The finished 3D horizontal cedar accent wall with integrated shelving.

Interior Carpentry

From the Workshop: Crafting a 3D Horizontal Cedar Accent Wall

An accent wall should be more than just a different color of paint; it should be a statement of character and artistry. This project was a labor of love, designed to create a dynamic, three-dimensional feature wall that was not only visually stunning but also sustainable. It’s a true testament to my philosophy of transforming forgotten materials into a new, beautiful purpose.

Step 1: Sourcing & Reclaiming the Wood

The journey began with sourcing upcycled cedar wood. This isn't something you can buy off a shelf; it involves finding discarded materials that still have immense potential. For this project, every single piece was personally reclaimed and brought back to my workshop, ready to be given a new life as a piece of functional art.

Reclaimed cedar wood stacked and ready for processing in the workshop.
Scanning a piece of reclaimed cedar for hidden nails or staples before milling.

Step 2: The Milling Process

Once the wood was sourced, the meticulous work of processing began. Each board was carefully scanned for hidden metals like old nails or staples that could destroy planer blades. After clearing, I milled every piece to a uniform thickness and then sanded each one to a smooth, refined finish. This crucial step ensures a high-quality result and prepares the wood for its final installation.

Milling all reclaimed cedar for consistent sizing prior to sanding

Step 3: Meticulous Installation

With the slats prepared, the installation could begin. This wasn't a simple case of attaching wood to a wall; it was an artistic process. The slats were installed individually in an organic, flowing pattern that wraps around the corner, creating a sense of movement and depth. By varying the depth of each slat, I was able to build a truly three-dimensional texture. Integrated floating shelves were seamlessly built into the design, making the entire wall a piece of functional art.

The horizontal cedar accent wall during the piece-by-piece installation process.
Close up of the dynamic texture of custom milled cedar slats on an accent wall.

Conclusion: From Reclaimed to Refined

The final result is a powerful focal point that adds incredible character and warmth to the space. It's a perfect example of how sustainable, upcycled materials, when combined with thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship, can be transformed into something truly extraordinary.

  • Project: Custom 3D Feature Wall
  • Key Feature: Dynamic, Flowing Pattern with Integrated Shelving
  • Material: Upcycled Cedar, Processed In-House
  • Installation: Meticulous, Piece-by-Piece Assembly
  • Location: Oakville, ON
Portrait of David Hanna, craftsman

David Hanna

As the founder of Hanna Carpentry, my passion is blending an engineer's precision with an artisan's hands to create one-of-a-kind pieces for my clients.

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