placed another vertical board directly in the center.
All of the spaces between the vertical boards are slightly different, but it only varies within about an inch and you can not tell at all!  You would honestly have to take out a tape measure to find any differences.  The eye just naturally sees the rhythmic repeating pattern of the board and batten and your brain interprets it as equidistant even though there is a slight variation.
So that is what worked for us.  You may have to get a little creative figuring out how to make this work in your particular space!
At this point, we had originally intended to do another horizontal piece in between the vertical boards, but we decided that it would look too busy for such a small space and so we left it as is.
Collage of filling holes, sanding and cleaning up after sanding the board and batten

Then we caulked around every single edge and joint.  This is what gives you your nice, finished, professional look!  So take your time to caulk well.

Then we applied wood putty to every nail hole.  Again, this will give you a nice, finished look so be sure to do this.

Then we let it all dry completely.  In fact, we took the rest of the night off and went to bed!

Next comes my least favorite part.  There is always one part of DIY-ing that isn't anyone's favorite.  And mine is sanding.  It just makes such a mess.  So for whatever reason, it is my least favorite part!  But it is desperately important!  So even if you don't like it, you can not skip this step!

So I sanded it well, and then I wiped it all clean!  I love to use baby wipes to clean sawdust off of surfaces, but a tack cloth or clean rag will work well too.

Collage of taking with Scotch Blue Painters Tape to paint the board and batten

Finally, it was time to paint!  We used ScotchBlue™ Painters Tape for Delicate Surfaces with Edge-Lock™ Paint Line Protector. We simply ran this along the top of our trim and along the bottom trim near the floor to protect our walls and our floors while painting.

I love their Delicate Surfaces tape because it is perfect for use on delicate surfaces including painted walls!  And I hate it when I tape and paint an area, only to remove the tape to have it take off paint!  That is the worst!  And ScotchBlue™ Painter's Tape went on simply, and came off without a single hitch!  It was perfect!

So we taped, painted (several coats) and then took the tape off.

Photo of finished walls after installing board and batten

The next day I was ready to style my new board and batten bathroom!  After talking with my husband and doing a little shopping at the local craft store, I found the most beautiful, aqua, distressed frames!  And I knew these would look really nice in the bathroom!  They gave it a perfect pop of color without being overpowering and I honestly just loved the frames!!

So I took to Facebook to try to figure out what to put in the frames!  You guys gave me some of the most amazing suggestions of places to look for prints!!  I found some really pretty ideas, but nothing spoke to me.  I also didn't want to use photos of my family in the toilet room...I didn't want to feel like I was being watched while in there!

So after hours of searching through all your suggestions and not finding anything that truly spoke to me, I decided to use a few photos we took while vacationing in fun locations over the years!  I turned them black and white, sent them off to be printed, and LOVE how they look in there!  Especially with the aqua frames!

Collage of turquoise frames with vacation pictures sitting on ledge of board and batten
I honestly can't believe how much I love my bathroom now!!  (Yes I know I have said that before HERE, HERE and HERE.)  But it is truly amazing how much a little elbow grease, some wood and paint, and a few decorations can truly transform a room!
Our bathroom feels lighter, brighter and even bigger due to our board and batten transformation and it finally feels more like my home rather than just another room in our home that wasn't decorated (I have many of those!).
This year's Summer Blog Hop is called "Get It, Got It, Go" and is being hosted by Kate at Centsational Girl's blog!  Be sure to click below to see all of the other fabulous projects!
To learn more, visit ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  Also be sure to visit The Home Depot on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
 
I am proud to be a 3M- sponsored blogger, and, as part of my responsibilities, I get the opportunity to evaluate new products from ScotchBlueâ„¢ Painter's Tape. Opinions are my own and additional product used in the project were selected by me.
IEL7 JfdK DIY Board and Batten Without Removing Your baseboards 2 Board and Batten

DIY Board and Batten Without Removing Your baseboards 3 Board and Batten
THDLOGO DIY Board and Batten Without Removing Your baseboards 4 Board and Batten

