Have you ever admired a wood accent wall and thought, “That’s lovely, but it seems difficult to maintain?” You’re not mistaken! If you’re thinking about adding one of these beautiful, yet sometimes impractical, walls to your home, take a moment to consider the upkeep required in the future. This is crucial to prevent the common mistakes people make when installing a wood accent wall. These walls, particularly those with intricate designs that create gaps between the wood pieces, demand not only regular dusting and cleaning but also other maintenance. From fixing dings and scratches to dealing with humidity and fading concerns, there’s much to consider when weighing the beauty of a wood accent wall against the additional efforts involved.
Several factors might influence your decision on whether a wood accent wall is suitable for you, with one of the main considerations being its placement. Prevention often supersedes maintenance. While bedrooms and living rooms are good candidates, it might be wise to avoid wood accent walls in bathrooms and kitchens due to concerns about increased humidity and potential warping. Extremely dry conditions can pose a challenge as well; if you experience cold, dry winters, a humidifier might be necessary to prevent the wood from drying out and shrinking. If your home is climate controlled, this might not be an issue, but there are other factors to consider.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of wood accent walls
Dusting might already be part of your regular cleaning routine, so adding one more wall may not seem significant. However, other considerations come into play. Allowing dust to accumulate on your accent wall—or any wood—can scratch its surface. The tools you use are important as well. A feather duster, which simply moves dust around, won’t suffice for your accent wall. Instead, wipe down your wall weekly with a microfiber cloth. If more than dusting is needed to remove dirt and grime, using soapy water is preferable, as harsh chemicals can cause more harm than good.
While cleaning the wall, it’s a good time to check for any damage. Like any surface, especially in high-traffic areas, accent walls can suffer from dents or scratches. Depending on your design, regular sanding, refinishing, or using touch-up paint might be necessary to address scratches. For larger issues, wood filler might be needed for dents before refinishing or repainting. This consideration may affect the types of wood you select for your accent wall. Hardwoods like oak may better withstand daily wear and tear, while softwoods like pine might be more susceptible to damage. Alternatively, reclaimed wood could be used, embracing dents and scratches as part of its charm.
Minimizing environmental impacts on your accent wall
We’ve all observed the difference when an area rug is moved after years on a wood floor—the protected area looks distinct from the exposed wood, partly due to sun exposure. Similar fading can affect your wood accent wall when exposed to UV rays. Keeping curtains and blinds closed can help, but you may not find restricting natural sunlight in your home worthwhile just to protect your accent wall.
Consider using a UV protectant film on your windows or accept that regular repainting or refinishing might be needed to maintain a consistent appearance. Another strategy is to carefully choose the wall’s location. Just as avoiding kitchens and bathrooms helps control humidity issues, placing your accent wall in a north-facing room with limited sunlight may prevent the finish from fading quickly. If this seems overwhelming, consider how to select an accent wall design that aligns with your style, as many lower-maintenance options are available.
