In this blog, I’ll show you how I have made board and batten with my existing baseboards.
If you’re dreaming of a timeless, textured look for your walls but have existing baseboards standing in the way, you’re not alone. The idea of adding board and batten to your space often comes with the question: Can I add this style without removing my current baseboard? The good news is, absolutely—you don’t need to start from scratch to transform your walls with this charming, classic design.
Stick around, because by the end, you’ll be inspired to give your walls the makeover they deserve, without the hassle of removing or replacing your baseboard. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
What You’ll Need
To add board and batten with your existing baseboards, you’ll need a few key supplies to get the job done smoothly. Here’s a list to help you gather everything you need:
- MDF or Wood Panels – For the vertical battens and horizontal top and bottom trim (depending on your design).
- Baseboard (optional) – If you’re adding trim to the top of the baseboard, make sure it matches the height of the existing one for a seamless look.
- Measuring Tape – Accurate measurements are crucial for getting everything lined up perfectly.
- Level – Ensure your battens are straight and aligned for a polished finish.
- Nail Gun or Hammer and Nails – For securing the battens to the wall. A nail gun makes the process quicker.
- Wood Glue – For extra adhesion between the battens and the wall.
- Caulk – To fill in any gaps between the baseboard and the battens for a smooth, professional look.
- Wood Filler – For filling in nail holes or imperfections.
- Paint or Stain – Depending on your preferred finish, you’ll need paint or stain to match your design.
- Primer – If you’re painting, a good primer will help your finish look flawless.
- Sanding Block – To smooth out the wood filler and rough edges.
- Miter Saw or Handsaw – For cutting your battens and trim to size.
- Painter’s Tape – Helps keep your lines sharp when painting.
- Protective Gear – Safety glasses and a dust mask for cutting and sanding.
Step-By-Step Tutorial
Adding board and batten to my guest room was one of the best DIY projects I’ve tackled. It gave the space a fresh, custom look—without having to rip out the existing baseboards.
If you want to achieve the same look, I’m breaking down exactly how I did it, step by step.
Step 1: Planning & Measuring
Before starting, I measured my walls to figure out spacing for the battens.
Since I already had baseboards, I needed to adjust my design so the battens wouldn’t look too cramped or too far apart.
I decided on a spacing of 16 inches apart from center to center. This worked well visually and ensured that at least some of the battens lined up with wall studs for extra stability.
If your wall has obstacles like outlets or switches, adjust accordingly to keep things looking balanced.
My guest room wall was 120 inches long, so I used eight battens for even spacing.
Step 2: Cutting & Installing the Top Rail
Since I wanted a polished look, I added a 1×6 MDF board across the top of the wall to act as a rail.
I cut it to 120 inches to match the length of my wall using a miter saw.
I installed it 54 inches from the floor, ensuring it was perfectly level before securing it with construction adhesive and my brad nailer.
Step 3: Cutting & Installing the Battens
Next, I cut my 1×4 MDF boards to 48 inches to fit between the baseboard and top rail.
I double-checked each measurement since walls and floors aren’t always perfectly level.
To install, I applied construction adhesive to the back of each batten and then secured it with my brad nailer.
I made sure each batten was perfectly vertical using a level before nailing it into place. I placed the battens 16 inches apart from center to center.
Step 4: Filling Gaps & Caulking
This step makes all the difference in getting a clean, professional look.
I filled all nail holes with wood filler and let it dry completely before sanding it smooth.
I also caulked along the edges of each batten where it met the wall and top rail.
This hides small gaps and makes everything look seamless.
Step 5: Sanding & Painting
Once the caulk and filler were dry, I lightly sanded everything with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough spots.
Then, I wiped down the wall with a damp cloth to remove dust.
I applied one coat of primer to help the paint adhere and then followed up with two coats of Sherwin-Williams Pure White (semi-gloss).
Using a brush for the edges and a small foam roller for smooth application worked best.
Conclusion
Adding board and batten with existing baseboards turned out to be an incredibly rewarding DIY project. Not only did it elevate the look of my guest room, but it also proved that you don’t need to remove baseboards to achieve a polished, custom feel.
If you’re thinking about giving your walls a fresh new look, I highly recommend this project. It’s beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and makes a big impact. So grab your tools, take it one step at a time, and enjoy the process—your beautifully updated walls will be well worth the effort.
FAQs
What type of wood or material should I use for the battens?
MDF is a budget-friendly and smooth option, while real wood is more durable and resistant to dents. I used 1×4 MDF boards for a clean and consistent finish.
Can I install board and batten on textured walls?
Yes, but if your walls have heavy texture, you may need to smooth them with thin MDF panels or skim coat them with joint compound before installing the battens for a clean look.
What’s the best paint finish for board and batten?
A semi-gloss or satin finish works best because it’s easy to clean and adds a subtle sheen that enhances the details of the trim. I used Sherwin-Williams Pure White in semi-gloss for a crisp and polished look.
How do I make the battens look seamless with the wall?
Caulking the edges where the battens meet the wall and filling in nail holes with wood filler will create a professional, built-in look.