 

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Check Out Our Master Bathroom Remodel Series:

Part 1:  Master Bathroom Inspiration

Part 2:  Master Bathroom Demo

Part 3:  Shower Remodel Prep

Part 4:  Building a Shower Pan

Part 5:  Tile the Shower

Part 6:  Installing Moen Posi-Temp® Shower Fixtures

Part 7:  How to Install Radiant Heated Tile Floors

Part 8:  Install New Tile Counter Tops

Part 9:  Install a Tile Accent Wall

How to Install a new Shower Door

How to Install new Bathroom Mirror Frames (in about 10 minutes!)

DIY Framed Mirror with Hidden Jewelry Organization

Please note that I am not a professional.  I am just sharing what worked for us.  As always please use all proper safety precautions and read and follow all manufacturer instructions.  Please note that I am not responsible in any way for any outcome if you try this yourself.  I am not liable for any injury or additional cost or expense incurred.  I always recommend consulting and hiring a professional if needed.  And always be sure to check with local building codes to obtain all permits needed for any DIY project.

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Comments

  1. We are in the process of finishing our basement, so I could put this towards paint. I am also in need of some more plants for my flower beds.<br /><br />[email protected]om

    Reply

  2. I would put it towards our (pending) project to re-screen in our back porch.

    Reply

  3. Plants for our new patio!

    Reply

  5. I would buy subway tile for my kitchen backsplash!

    Reply

  7. white wood blinds for my bedroom.

    Reply

  8. that looks great, and i agree, the aqua frames really make them stand out. i would totally buy more pots and plants-since we put in our little patio, i&#39;m spending a lot more time outdoors. thanks.

    Reply

  9. this would make a little chunk in all of the many things we plan on doing after our October wedding is done - we&#39;ve asked for home depot cards instead of registering so we can rehaul the entire kitchen (trust me...it really needs it)

    Reply

  10. I would buy a closet organizing system.

    Reply

  11. I would purchase plants or paint. 🙂

    Reply

  12. paint and boards for a project

    Reply

  13. I would get bathtub faucet heads and tiles.

    Reply

  14. Hmmm. I need some dropcloths, rods and rings for curtains in my great room. Or paint for that room (or any other in my house for that matter!)

    Reply

  15. I would buy plants!

    Reply

  16. I really need a new ladder and some lightbulbs

    Reply

  17. I would buy new decorations/plants for my patio!

    Reply

  18. Paint for our kitchen cabinets. 🙂

    Reply

  19. Wood trims for sprucing up a bathroom.

    Reply

  20. I would use it to buy paint for our new house!

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  21. I would put it towards garden supplies!

    Reply

  22. I&#39;d spend it on outdoor furniture!

    Reply

  23. i would buy paint to repaint my dark bathroom

    Reply

  24. I think I would buy some nice hanging baskets for the front porch.

    Reply

  25. It looks fabulous!! I would by a backsplash for the kitchen!

    Reply

  26. I would put it towards a lawn mower!

    Reply

  27. I&#39;d use it towards gettting my new kitchen floors.

    Reply

  28. We&#39;re updating our entry so I&#39;d buy paint.

    Reply

  29. I want some plants!

    Reply

  30. I would buy a nail gun and miter saw!

    Reply

  31. new paint for my living room!!!

    Reply

  32. Paint &amp; a sprayer!!<br />

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  33. I&#39;d put it towards paint for our new house<br /><br />demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. I would give it to my husband!

    Reply

  35. I would purchase paint and paint the outside of my art shack/studio. May I add it desperately needs it!

    Reply

  36. I would probably put it towards a paint sprayer so I can refinish my kitchen cabinets this summer 🙂

    Reply

  37. We are turning 4 year-old twin boys&#39; bedroom into a real boys room for upcoming double 5 birthday!!! So paint, and fun!

    Reply

  38. i would love to redo my bathroom<br />or maybe a ceiling fan for my room!

