Inside: This DIY Wood Wall Art is a simple and stylish way to add color and character to your space.
Need a quick and simple way to update a wall or fix an empty space? I had been wanting to try out making wall art and with the #buildfromscrap challenge I put out there, I thought this was a perfect time.
So in addition to these DIY Lanterns and Dog Leash Holder I made this DIY Wood Wall Art all from scrap. This simple project requires only straight cuts and 45-degree miter cuts.
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*Before you get started make sure you have your Safety Gear. For this project, I recommend safety goggles, ear protection and optional N95 mask to prevent breathing wood particles and aerosols during sawing, sanding, staining and spray paint application.
TOOLS FOR DIY WOOD WALL ART
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Saw – I use a Rigid Table Saw
- Miter saw
- Wood clamps
- Carpenter square
- Nailer – a Brad nailer or a pin nailer – I use a Ryobi nail gun and a Ryobi pin nailer
- Sander or sandpaper
SUPPLIES FOR DIY WOOD WALL ART
I used scrap 1 x 2s for the chevron pieces and rip cut a 3/4 inch thick board to 1 inch wide pieces for the frame. For the back I used two pieces of thin 1/8 inch plywood scrap. If you don’t have enough scrap wood then I have included what wood to purchase below. Here were my scraps.
*This project was made from ripped cut 3/4 inch boards and scrap 1 x 2s. See wood supply below if you don’t have enough scrap.
- 3/4 inch thick boards (1 x 2, 1 x 3, 1 x 4, etc), ripped cut for the frame. You can also buy a 1-inch wood dowel if you don’t have a table saw. Purchase enough to make the four sides of the frame. Total length needed to make the same size frame I made is app 52.5 inches.
- 2 – 1 x 2 x 8 or scrap
- 1/8 or 1/4 inch x 48 x 96 inch plywood board
- 18G 1 1/4 inch brad nails
- 23G 1 inch pin nails
- Wood glue
- Wood filler (optional)- I used Elmer’s Wood Filler in Natural
- Wood stain – I used Varathane Sunbleached and Mixwax Early American
- Spray paint – I used Rustoleum flat white and Krylon satin Sea Glass
CUTS FOR DIY WOOD WALL ART
My wood wall art measured 15 1/8 x 13 1/8 inches. Adjust your size according to the amount of you have wood available and per your preference.
- 2 – 3/4 inch boards ripped cut to 1 inch wide x 15 1/8 inches long (frame long sides)
- 2 – 3/4 inch boards ripped cut to 1 inch wide x 11 1/8 inches long (frame short sides)
- Several pieces – 45 degree miter cut on both ends. Lengths vary depending on the size of your frame (chevron pieces). My longest piece was app 8 1/2 inches.
STEPS TO MAKE DIY WOOD WALL ART
Step 1) Start out by making the frame. Arrange your frame pieces with the backside facing up. Use a square to keep it aligned. Add the plywood backing using wood glue and brad nails or finishing nails. For the back piece, I had a smaller strip of plywood to work with so I cut it in half and trimmed both pieces the same length. The two pieces covered the back of my frame.
Step 2) Cut and add the chevron pieces. The length and amount of chevron pieces vary depending on the overall size of your frame. Measure and mark center. Cut one end at 45 degrees. Place the point at center and mark the other end for another 45-degree miter cut. It may take a few cuts to get the correct length. Repeat this until the frame is filled. Dry fit all the chevron pieces.
Step 3) Sand your piece.
Step 4) Choose your paint or stain color. I numbered each piece and marked the backside with the intended color/stain for easy retrieval. I stained the frame by layering Varathane Sunbleached and Mixwax Early American. I used the same stain for a few chevron pieces and the other pieces I used Rustoleum flat white and Krylon satin Sea Glass. Allow the stain/paint to dry.
Step 5) Glue your pieces in place. Apply wood glue to the back of each chevron piece and put in place. I left most of the pieces in place and glued a couple at a time. This makes it easier for placement. Allow to dry. Add hanging hardware if hanging, or lean it against a wall.
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