Okay, so I’ve been meaning to get this project done for ages, and I finally tackled it! It’s all about creating this “batten dancing hard timber” effect – basically, making a feature wall with timber battens. Sounds fancy, but it’s really not that hard.

Getting Started

First things first, I gathered my materials. I chose some nice, straight pieces of hardwood – didn’t want any wonky bits messing up the lines. I also grabbed some strong adhesive, screws, a spirit level, a measuring tape, a saw (a miter saw is best, but a hand saw works too), and of course, safety glasses. Can’t forget those!

Prep Work

Next, I prepped the wall. I made sure it was clean and smooth. I have a few bumps, it is not a big problem. If there are any major holes or cracks, I filled those in with some filler and sanded it down. I also gave the wall a quick wipe down to get rid of any dust.

Measuring and Cutting

This is where things get a bit more precise. I measured the wall and decided on the spacing I wanted between the battens. I went for a fairly even spacing, but you can play around with different layouts. Once I had my measurements, I started cutting the timber battens to length. The miter saw made this super easy, giving me nice, clean cuts.

Attaching the Battens

Now for the fun part! I started by applying a generous amount of adhesive to the back of the first batten. Then, using my spirit level, I carefully positioned it on the wall, making sure it was perfectly vertical. I pressed it firmly into place and, for extra security, added a few screws along the length of the batten. I made sure to countersink the screws so they wouldn’t be visible.

• Repeated the process. I use a spacer block, which make me easy to keep.
• Checked the level.
• Adjusted as needed.

Finishing Touches

Once all the battens were in place, I stepped back and admired my handiwork! If there are any gaps between the battens and the wall, It is not a big problem, I can handle it next time. And I’m done. My “batten dancing hard timber” wall is complete!

Honestly, it was a pretty straightforward project, and it made a huge difference to the room. It adds so much texture and interest. If you’re looking for a relatively easy way to upgrade a space, I’d definitely recommend giving this a try!