I spent just a few hours installing this corkboard wall, and I’m excited to share the process with you! The toughest part was simply fretting over whether it would adhere well to the wall (spoiler—it did!). So, let’s explore the starting point of this project.
For years, I had shelves on this wall, but they were no longer serving my needs. My love for travel meant I wanted to showcase the various treasures I’d collected. Hence, the corkboard became part of the space.
Since a strong adhesive is necessary for the cork roll, I was hesitant to apply it directly to the wall. We opted for some budget-friendly plywood, cut it according to the wall’s dimensions, and secured it with screws. Don’t forget to make cuts for any electrical outlets that may be present as well!
At this point, my husband leaves the scene, and I take over. The corkboard was my responsibility. It was essentially a solo task, except at the very start. I needed an extra set of hands to align it properly, after which I was on my way. Once you begin applying the cork from the roll, there’s no room for mistakes. It’s crucial to start in a corner and progress down the wall.
I applied the adhesive onto the wall using a notch trowel and then smoothed the cork over it with a rolling pin. I was quite anxious about bubbles, but the adhesive performed wonderfully! No bubbles at all.
As I reached the edge of the wall, I used a sharp utility knife to trim along the edge. It was so sharp that it sliced right through the cork—and my thumb. Thankfully, a quick visit to the emergency clinic sorted it out!
To complete the look, I painted a corner piece of trim to match the wall and used a small bead of wood glue to attach it. Since the cork is thin enough, I simply placed it against my crown molding and baseboards. No one would ever guess it wasn’t trimmed at the top and bottom, allowing me to save a lot of time!
Ready for your supply list? It’s short and straightforward—but using the right materials is essential.
Corkboard Supply List
- Cork. I scoured the internet for the perfect roll. You could consider many variations, but I wanted NO seams. That’s why I went with higher quality. I sourced cork rolls from Bangor Cork, which offered the best deal and a wide variety! I bought a roll and had it cut to 8 feet—the height of my ceilings. Seriously, the extra cost was worth it as it looks so seamless!
- Notch Trowel. It can be anything—a tool with teeth to spread the adhesive onto the wall and give the cork something to grip.
- Flooring Adhesive. This was the star of the show! It allowed for adjustments at first, but once it began to set, there was no shifting it! I was relieved about that because I was so worried about a disaster. Cheers to success! 😉
- Utility Knife. Considering slicing your thumb? This utility knife would do the trick! Just kidding—kind of—but this knife is razor-sharp and performed excellently!
- Rolling Pin. My aged rolling pin was an essential helper. It made smoothing the cork much simpler.
After all those poor-quality iPhone photos, here’s an improved shot of the finished corkboard wall.
I absolutely adore it, and I hope the instructions were clear! If you want to see more of the completed corkboard wall, go here!
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