I put up this corkboard wall in just a few hours, and I’m excited to share the tutorial with you! The toughest part was just stressing over whether it would adhere to the wall (spoiler—it did!). Let’s explore how it all started.
I had shelves on this wall for quite some time, but they ceased to be useful for my needs. I absolutely adore traveling, so I wanted to showcase the many treasures I’ve gathered over the years. Hence, the corkboard made its way in.
Since you need a very strong adhesive for the cork roll, I preferred not to stick it directly to the wall. We bought some affordable plywood, cut it to fit the wall, and installed it using screws. Remember to cut openings for any wall outlets you might have, too!
This is where my husband departed, and I took center stage. The corkboard installation was my responsibility. It was mostly a solo endeavor except for the initial setup. I needed a second pair of hands to help align it properly, then I was on my way. Once you begin applying the cork to the roll, there’s no room for mistakes. So make sure to start in a corner and work your way down following the wall.
I used a notch trowel to spread adhesive on the wall, then flattened the cork with a rolling pin. I was quite anxious about potential bubbles, but the adhesive performed excellently! No bubbles at all.
When I got to the wall’s edge, I carefully followed it with a sharp utility knife. It was so sharp that it sliced right through the cork and into my thumb! But, no worries, a quick visit to the emergency clinic sorted it out!
To wrap it up, I painted a corner trim piece to blend in with the wall and simply used a small bead of wood glue to attach it. Since the cork is thin, I just placed it against my crown molding and baseboards. No one would ever guess it’s not trimmed at the top and bottom edges, saving me a lot of time!
Alright. Are you prepared for your supply list? It’s concise and straightforward, but it’s crucial to use the right materials.
Corkboard Supply List
- Cork. I searched extensively for the perfect roll. There are countless variations, but I wanted NO seams. Because of this, I ended up spending a bit more. I discovered cork rolls at Bangor Cork. They had the best prices and a variety of options! I bought a roll and had it cut to 8 feet, matching my ceiling height. Seriously, the extra cost was worth it because it looks so seamless!
- Notch trowel. It doesn’t need to be anything special—just something with teeth to spread the adhesive on the wall and make sure the cork has something to stick to.
- Flooring Adhesive. This was the star of the project. It was forgiving enough for me to adjust, but once it began setting, it was unmovable! I was relieved because, as I mentioned earlier, I was very concerned about how it would turn out. Yay for success! 😉
- Utility Knife. If you’re hoping to slice your thumb, this utility knife might be your best bet! Just kidding—this knife is incredibly sharp and did exactly what I needed it to!
- Rolling Pin. My trusty old rolling pin was another lifesaver. It made smoothing out the cork so much easier.
After all those mediocre iPhone photos, here’s a better one showcasing the completed corkboard wall.
I absolutely love it, and I hope the instructions were clear enough! If you want to see more of the finished corkboard wall, click here!
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