Yes. We are STILL working on the basement and the DIY shiplap walls. (We started the basement project back in June.)
This is real life DIY. And real life DIY comes with pregnancy and bed rest (me) and 5 broken ribs (Ryan). That means that finishing the basement has taken about 3 months longer than we anticipated.
But, I think it will be worth the wait.
If you ever feel like your projects are slogging along – take heart. Because when it’s done, you’ll almost forget the stress and pain it took. Reminds you a little of childbirth. Because God knows that if we remembered everything from childbirth – or from do-it-yourself projects – we’d never do it again.
With that little pep talk out of the way … let’s move onto the progress made. It’s still not completely done. But we officially have the shiplap walls and farmhouse trim completed.
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If you remember, the last we left off, we completed the ceiling and wall installation using pine flooring from Lumber Liquidators.
We installed New England White Pine in wide (almost) 9 inch planks – the perfect look for DIY shiplap walls. But the boards still needed to be primed and painted – which Ryan knocked out over a few days with a roller.
Related: Lazy girl’s painting tips
We wanted the knots and other imperfections to show, so we only did one coat of Kilz Premium primer and two coats of Behr Premium Plus Ultra in Ultra Pure White. This gave us really good coverage, but still allowed some of the character to come through.
Next up, Ryan turned to the trim and finishing around the DIY shiplap walls. The trim is where it really seems to come together. We decided to finish out the corners and windows/doors using inexpensive pine 1x4s from Menards.
We didn’t want to break the bank, so we used #3 low grade pine. Ryan picked through the boards to choose the best ones, but these will have many more knots and imperfections. We didn’t mind – it still turned out lovely and we were able to complete all the trim in the basement for just over $100.
Ryan ripped down the 1×4 boards to fit into the corner, which gives them a more finished look.
And then he ripped down the 1x4s again to create farmhouse style trim around the windows and doors. The top of the window is created using a 1×4 with two accent pieces above and below (3/4 x 1-3/4 and 3/4 x 1 1/4 inch).
And the baseboard is simply made from 1×6 pine.
The windows and door trim got a couple of coats of Pure Tung Oil – which will darken over time. We like the look of the wood against the white – and it also coordinates well with the oiled ceiling.
It also seems to warm up the whole space – keeping the space from becoming too stark with the white of the DIY shiplap walls.
Lest you think everything went smoothly … the truth is that nothing can be that easy.
Ryan broke a window during the last day of trimming out the windows. So we have a super classy duct tape window covering until the new window comes in. (Shout out to Jared at Pella, who always takes care of us.)
I love how the space is coming together, and can’t wait to really pull it together to be a multipurpose family room. I’ll be back soon to share some of the ideas I have for the space.
Until then, I’m cleaning floors and windows within an inch of their life. The amount of dust and dirt that can collect during a project like this is incredible.
What do you think of our new DIY shiplap walls and farmhouse trim?
Thanks to Lumber Liquidators for providing the shiplap for our basement family room. And thank you for supporting sponsors who make projects like this possible.
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Gretchen says
This is going to be such a great space!
Marty Walden says
Love this room, Kim! You’re making great progress and I know once you’re through decorating it will be amazing!
Marie Mutricy says
So pretty ! can’t wait to see what you do with the space… It gives me hope I can tackle my own house, room by room, with time… Have a great day !
cassie bustamante says
it is looking so good and yes it will totally be worth it!
daisy says
Incredible, as is expected from any Woodward project. That ceiling is stunning! What are the plans for the basement? Craft room? Hang out space?
Susan says
Boy, oh boy – what a great transformation using the shiplap ! Any project, when finished, is a huge accomplishment, but considering the obstacles in your family’s path this time, a finished project is practically a miracle. Looks great, and I am eager to see how you decorate this space so your entire family can enjoy it.