DIY Board & Batten

My entry way looked way too boring, so I decided to put up board and batten wainscoting. This completely transformed my home and you can do yours too!
For a written tutorial click here wilkerdos.com/2...
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Tools in this video:
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[@phillipward8776]

I like to see young people realize one fact, getting started is usually the highest hurdle, of course you have to have availability of tools and your budget must have some room in it for the projects you want to tackle. While some of your projects have flip flopped a little on the engineering, they turn out nice, and work. When Massman Johnson built their suspension bridge across the Mississippi River, they remarked, anyone can engineer a bridge if you give them enough resources. Their bridge turned out to be eloquent and highly functional. You have a great insight about the mechanics, I don't know if you fully understand the fullest functionality of the form, but it's hard to argue with great results. I like your videos and like the steps you follow and the way you keep your projects manageable. Naturally there are different realms and scopes, in the spectrum of home improvement that most young couples could pull off with a few helpful pointers, you are very good at filling that niche. I wish you all of the very best and am thankful for people like you who dare to get started.

[@johnconklin9039]

Looking good! A handy thing to keep around for cutting sheet goods on the floor is a sheet of rigid foam insulation board. You can cut into it hundreds of times, and it's light to move/store.

[@alvarovega7013]

What I like it most is that you did not use fancy tools. You make it look so easy... sorry for my English, not my native language.

[@khizzmocsan5846]

one of the most gifted woman and a talented woman in the world...I really appreciate your knowledge...

[@countrypool1]

Young lady, you are a true inspiration! Awesome. I wish I had known someone like you when I was younger and healthier.

[@teresarenner-young9750]

Thank You!! I'm working on this in my dining room and, as a single mother with no help from a man, I love the tutorials done by women. So inspiring! Getting to work on it now!

[@partom24]

I'm glad you're sticking with making videos! Seeing the way you find simple work arounds to everyday problems is inspiring. Keep up the good work! ;)

[@jimm274]

This looks like a simple project foe an area my wife wants me to improve next to the garage entry door. Looks easy and low cost. I really like the way you make do with what you have. Sorta where a lot of us live. Tip for caulking.... Take an expired credit card or debit card. Shape the corners to whatever shape/size you need and use it to clean the caulked corner. Works like a charm

[@1cor15_1-4]

I think the after is way better than the before. And I know them racks are gonna be nice in the winter. Thanks for sharing

[@nikolaysokolay737]

With these girls and for life it is easy to walk .... They are such clever people!

[@IrfanShah-wc7ei]

I salute your teacher or instructor who ever taught you this engineering. Thumsup.

[@DiHandley]

Thanks April. Another great video. I think that what makes your videos so interesting is that you're not afraid to show your mistakes. There are so many wood working videos showing you how to do the right thing. Why don't people make videos on what not to do? Anyway, cheers.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks David, I appreciate that. : ) Well it probably isn't intentional that these other guys don't show mistakes. I'm a newbie so I'm always making them, but these other guys are so good that they probably don't run into problems as often as I do. Know what I mean? So somebody like John can probably go through several projects without making, and therefore showing, a mistake.

[@patmac]

Great job. Might suggest using a 'standard' length spacer between your 'battons' or, stiles. Cut one to your desired separation length and use it to space accordingly. The less you use the tape measure, the better your joints will be...;) Not a dig, just passing on a tip I learned from an old pro years ago.

[@nyinfamous2k2]

Great job , and it looks really good. Just a little tip on calking, forget using a wet finger or a ton of wet paper towel. a wet tile sponge works best. keep a bucket with you, ring out excess water, and gently glide it over the calk with low pressure. then wash the sponge off in the bucket and repeat on all calk seems. works perfectly, no mess and no wasted towels.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Oh that's a good tip. I was just wiping it on the floor (since I had paper down) and it was everywhere once I was done! : ) Thank you.

