Scrap Wood Wall Art

We made this scrap wood wall art for a lunchroom at the University - but I'm itching to make something similar in my home. So feel free to get inspired and adapt one for your own space at home!

Step 1: Save Your Scraps

All you need is a pile of scrap wood, time, and a healthy dose of patience.

We drew out a pattern on graph paper so we could then upscale it to the full size of our wall. Use each square on your paper as a specific measurement - like 10 inches or 10 centimeters. Measure the actual size of the space that you want to create for and create an outline on your graph paper. Then draw your design. The individual squares with their representative measurement amount (10 inches, etc) will help you create the scale as you size up to your wall. Make sense? It requires a little flashback to your junior high math class :)

Once we drew the design on the graph paper we created full-size paper cut-outs and placed them on the floor. They also served as the patterns for smaller backboards since we had to create smaller sections for this large piece that would then be installed together on the wall. We knew there was a door on the wall that we'd be installing on, so we made a full-size paper cutout for that as well.

Step 2: Start Puzzling Together

Now it's time to exercise your patience. It's like putting together a puzzle...but with no photo to help you find the right edges that fit together. It's trial and error...trial and error...trial and error.

You'll see from the photos that we used so many different sizes and kinds of scrap wood pieces. Everything from pallets to frames to small scrap offcuts from other things we've made before. We even had some friends stop by one day to help us and join in on the fun.

We used wood glue to hold most of the smaller pieces in place. A nail gun is helpful to keep larger pieces in tact after the glue is applied. Be generous with your glue!

Step 3: A Splash of Color

We knew that we wanted to add a bit of color to part of the installation...so we chose the large round circle and created 3-4 colorwash layers to add a nice depth to the overall paint finish.

The 'comet' inner circle also got a nice washover with a couple of layers of different stain colors. First we did a layer of cherry stain, then we went over it with a dark walnut stain. We like to blend layers of different stain colors to get the right effect.

And when you're working on the floor...don't forget to get up high and have a look now and then to make sure your overall effect stays on track!

Step 4: Time to Install

Next it's time to install. Remember that I said we made smaller backboard sections? That was so important with a larger piece like this.

You'll see in the first photo here that we marked some boards with tape when the sections were still on the floor of our workshop. Those boards were not glued down in advance of installation. Instead, we removed them, screwed into the wall at those points, and then glued the boards over when the backboard was in screwed in place on the wall.

Smaller sections meant easier transportation and a relatively manageable install. Again...think puzzle!

Step 5: OOAK Wall Art

With a little bit of perseverance and a whole lot of scrap wood we were able to create a one-of-a-kind wall installation for the staff lunchroom at the university.

If you'd like to see the entire sustainable reuse interior project - there's more eye candy to be seen in the online portfolio on our website.

http://recreatedesigncompany.com/portfolios/univer...

That's it, folks.

Happy scrap wood wall art inspiration!!!