I put this corkboard wall up in just a few hours, and I’m excited to share the tutorial with you! The most challenging aspect was the concern about whether it would adhere well to the wall (spoiler alert: it did!). Let’s explore how it all started.
I had shelves on this wall for quite a while, but they became ineffective for my needs. I absolutely love traveling, so I wanted to showcase the many keepsakes I’ve gathered throughout the years. Hence, the corkboard moved in!
Since using a strong adhesive for the cork roll is essential, I was hesitant to stick it directly to the wall. We bought some budget-friendly plywood, cut it to the wall’s dimensions, and secured it with screws. Remember to cut out spots for any outlets as well!
At this point, my husband stepped out, and I took over. Installing the corkboard was primarily my task. It was mostly a one-person job except for the initial setup. I needed an extra pair of hands to help align it correctly, and then I was off. Once you start applying the cork to the roll, you can’t make mistakes. So, it’s crucial to begin in a corner and work your way down the wall.
I used a notched trowel to spread the adhesive on the wall, then rolled the cork over it with a rolling pin. I was really concerned about bubbles, but the adhesive worked perfectly! No bubbles at all.
For the wall edges, I followed along with a sharp utility knife. It was so sharp that it cut right through the cork—and my thumb! Thankfully, a quick trip to the emergency room sorted it out!
To wrap things up, I painted a corner piece of trim to match the wall and simply used a small amount of wood glue to attach it. Since the cork is thin enough, I placed it right against my crown molding and baseboards. No one will ever notice that the top and bottom edges aren’t properly trimmed, which saved me a ton of time!
Are you ready for your supply list? It’s brief and straightforward—but essential that you use the right materials.
Corkboard supply list
- Cork. I searched extensively for the right roll. There are so many types, but I didn’t want ANY seams. Because of this, I ended up spending a bit more. I found 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—the height of my ceilings. Trust me—it was worth spending the extra money since it looks so seamless!
- Notch trowel. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just something with teeth to spread the adhesive on the wall and give the cork something to adhere to.
- Flooring Adhesive. This was the real MVP. It was flexible enough that I could make adjustments, but once it started to set, it was unmovable! I was relieved because, as I mentioned earlier, I was super anxious this might end badly. Hooray for success! 😉
- Utility Knife. If you’re aiming to cut your thumb, I recommend this utility knife? Just kidding—kind of—but this knife is incredibly sharp. It did exactly what I needed!
- Rolling Pin. Another superstar was my trusty old rolling pin. It made smoothing out the cork a breeze.
After all those not-so-great iPhone photos, here’s a much better shot to remind you of the final corkboard wall.
I truly adore it, and I hope the instructions were clear enough! If you want to see more of the completed corkboard wall, check this out!
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# Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Corkboard Wall
A corkboard wall is a functional and attractive enhancement to any home, office, or classroom. It offers a handy area for pinning notes, reminders, artwork, and inspiration boards while injecting warmth and texture into the space. Setting up a corkboard wall is a simple DIY task that requires minimal tools and effort. Follow this step-by-step guide to craft your own useful corkboard wall.
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## **Materials and Tools Needed**
Before you start, gather the following materials and tools:
### **Materials:**
– Corkboard sheets or rolls
– Adhesive (construction adhesive or double-sided tape)
– Plywood or foam board (optional, for added support)
– Trim or molding (optional, for a finished touch)
### **Tools:**
– Measuring tape
– Pencil
– Utility knife or scissors
– Level
– Roller or brayer (for smoothing)
– Nails or screws (if using plywood backing)
– Paint or stain (optional, for decorative finishing)
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## **Step 1: Choose the Wall and Measure the Space**
Pick the wall where you intend to install the corkboard. Consider areas where you often require a pinning surface, like a home office, kitchen, or workspace.
1. Use a measuring tape to find the dimensions of the corkboard area.
2. Mark the measurements on the wall using a pencil.
3. For a full-wall corkboard, measure the entire wall from floor to ceiling.
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## **Step 2: Prepare the Wall**
Make sure the wall is clean and smooth before starting installation.
1. Wipe down the surface to eliminate dust and debris.
2. If there are any rough patches on the wall, sand them for better adhesion.
3. If you’re putting cork directly onto drywall, think about using a plywood backing for additional durability.
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## **Step 3: Cut the Corkboard to Size**
If your corkboard sheets or roll are larger than the measured space, trim them down.
1. Place the corkboard on a flat surface.
2. Use a utility knife and a straight edge to cut the cork to the required dimensions.
3. If you’re using multiple sheets, ensure they fit together properly for a smooth appearance.
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## **Step 4: Attach the Corkboard to the Wall**
There are various methods to attach the corkboard to the wall, depending on your preference and the wall type.
### **Option 1: Using Adhesive**
1. Apply construction adhesive or double-sided tape to the back of the corkboard.
2. Firmly press the corkboard onto the wall, starting from one edge and smoothing it out as you go.
3. Use a roller or brayer to ensure even adhesion and eliminate air bubbles.
### **Option 2: Using Plywood Backing**
1. Cut a piece of plywood to match the corkboard dimensions.
2. Attach the corkboard to the plywood using adhesive or nails.
3. Secure the plywood to the wall using screws or nails.
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## **Step 5: Secure the Edges (Optional)**
For a more polished look, consider adding trim or molding around the corkboard.
1. Measure and cut the trim to fit around the corkboard’s edges.
2. Attach the trim with nails or adhesive.
3. Paint or stain the trim if you like.
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## **Step 6: Let It Set and Decorate**
1. Allow the adhesive to dry completely before using the corkboard.
2. Start pinning notes, photos, calendars, and decorations to give your space a personal touch.
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## **Tips for Maintaining Your Corkboard Wall**
– Use push pins or thumbtacks instead of staples to avoid causing damage.
– If the cork begins to wear down, replace individual sheets instead of the whole wall.
– Clean your corkboard from time to time by wiping it with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Installing a corkboard wall is a straightforward and fulfilling DIY project that boosts organization and creativity in any area. Whether for work, study, or home purposes, a corkboard wall serves as a practical and stylish option for displaying key information and inspiration. Follow these steps, and enjoy your new corkboard wall!
Would you like more customization ideas for your corkboard wall? Let us know in the comments!