    Reply

  39. we are saving up for a kreg jig<br /><br />jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com

    Reply

  40. I would use it towards new plants for my backyard.

    Reply

  41. Love your project! We did board and batten earlier this year in our home. It makes so much impact to a room!

    Reply

  42. Flowers for my garden.

    Reply

  43. I&#39;m trying to redecorate our condo so it looks/feels like home. Home Depot is my latest best friend. Haha

    Reply

  44. I would buy some hanging baskets for my back patio.

    Reply

  45. Paint. I have lived in my house for 8 years and have never changed the decor. It&#39;s totally out of date.

    Reply

  46. I would buy some plants for the yard

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  47. I think I would buy some concrete sealer.

    Reply

  48. Would love to try the board and batten idea I saw. It utilizes paint to create the idea of paneling. Very nice. I need to paint several rooms, so I can use all the great ideas I get from Home Depot.

    Reply

  49. I need to make curtains out of canvases for my patio. Would buy those!! 🙂

    Reply

  50. We are slowly trying to finish our basement. We would use the gift card toward something for that...maybe drywall or paint.

    Reply

  51. I would buy stuff for my patio...flowers, a chair, maybe a few do oration pots.

    Reply

  52. Martha Stewart Paint ..Thanks for the Chance!

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  53. I would give it to my husband and let him pick out some tools. He really would like that.

    Reply

  54. I would love to put it towards a new front door to our home! Ours is old and we get such cold air coming thru in the winter! Have to put blankets around it!

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  55. You have the cutest little bathroom!!

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  56. I&#39;d buy flowers for my garden.

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  57. I would put it toward a cordless drill

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  58. I would buy paint and some painting supplies!

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  59. I&#39;d put it towards supplies to build my daughter a window seat in her room.<br />ginger _ rose @ hotmail .com

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  60. I would probably spend it on patio furniture.

    Reply

  61. Nice project! Looks very upscale

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  62. We are repainting most rooms in our house. This would go for paint!

    Reply

  63. I would buy a wheelbarrow!<br />Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply

  64. I would buy mulch for my front yard!<br /><br />Entered the rafflecopter form as &quot;Wild Orchid&quot;<br /><br />Thanks for the chance to win!<br />wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  65. OOOOOOhhhhhhhhhhh - I love this. Being that we are just about ready to get our keys for our house being built - I am sure I could find all sorts of things to pick up at Home Depot. The yard will probably be our first thing - but I have 2 water closets that I would love to do this to. So I&#39;ll be back to double check instructions again. Thanks!!!

    Reply

  66. I love your makeover, thanks for sharing at Inspiration Monday!<br />Debbie

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  67. put it toward a new vanity- livivua

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  68. Paint for our master bath.

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  69. probably tools for my hubby! 🙂

    Reply

  70. Paint and some new flowers for our garden!

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  71. I would buy shelving for our garage.<br />kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

    Reply

  72. I would probably get paint.<br /><br />Jennifer Marie

    Reply

  73. I&#39;d get some chalkboard paint and a few other supplies for some projects I have in mind!<br /><br />coriwestphal at msn dot com

    Reply

  74. i would buy shelves

    Reply

  75. I would buy paint!

    Reply

  76. Rain guards for our gutters...boring but so neccessary!

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  77. I need a little of everything! !

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  78. I would buy paint and shrubs

    Reply

  79. I would buy some tools.<br /><br />rounder9834 @yahoo.com

    Reply

  80. Nice article on board and batten wainscoting. However your topic is how to the b&b without removing your baseboard. Unfortunately you failed to show pictures of your baseboard, the intermediate trim you used and the end result of not removing your baseboard. Your article would have been better pitched as aqua frames bring color to small.space.

    Reply

    • Hi there. Thank you for taking time to comment. If you scroll down, under the heading of STEPS FOR INSTALLING BOARD AND BATTEN I do show our existing trim (the bottom trim portion), the space of blank wall, and the new trim added above. Hope that helps! Best of luck.

      Reply

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