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How to create a batten wall

A finished bedroom featuring a pink batten feature wall behind a neatly made bed and matching bedside lamps.

Overview

If you’ve got a plain wall that needs a bit of a lift, adding battens is an easy way to bring in texture and a timeless architectural feel. Whether you choose clean vertical lines or go for a full grid pattern, a timber batten feature wall adds dimension and classic style to any space.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Steps

1Prepare the area

Start by clearing the room and moving any large furniture out of the way. Take down anything hanging on the wall so you have a clear surface to work with. If your skirting boards have a rounded or decorative profile, it’s best to remove them and replace them with flat, square skirting. Once the space is clear, lay down drop sheets to protect the floors and tape off any edges that need guarding. Check the wall for any cracks or dents - fill them in, let it dry, give the area a light sand, and then wipe everything down with sugar soap to remove dust and grease. This ensures the paint and adhesive will stick properly.
A Bunnings Team Member is using a putty knife to fill the cracks in the wall to ensure the paint and adhesive will stick properly.

2Paint the wall

Before attaching any battens, it’s a good idea to paint the wall. It’s much easier to get a clean, finished result this way, rather than trying to work around the battens later. Go bold for a statement look, or opt for a more neutral tone for a subtle, classic backdrop. Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat if needed, and wait until the surface is completely dry before continuing.
A Bunnings Team Member is painting a wall using a paint roller.

3Plan your batten layout

With your wall clean and painted, it’s time to plan the wall design. Measure the total width of the wall and sketch out your layout on paper first. Decide whether you want evenly spaced vertical battens or a full grid layout. For precise spacing, use this formula: subtract the total width of all battens from the wall width, then divide that number by the number of gaps you want. This gives you the measurement from the outside edge of one batten to the inside edge of the next. Use a tape measure and level to mark the layout directly on the wall. This ensures a balanced and symmetrical result.
A Bunnings Team Member is measuring the width of the wall with a tape measure.

4Cut and prepare the battens

Using pre-primed MDF battens, which are easy to work with and come ready to paint, measure each batten according to your plan and cut them to length using a drop saw. Once cut, give the edges a light sand to smooth any roughness or splinters.
A person is using a drop saw to cut the MDF battens, which are easy to work with and come ready to paint.

5Attach the vertical battens to the wall

Begin by applying construction adhesive to the back of each batten. Press it firmly into position against the wall, starting at one end and working your way across. To hold the battens in place while the adhesive sets, add a couple of brad nails through each one.
A Bunnings Team Member is attaching the vertical battens to the wall using nails.

6Attach the horizontal battens

It’s best to secure all the vertical battens first. Once those are in place, measure and mark for the horizontal battens using a chalk line to ensure a level result.
A Bunnings Team Member is measuring and marking for the horizontal battens using a chalk line.

7Fill and paint

When all the battens are installed, fill any visible nail holes or small gaps where the battens meet the wall using wood filler. Allow the filler to dry completely, then sand the surface until smooth. Use a roller and paint brush to paint over the battens, cutting in around the edges and blending with the wall colour for a seamless finish.
A Bunnings Team Member is using a paint roller to apply pink paint on the installed battens.

8Now that you’ve learnt how to create a batten wall

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. 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 or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.