[@nyinfamous2k2]

April Wilkerson no problem, I used to do it the other ways for years until a friend told me about the sponge trick. It's 1000 times better method. Btw top quality videos. Really enjoying watching. That same friend (who we've both done construction together all our lives) put me on to your videos. Very inspiring. Although iv always done construction never had a house of my own to do diy projects until last year. Bought my first house, set up a small work shop and with inspiration from people like you I'm getting in to the diy world and loving it. So thank YOU.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) It's great to hear you enjoy my channel, thanks for letting me know. Congrats on your new house, I hope you enjoy fixing it up.

[@cloverdale87]

More tips Never use the cutter on the gun to cut the tip. It get's mashed and out of round. Use a sharp razor. The width of the caulk joint needed is the liquid part not the nozzle size. The angle of the cut and why you cut the angle. So you can see the flow and trap the caulk. Try to get in the habit of PUSHING caulk. Slow down and watch the tip as you push forward. You will see a bulge of caulk that you dont want to get wider then the plastic tip. Because of the angle of the cut as you turn the barrel of your PROFESSIONAL caulking gun. The width of the bead can be made wider. Caulking is a two handed job. One to squeeze and push and the other to guide and rotate. Caulking is not caulking until it is tooled and all air bubbles are gone and no gaps behind the caulk. As you get better and by pushing the caulk. The rear of plastic tip will tool as you push. This is another reason to use the razor because a plastic "fuzzy" will mark your bead. I would not have done the bead of chalk as you have done because I like sharp corners and a caulk bead looks like a cover-up. I would have caulked the back edge of the batten boards and then nailed them on. The caulk would work like a glue and the squeeze out of caulk would be completely removed with the putty knife. This is a good habit any how because one day because your going to want to do some stained wood. Fill nail holes with Glazing compound if painting and wood putty if staining. Cheers

[@ellenv3381]

Wow, what a great explanation on how to use caulk correctly! Thanks!

[@07Convertable]

Beauty AND talent together!!! Great job April! I really enjoyed that shade of white that you are wearing on your leg! You could be a trend setter someday.

[@alexgonzales8020]

I like your work. You are very clean and thorough. I also like the different projects that you do. They are fun and interesting to watch.

[@davehendren3380]

Awesome video April. I really like the coat hooks you put in. Your guests will feel welcome right at the entry when they can drop their coat and not have to go through your closet to find it again. Your place really looks warm and inviting. Or as you say, "prettier and more welcoming"

[@frangitofrangito]

Adds a lot of character to the entrance! Love it! Have a Happy Labour Day!

[@mickyhuedepohl3654]

Thank you for making video short and sweet, and to the point. Looks awesome!

[@amathest62]

I like this. You changed the look and it looks awesome.

[@JohnHeisz]

Great way to make a big improvement in how it looks - really brightens it up too!

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Thanks John. I agree that it brightens it up. I'm notorious for painting with dark colors, even in small spaces, so this is a good way to open it back up but still get my dark color in there.

[@ShavingsandAwl]

What a transformation. Great idea! Really took a standard wall and made it stand out. Nice work April.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank ya, thank ya. : )

[@InFlorida4252]

What an absolute pleasure it was to watch you expertly go through each step of this beautifully done project! Cutting your own wood strips was cost effective and inspiring! Love it!

[@fdort3971]

@AprilWilkerson that looks charming. I love that hubby not only is entertaining the puppy but he doesn't try to take over...

[@garydelder]

Good job April, It sure improved the look of the entrance. Thanks for sharing.

[@viceskyre]

Thanks for doing what you do. You're a really good role model for my daughter who we're trying to teach that girls can do the same stuff boys can. Keep up the good work.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Well tell her I say hello.

[@tiatracy3125]

Your entry way is gorgeous...all except for the narrow shutters on the window beside the door. And...I must say, I love your proficiency with the tools. I want to be like that! Fearless!

[@OllyParryJones]

That works really well and I think you made a good choice in covering the textured wall with hardboard.

