Western Red Cedar

DIY Guide

How to Build a Cedar Accent Wall with Wood Shingles

A cedar shingle accent wall transforms any room in a weekend. Natural Western Red Cedar adds warmth, texture, and a rustic-modern edge that painted walls and vinyl panels simply cannot replicate. This guide walks you through everything — prep, layout, tools, and installation — using the same cedar shingles available at your local Lowe's.

Interior cedar shingle accent wall

Why Cedar Shingles Work Indoors

Western Red Cedar's natural grain variation is a feature, not a flaw. The character marks, flat grain, and occasional knot that come with #3/#4 undercourse grade are exactly what give an interior accent wall its hand-crafted, organic look. Unlike reclaimed wood, it's consistent enough to install cleanly and affordable enough to cover a full wall without a contractor's budget.

What You'll Need

  • Western Red Cedar Shingles — Lowe's Item #3976
  • Tape measure and chalk line
  • Level
  • Finish nailer or staple gun
  • Sandpaper (120 grit)
  • Clear wood sealer or cedar oil (optional)
  • Safety glasses and gloves

Step-by-Step: Cedar Shingle Accent Wall Installation

Step 1 — Measure and prep

Measure wall height and width. Calculate square footage and add 10% for waste. One bundle of cedar shingles covers approximately 25 square feet at standard exposure.

Step 2 — Mark your first course

Use a level to snap a chalk line 6 inches above the floor or baseboard. This is your baseline. Starting level is the most important step — everything stacks on it.

Step 3 — Nail the first row

Place shingles tight to the chalk line, spacing them 1/8" apart for natural expansion. Nail 1" above the exposure line with two nails per shingle. Do not over-drive nails — cedar splits.

Step 4 — Offset each course

Stagger your joints by at least 1.5" per course so no two vertical seams line up. This is what gives the wall its woven, layered look.

Step 5 — Trim and finish

Use a miter saw to trim shingles at corners and edges. Sand any rough edges. Apply cedar oil or a clear sealer if you want to preserve the natural color — or leave it raw and let it age to a silver-gray.

Design Ideas for Cedar Accent Walls

Full wall behind a bed headboard. Fireplace surround from floor to mantle. Dining room feature wall paired with warm Edison lighting. Half-wall wainscoting in an entryway or hallway. Man cave or home office backdrop. The natural color variation in undercourse grade cedar means no two walls look exactly alike.

Where to Buy Cedar Shingles for Your Accent Wall

Western Red Cedar Shingles are available exclusively at Lowe's in-store — Item #3976. Use our store locator to find the location nearest you.

Ready to start your accent wall?

Item #3976 at Lowe's — in-store only.

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