How To Turn Old Floorboards Into Wall Art

How To Turn Old Floorboards Into Wall Art

The ever-popular white-washed, rustic, coastal style is a summer must-have in your home. With these simple steps you can update your decor this summer and transform your old, reclaimed wood into modern, rustic wall art.

What you will need:

  • A number of floorboards or planks cut to size
  • Nails
  • Stencil
  • Paint brushes
  • Paint
  • Sandpaper

How to create your rustic, wooden art:

First, you will need to secure your planks. Place down two boards, vertically and parallel. These will be your support planks. Lay the rest of the slats, side by side, horizontally across the support planks, making sure there are no gaps.

To secure them, use nails which are long enough to penetrate the top planks, but not so long that they protrude from the support planks, the length of these will depend upon the wood you have chosen to use. Carefully nail the slats into position and saw of any excess length to create an even base.

Next, prepare the wood thoroughly by sanding down the surface, removing any rough edges ready for staining or painting and create a blank canvas for your artwork. Wipe the boards down or hoover to remove any wood dust before you paint.

If you are going to keep the background of your piece natural, simply apply a layer of wood stain. If you are opting to paint the background, dip your paintbrush and blot it slightly with a paper towel, removing any excess paint. Lightly brush paint over the pallet, working in sweeping strokes going with the grain of the boards to achieve a weathered effect.

Make sure you wait until the paint or stain has properly dried before you add your design.

Either use a stencil or, if you are more confident, draw your design on to the wood in pencil before painting it freehand. Build up the colour carefully, applying a little paint at a time in thin layers to help create really clean lines or use masking tape to help create perfect, straight lines.

If you're using a stencil, it is best to use a sponge to apply the colour, creating a flawless pattern or design.

Once dry, use a fine grain sandpaper  to wear the edges and background of the piece to create a rustic, weathered effect. Finally, hang your art!