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

That's a good spot for winter stuff too because it's just over the vent to dry it quicker :) Looks really nice, thanks for the video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Nice touch on the entry way, the White goes well with the tile and is a nice accent to the darker painted wall. Regards, Bob

[@DaveR30281]

Very easy! I've wanted to do this in the living room, but was nervous of all the trimming.... This looks a lot easier than what I had in mind!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Dave Richardson I thought this project was so very simple. The hardest part is the block of time but if that doesn't bother you then it will be a breeze! I dont have kids so I don't mind my entryway being a wreck for a few days, so I took my time and stretched it over four. : ) Either way, I hope you do it!

[@rneustel388]

What could possibly be in this video that 233 people didn't like? I love watching you, April, and seeing how far your skills have come since this date!

[@TomPatelGaming]

It great that you show yourself working the project out. When things don't go to plan you show your thoughts on what you do next instead of a video edit cutting the parts out. Keep up the good work :-)

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks for the feedback. : ) Glad you enjoy it.

[@kevohh10]

I'm tackling this project this weekend for all the walls in our office. Should be an adventure! Thanks for the tips!

[@leilaniphillips2046]

You have better than average skill level and all the right tools. You got beautiful results! I don't have textured walls so I'm considering placing the rails and styles right on top the freshly painted, (new) drywall. Great job! Good video!

[@thegreatestjose]

First video of yours I've seen, and it is awesome. Perfectly straightforward, and honest with the work. Great work!

[@TheFerggy13]

Nice Job I've got paneling all around my basement Ive painted it all it looks nice but it needs something , thanks for making it look fun & easy !!

[@rhwoodshop]

Beautiful and great idea with hard board.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks Drew!

[@NickFerry]

Turned out very nice April! I like how you used the hardboard for a smooth surface.

[@charlieclaw61]

Life must be so much easier when your house is made of wood and not brick.... Also you Americans always have huge garage's and loads of good tools....I am jealous.

[@TyMoser]

Turned out pretty good! That's a fancy stud finder too!

[@CMRWoodworks]

Nice work doing it yourself. The coat hangers were a good idea and look great!

[@justachick3935]

Im really liking this. I have always wanted to try something I saw in Ikea once. They ripped simple 2x4's, cut them to about 6ft (maybe a bit shorter) simply put them on the wall. It looked like a very tall wainscotting idea and I loved how they put a picture rail on the top so you wouldnt need to put holes in the walls. I will try this at some point and Ill send you the pics when I do. Good job!

[@benjaminthompson1755]

Wow! Brightens the whole entryway! Good job!!!

[@janessagrant]

Lovely. Something about hearing advice from another woman that I just love. Well done video. Subscribed.

[@JacksonPowell]

Ms. Wilkerson thank you for creating these wonderfully detailed and easy to follow videos. :)

[@hellsplumber34]

surprising how much of a difference it made,,,, great work April, ,,, another project to add to my to do list,,,,lol

[@erichubbard4531]

Hey April and secret to caulking without making a huge mess and using a bunch of rags is to use baby wipes. They are already wet and you can just throw them away. Works great.

[@PerfectPicture2012]

What a pleasure to watch you, very detailed and simple. Good job on the wall and video!

[@trackez09]

Great work! A caulking screed works very well for a square and clean finish. About $5 at home depot.

[@AnujChamara]

Really,you are very talented ,very efficient lady i seen in my life.I watched your all the videos.All are good.Highly appreciating.Thanks for uploading.

[@moruno28]

Thanks so much! Going to do this in our bathroom and your video really helps me prepare and visualize how I'm going to do it. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@calebproductions5970]

Awesome April you make it look simple.

[@FaizanKhan-ix6oq]

i luve her videos especially the way she presents everything is amazing ....

[@kevinmason6331]

Looks good but I'm going to keep this video from my wife. I can see her adding wainscoting to my to do list. The white really brings out the color of the upper wall and it lightens up the entry way at the same time. Great job

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you. : ) Well maybe you can show her the video and then work on the project together? I think this would be a great project to get a wife introduced to some tools.

