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Carpenter Next Door

Accent wall

A pro turns one wall into the focus of the room with paint, wood, or panels.

One to two days on siteLead-safe work if the home is pre-1978

What this job involves

An accent wall can be a bold paint color, wood slats, shiplap, or a trim pattern. The pro preps the wall, lays out the pattern so it looks even, and fastens the boards to the studs. Seams are filled and the whole wall is painted or stained. A painted accent wall is a one day job with sharp tape lines. Outlets and vents on the wall get extenders so covers sit flush.

What to have ready

  • The wall width and height
  • A photo of the look you want
  • Whether materials are bought
  • Photos of the wall with outlets, vents, and windows

What a fair price looks like

Most homeowners in our area pay between $300 and $1,200 for this job. Labor with materials supplied by the homeowner. A paint only accent wall is at the low end. Homes built before 1978 may need lead safe practices.

This is a range to help you judge a quote, not a quote. The pro you are matched with gives you their own price, in writing for anything over $1,000, and you pay them directly. We charge the pro a small flat fee only after the job is done. We never ask you for payment.

What a good pro will ask you first

  • Paint, wood, or panels?
  • Which wall, and how big?
  • Are there outlets, vents, or a TV on that wall?
  • Do you want the pro to paint or stain it?

People often add

Doors, trim, and carpentryWainscoting or board and battenA pro adds panels, battens, or beadboard to the lower wall with a cap rail on top.One to two daysWalls, ceilings, and paintInterior painting by roomA pro preps, cuts in, and rolls one or more rooms with two coats of paint.One day per roomAssembly, mounting, and odd jobsMount a TVA pro hangs your TV on the wall at the right height and anchored to the studs.About an hourWalls, ceilings, and paintHang wallpaperA pro preps the wall and hangs wallpaper with matched seams and clean edges.One day per room