How to Create a Custom Herringbone Wood Wall Piece

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This DIY herringbone wood picture is one of those projects that looks custom and expensive, but is actually surprisingly easy to make. The best part? It was created using inexpensive contractor wood shims, making it a budget-friendly DIY with a high-end look.

The layered herringbone pattern adds warmth, texture, and character to any space while still keeping that modern rustic feel.

One of my favorite things about DIY projects is how everyone adds their own style and creativity. Whether you stain it dark and moody or go for a lighter natural wood look, single or double frame it out like mine, this project can be easily customized to fit your home. Read on for the full step-by-step instructions, material list, and tips for creating your own custom herringbone wood piece.

Materials

• Contractor wood shims
• Plywood or MDF backing board
• Wood frame pieces
• Wood glue
• Jig saw
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Wood stain
• Paintbrush or staining cloth
• Polyurethane or clear protective finish
• Hanging hardware – French Cleat

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose your size

Decide how large you want your wood picture to be. Cut a plywood or MDF board to that size. This becomes the backing for the herringbone design. Cut your frame pieces to size and set aside.

2. Mark the center line

Using a measuring tape and pencil, draw a vertical center line down the middle of the board. This helps keep the herringbone pattern even as you build outward.

3. Start laying the contractor shims

Beginning at the top center, place two wood shims together to create a “V” or chevron shape. Continue layering the shims outward and downward to build the herringbone pattern.

The natural shape and texture of contractor shims work perfectly for this project and create beautiful dimension once stained.

4. Glue all pieces into place

Apply wood glue to the back of each shim and press it firmly onto the board. Continue working your way down until the entire board is covered.

Don’t worry about the excess wood hanging over the edges — that gets cleaned up next.

5. Let the glue dry completely

Allow the entire piece to dry fully before trimming the edges. This helps keep all of the shims secure while cutting.

6. Cut off the excess wood

Once dry, use a jig saw to carefully trim off all of the excess shim pieces around the outer edges of the board. This creates clean, straight lines and gives the project a polished look.

7. Sand the entire piece

Lightly sand the wood to smooth out some of the rough edges while still keeping the natural rustic texture.

8. Stain the wood

Apply stain with a brush or cloth. The contractor shims absorb stain beautifully and create natural color variation throughout the piece, adding warmth and depth. Don’t forget to stain your frame pieces at this time too.

9. Add the frame

After all the stain has dried, frame the herringbone piece using wood trim boards cut to size. Attaching the frame afterward helps create crisp, finished edges and gives the project a more custom-built appearance. I did a double frame because I liked the look, but feel free to frame only the outside box if you like.

10. Seal and hang

Apply a clear protective finish to the wood and attach hardware to the back to hang. I used a french cleat system to hang mine on the wall.

Final Thoughts

I love how this project turned out because it feels warm, textured, and custom-made without being difficult or expensive. Using simple contractor wood shims made this DIY affordable, beginner-friendly, and surprisingly easy to create.

The finished piece adds warmth and dimension to any hallway, bedroom, office, or living space and looks far more expensive than it actually was to make.

If you want to recreate this DIY herringbone wood wall art project, here are some of the tools and materials I used or recommend:

Links: Contractor Shims | Wood Glue | Jig Saw | Wood Stain | Staining Brushes | French Cleat

Be sure to save this project for later and share it with someone who loves easy, budget friendly DIY decor! Also, let me know if you make this – I’d love to see your version of the DIY herringbone wood piece. Leave a comment below or tag me on social media, so I can see how it turned out in your space.