[@drstintbizz08]

April, very nicely done. Thank you for a thought on a very small space I have in my entry-way, I think of using your idea of the hooks on the very front of my closet door for the winter months for quicker access and drying time too. fabulous job there sister...!!

[@mayahmartin4953]

you make it look easy. I am confident that if you can, i can. Love it

[@tomtate4339]

It looks great, you make it look so easy. I've been enjoying your videos. Thanks.

[@thedudeandstuff169]

oh, look...a puppy! Hilarious. Love your channel and your choice of wood working projects. I'm new to DIY stuff and find your channel inspirational =)

[@amarbhardwaj1881]

Love your channel and your choice of wood working project

[@nordyfamily]

Keep up the great work! I appreciate the time you have put in to making these videos! I like the back of hand note taking.

[@TheJimsock]

Neyece. Even though it's a radically different color, the design sort of compliments the door enough that it all looks like it belongs. I did something similar with wainscoting shadow boxes in hall-ways and staircases on three floors. The warning here is, now you need to take some care to cover it a bit when you are moving things in and out of the house through that space. For some strange and magical reason, as soon as you make a white wall, it becomes a magnet for everything that can scratch or nick it. Found that out the hard way. Great job.

[@paulroberts7630]

April love the wainscoting, I also made my own wainscoting in the hallway, I wanted the original look with raised panels, but couldn't afford to go the whole hog so I bought some cheap internal Georgian 6 panel blown mdf doors and peeled the the blown mdf sheets of both sides then cut each sheet into three which gave me three panels and built a frame using 2x3 fast grown pine, and bonded it to the walls and with a lick of gloss paint. They look like the real deal. Cheap as chips, with that professional look. Otherwise yours looks really good and I might do your style in the kitchen. Keep up the good work we need more female woodworkers.

[@cheezedogg23]

Awesome project. I may do the same in my back hallway between bedrooms and bathroom. Something to add besides paint. Good job. I have very textured walls, them being plaster. But I've thought of this before. I was going to just skim coat with drywall mud, to smooth it out. But maybe I'll go simple and use the thin hardboard like you. Good job again.

[@hardcoreman75]

I love how giddy you get when you complete certain projects =)

[@johndombrowski3225]

I can't believe you exist. A woman who knows what a nail gun is and how to use it. I'm just in awe. My wife does;t know what end of a hammer to hold. Nice job on the project

[@sandrusco71]

always nice, and good to see the other half make an appearance.

[@dennism5565]

end result was very nice. I was impressed. Thanks for the video

[@EverydayKindaGuy]

Looks really good. I'd have wrapped some trim around the wall to the right though to finish off that side so it doesn't feel so thin. Might have also installed a slight top cap and narrow cove under it, but again, only to add a smidge more weight. It's all in what you like though, in the end.

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Great job April, it looks really nice.

[@reaper121]

Great work! your construction was done 100% right. Great Job! love your videos

[@paulthomas966]

I have watched now a couple of your videos. Great projects... great video quality. I'll watch more... get some inspiration for future projects.

[@kittywoods7155]

That looks fantastic! What a awesome transformation to your entryway! Great job! 💕

[@VansWorld]

I’m glad I found your channel. I’m going to use these ideas in our home as well.

[@CSSIandAssociate]

April very good vid. I am in the middle of making a sit down bench / storge in our entry way. The frame is complete I was going to use raised panels. However, since it is winter. I will use your methode since all the cuts are straight cuts. With an over all pleasing / inviting look to it. Have not seen your videos in a while. I will have to catch up what I have missed. Take care and keep up the good work.

[@donnaclayton8644]

So glad I found your channel. You've given a lot of ideas

[@TheRedboy1195]

Great job and you did the right thing by using the hardboard it turned out really nice Thanks for sharing

[@lisabeautyskindeep]

Looks awesome! I love your skill and work! Keep making the videos as us gals who are DIY er's love learning..... ( am hands on learner!) Thanks sista!

