I completed this corkboard wall within a few hours, and I’m excited to share the tutorial with you! The most challenging part was simply worrying about how well it would adhere to the wall (spoiler alert—it worked!). Let’s dive into how it all started.
I had shelves on this wall for several years, but they were no longer serving their purpose. I absolutely adore traveling, so I wanted to display the many souvenirs I’ve collected over the years. Thus, the corkboard was brought in.
Since you need a very strong adhesive for the cork roll, I was hesitant to apply it directly to the wall. We bought some cheap plywood, cut it to fit the wall, and secured it with screws. Remember to cut out openings for any outlets that might be on the wall!
This is where my husband stepped back, and I took the lead. The corkboard was my task. It was mainly a one-person job aside from the initial setup. I required an extra set of hands to help me position it correctly, and then I was off and running. Once you start applying the cork to the roll, there’s no room for mistakes. Make sure to start in a corner and align it down the wall.
I utilized a notch trowel to spread the adhesive on the wall and then smoothed the cork over it using a rolling pin. I felt quite anxious about bubbles, but the adhesive is a champion! No bubbles at all.
When I reached the wall’s edge, I used a sharp utility knife to neatly follow along the edge of the wall. It was so sharp that it cut right through the cork and into my thumb. Thankfully, a quick visit to the emergency clinic resolved it!
To wrap it all up, I painted a corner piece of trim to match the wall and simply used a small bead of wood glue to attach it. Since the cork is thin enough, I just joined it up to my crown molding and baseboards. No one would ever realize that it isn’t trimmed at the top and bottom, so it saved me a lot of time!
Alright. Ready for your list of supplies? It’s brief and straightforward—but it’s crucial to use the correct materials.
Corkboard supply list
- Cork. I searched extensively for the right roll. There are so many variations available, but I wanted to avoid ANY seams. Because of that preference, I ended up spending a bit more. I sourced cork rolls from Bangor Cork. They had the best prices and a wide range of options! I bought a roll and had it trimmed to 8 feet—the exact height of my ceilings. Honestly, the extra cost was worthwhile as it looks seamless!
- Notch trowel. It doesn’t need to be a specific type—just something with teeth to help spread the adhesive on the wall and give the cork something to adhere to.
- Flooring Adhesive. This was the highlight of the project. It was forgiving enough for minor adjustments, but once it began to set, it held firmly! I was relieved because, as I mentioned earlier, I was quite anxious about it turning out poorly. Hooray for success! 😉
- Utility Knife. If you’re aiming to injure your thumb, might I recommend this utility knife? Just kidding—sort of—but this knife is incredibly sharp. It did exactly what I needed!
- Rolling Pin. Another key player was my trusty old rolling pin. It made smoothing out the cork so much simpler.
After all those terrible iPhone pictures, here’s a nicer one to remind you of the completed corkboard wall.
I really love how it turned out, and I hope the instructions were clear enough! If you’d like to see more of the finished corkboard wall, check it out here!
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**Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Corkboard Wall**
Creating a corkboard wall is a functional and aesthetic way to organize your area, whether it’s for an office, classroom, or creative studio. This guide will lead you through the steps of installing a corkboard wall, ensuring a smooth and effective setup.
**Materials Needed:**
– Corkboard sheets or rolls
– Measuring tape
– Pencil
– Level
– Utility knife or scissors
– Adhesive (such as contact cement or spray adhesive)
– Paint roller or brush (if using contact cement)
– Sandpaper (optional)
– Straightedge or ruler
– Masking tape (optional)
**Step 1: Measure the Wall**
Start by measuring the size of the wall where you intend to install the corkboard. Use a measuring tape to find the height and width, marking these dimensions with a pencil. This will assist you in calculating the amount of cork material required.
**Step 2: Choose the Cork Material**
Corkboard is available in various thicknesses and formats, including sheets or rolls. Select a thickness that suits your needs; thicker cork tends to be more durable and better for pinning items. Make sure you buy enough material to cover the entire wall area.
**Step 3: Prepare the Wall**
Ensure that the wall surface is clean, dry, and smooth. If needed, sand down any rough areas to create a uniformly smooth surface. This will enhance the adhesive’s bonding effectiveness.
**Step 4: Cut the Corkboard**
Using a utility knife or scissors, cut the corkboard to fit the dimensions of your wall. It’s often easier to manage smaller sections, especially when using rolls. Employ a straightedge or ruler to achieve clean, straight cuts.
**Step 5: Plan the Layout**
Arrange the corkboard pieces on the floor to strategize their placement on the wall. This step is vital for ensuring a cohesive look, particularly if using multiple pieces.
**Step 6: Apply Adhesive**
If applying contact cement, coat both the wall and the back of the corkboard with a paint roller or brush. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for drying time prior to fastening the cork. For spray adhesive, apply it evenly to the corkboard’s back.
**Step 7: Attach the Corkboard**
Carefully line up the corkboard with your pencil marks on the wall. Press it firmly into position, beginning at one edge and moving across to avoid air bubbles. Utilize a level to ensure the corkboard is straight. If necessary, use masking tape to hold the corkboard in place while the adhesive cures.
**Step 8: Trim Excess Cork**
After the corkboard is securely affixed, use a utility knife to trim any surplus material along the edges for a tidy finish.
**Step 9: Allow to Set**
Let the adhesive cure as per the manufacturer’s directions before utilizing the corkboard. This guarantees a strong bond and prevents the cork from detaching from the wall.
**Step 10: Decorate and Organize**
Once the corkboard has fully set, you can start pinning items like notes, calendars, photos, and other essential documents. Consider using decorative push pins or clips to enhance the visual appeal of your new corkboard wall.
By adhering to these steps, you can effectively install a corkboard wall that is both practical and attractive, providing an organized area for all your needs.
