DIY {Stained Shiplap} Mater Bedroom – Take 2

When we decided to build again, I knew I wanted re-create the Master Bedroom stained wood wall we had in our old home. This time around we were seasoned pro’s so my husband and I whipped it out in less than a day!

Here is what you’ll need:

STEP 1: Use the chalk line to mark your studs – this makes securing the boards that much easier. 

STEP 2: We used tongue and groove boards instead of actual shiplap due to availability and the price (tongue & groove is much cheaper). Because I am staining the wood different colors, I don’t need that space in-between the board (that shiplap offers) to create dimension – so I went with the more cost-effective option!

I recommend starting from the top of the wall and work your way down installing the boards (use those chalk lines to make sure your nails are going into studs!). We had a vaulted ceiling, so the first couple of cuts were tricky. We used a digital angle ruler to make these cuts with the chop-saw which made the job a little easier.  Remember, when installing these boards – just because one board can stretch the entire length doesn’t mean you should just use ONE board. I recommend using multiple boards in one line to achieve a more visually appealing look. Also, be careful your seams don’t line up as you create each new row.

When we got to the windows, we cut the boards to line up with the wall edge (Eventually we will put the window casing directly on top of the boards – so much easier!). Again, on this part just because they were small foot & a half sections (in between the wall and windows), I still tried to use a few boards, varying the seams. Its okay to use full boards occasionally, but I recommend breaking it up every now-and-again. We got lucky, and the boards lined up just perfectly at the outlets (in-between two boards)! So we used a handheld reciprocating saw to make the notches in the wood to go around the outlets.

And here is what it looks like with all the boards done – time for my hubby to get working on another task while I do the fun part – Staining!

STEP 3: Staining. I often get asked why I don’t stain the wood before installing it. The answer: because I think it is easier this way! When you are hanging the boards, its tough enough rearranging the boards so the seams don’t line up… adding in making sure the color pattern doesn’t repeat is just an extra headache I -or more specifically my husband doesn’t want to deal with! Besides I only get his undivided attention for so long and I am pretty sure if I were saying “no, wait – I don’t like that color next to that board” he’d probably quit on me after the 5th or 6th exchange! Can’t have that!

The next question I always get asked, is what stains I use… and to be honest I switch it up a LOT. I generally use the MINWAX brand (interior oil based), and typically get the quart size of any color because it lasts forever!  These are the base colors I used to accomplish this look.

I usually mix a few stains to get one color and then I have a separate brush and rag for each color combination.For this wall I used old containers to do 5 colors total. [note:  Always test the color before applying it to the wall. I recommend using scrap wood.]. I don’t have the exact ratio of what I combined – but I don’t think it is really a science! Just remember a little of the dark color goes a LONG way, so don’t be too quick to add Ebony or Espresso to your light colors! For this wall I knew I wanted to go darker because my upholstered headboard was light and I wanted a strong contrast – so I did use a bit more of the darker colors in my combos.

When applying the stain to the wall, I start from the bottom and work my way up. I think in the beginning stages, you are still feeling out the colors and more than likely furniture will cover most those areas! As you work you way up, you get more confidence in what you are doing! Plus – I am short, so its easier to start from the ground!  For where your seems meet up, I recommend placing a piece of painters tape to keep the stain from bleeding on the neighboring boards!  Once you are done with that board, just remove the tape and go to the next one – super quick!

Here is what my final stained look:

After adding in some baseboard, trim, carpet and furniture – this is what the final wall looked like “finished”.