[@mookeythepimpthompson6031]

Amazing job and yet you made it look so easy. Thanks April.

[@RichardMacLean]

Don't ya just love that feeling when you pull the masking tape off and the paint line is PERFECT! ;)

[@AprilWilkerson]

haha, it is a pretty nice feeling.

[@ergeist]

Looks Great! Just a suggestion, when you need to cut large sheet goods, try rigid foam insulation between your surface (floor in this case) and work piece. It's less expensive than another sheet of material, re-useable to a point, and is easier on your saw blade. (not to mention lighter)

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks for the tip, but I hate the idea of having to store a giant rigid piece of foam when I'm not using it. : ) haha, that might sound silly, but it's what holding me back from buying one. I just used a few 8' scraps that I had laying on my lumber rack.

[@CarlJacobson]

Well done April, it added nice detail.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks Carl. : )

[@MrGraygrizz]

Nice job!....Another trick for caulking, and using your finger to tool it right away, (before it skins over), is have a damp sponge near you, (sitting on something to protect the floor/etc.), to quickly wipe your finger clean, for the next section of caulking and tooling it smooth with your finger again.....And every several minutes of doing this, you may have to run over to the sink, and clean and wash out the caulk on the sponge, and ring it out/but leave it damp, for your next run of caulking.....works great for me over the years...(Carpenter for 25+ years)....Take care, Tim.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Thanks for the input Tim.

[@FredMcIntyre]

I might be doing this in a small hallway... of course the first result of my internet search turned up your video! 😁 ...thanks for the help April! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@deganni2688]

came out really good - you make it seem so easy. you also have quite a nice collection of power tools and what i believe to be a wood shop - am jealous

[@LaurenKwA]

I'm so glad I watched this video. I would have never thought of using hardboard!!! 😍 thanks!

[@nordyfamily]

With silicone, a paper towel with windex work great on seams and inside corners. Learned that from my counter top guy

[@ReinaldoAntonioAdv]

Belo trabalho April, muito bem executado, parabéns. Você é mesma muito dedicada, objetiva e uma excelente profissional.

[@AprilWilkerson]

: ) Thank you

[@doratiscareno5856]

I know it's been 6 YEARS SINCE YOU DID THIS VIDEO LOOKS GREAT ... I HOPE YOU PAINTED YR FRONT DOOR "WHITE" TO MATCH IT WILL MAKE THE AREA APPEAR TO BE LARGER 👍👍👍

[@SuburbanDon]

Very nice. I like the coat hooks even just for ornamental purposes.

[@Sleighbor]

April - That looks fantastic! I am going to have to do this myself. Thanks for sharing.

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

That looks very nice!!! Wow!!

[@cmassey1999]

Great job. Nice addition to your entry way.

[@chrisgoodwin6176]

Looks great! and the style / dimensions of the wood and spacing is just what I want in my place here. I do think that the black coat hooks are contrasting with the rest, and I'd eliminate those for a more refined cleaner look, but that's my opinion. Good job and thanks for the video! April looks great too!

[@audraflores2864]

I like it makes a big difference to your entry way.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you ma'am. : )

[@martydrummond9538]

great look, a tip for calking is a popsicle stick and soapy water, it works a treat

[@AprilWilkerson]

Good tip, thanks. : )

[@alpapounet]

superbe démonstration de votre savoir faire ainsi que votre esprit de créativité

[@THESNAF2]

Great job April it looks excellent,one of our little puppies loves her belly getting scratched as well..:) cheers Mick!!!

[@JonHeckendorf]

Great project. Now, I know what to do for my half-bath walls. Thank you.

[@phi376]

Hi. Looks nice. Thanks for sharing. I would suggest adding a "wainscot cap " to the top edge and a "base cap" on top of the baseboard to give it a more finished look. These pieces of trim or available at your typical Lowes or Home Depot type stores in the molding section.

[@kevinmiller3084]

Fantastic Job! This video is going to be a great help for when I do this to my home. Thanks!