What’s the difference between Board & Batten and Wainscoting? Hell, I don’t know! But I know that when I did web searches on both, board and batten pictures were more what I was looking to do, it was higher up on the wall. If anyone knows the real difference, please let me know!
After researching professional sites, I made my plan of attack and headed to Home Depot. First, they cut an 8′ x 5′ piece of 1/4, sanded plywood into 2″ strips. They were so happy to do that for us. I was ready to buy the precut 8′ strips (lath), which came in 1.5″ wide x 48″, which is the height I needed. But the guy strongly suggested I have him cut the plywood since it would only be $13.00 vs. a lot more if I purchased the strips already cut out, so shoot, I said you betcha!
I next needed moulding for the top. I picked something pretty plain. I didn’t want it to be too decorative. Since I wasn’t going to put a wood “wall” on there, the actual wall became that part. So all I needed was some good white paint and nails for my nail gun.
I wanted my board and batten to be 48″ high and the wood strips about 17″ apart. I cut one piece to be my guide. However, what I found useful was measuring the wall I was working on and dividing that width in inches by 17″, that way I wouldn’t be short. I was able to adjust the width accordingly. You can’t tell at all that some of the distances between vertical strips is 16″ and some are 18″.
Next I painted. I decided to paint the moulding separately and just put it on the prepared walls.
On a side note, you can see that we had also pulled up our carpet and were installing vinyl plank flooring. More on that later.
The entire project only took me about a week. Not bad since I did quite a large living room, foyer and hall.
Here are a couple of “after” pictures a few months later. I decided to get rid of those tan/orangey walls and I’m SO glad I did. The hardest part of that job was deciding on which color gray paint to use! I never realized I’d get so crazy about it. Used below is Sherwin Williams Dovetail.
The Cartoon Kitchen 
Your board and batten project with beautiful gray walls is inspiring.
What color is the white you used? We are using dovetail on our walls but now are choosing the right white to coordinate.
I bought the white at Sherwin Williams and I believe it’s their bright white, satin finish. I’m sorry I don’t have the color. Just a bright bright white is what I’d say. I LOVE the Dovetail color choice that we made. I was worried it would be too dark, but it’s perfect! Hope this helps.
I just came across this post while searching for dove tail. I absolutely love your couch, can you share where you purchased it from?
Hi Crystal: I bought the sectional at Ashley Furniture two years ago. I believe they still carry it. I actually am about to replace it because it’s just so darned big in our living room. It’s a great set, just absolutely huge! Hope this helps.