How To Install Cedar Tongue & Grove Planks

Tools You’ll Need for Installation

  • Hammer
  • Tri-square
  • Handsaw
  • Miter Box (optional)
  • 1-1/2” colored panel nails (over drywall). Subfloor adhesive may also be used.

Installation of CedarSafe Planks

IMPORTANT: Before you install cedar planks, you’ll want them to acclimate in the box near or in the area they will be installed for 24-48 hours prior to installation. Like all wood, cedar will expand and contract as its moisture content changes. This waiting period allows for this process and helps prevent warping or gaps after the closet is completed.

Step 1
Measure the surface you wish to cover to determine square footage needed. Measure the width and height of each wall of the closet. Then use our closet planner application to determine how many boxes of CedarSafe solid cedar planks you will need.

Step 2
Lay out the planks in the order in which they will be installed, staggering the ends for a random appearance. Set aside a few knot-free pieces to fill in gaps.

NOTE: Although cedar planks can be applied vertically, diagonally or horizontally, horizontal installation is recommended for most do-it-yourselfers. 

Step 3
Remove shelves, hanger rods, molding, etc. from the closet. If using nails, locate wall studs using a stud finder and mark a center line along each stud to indicate where nails are to be driven. (Standard studs are 16″ on center.)

Step 4
Place the grooved edge against the floor, beginning in a bottom corner. (If you are installing shiplap, place bottom strip so lower lap cannot be seen and top lap is visible.)

NOTE: BE SURE THE FIRST ROW IS LEVEL.

Step 5
Nail at stud mark directly through the face of the plank, using 1-1/2″ panel nails if going through gypsum wallboard and 1″ nails if installing directly over studs. In older homes with plaster and lath, use 2″ nails.

NOTE: Adhesive is recommended if planks are being installed vertically.

Step 6
If you choose to use adhesive, subfloor adhesive is recommended, because it will provide a solid bond that will not be weakened by the natural cedar oil present in the planks.

Step 7
Using subfloor adhesive: apply along stud lines and at top and bottom of plank. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s safety and ventilation instructions when using adhesives.

Step 8
Once the first piece is in place, continue that row across the length of the wall. To finish the row, saw one piece to make a perfect fit. Use the remainder of that piece to start the next row. Continue until the entire wall is covered. Completely line one wall before starting another.

Step 9
Cut the pieces that were set aside to fill in gaps along the floor base, corners or ceiling – or install mouldings for a professional finish. When working around doorways, run the planks all the way up to the trim. Cutting and fitting is usually required above doorways also.

NOTE: After completing four walls, you will have gained skill at cutting and fitting. Put this skill to use in finishing your ceiling, floor and the back of the closet door for complete seasonal storage.

Step 10
Install molding for a professional finish.

NOTE: Do not stain or varnish. 

TIP: To install a slightly warped board, secure one side and then pull down the other side. If the bow is high in the middle, then pull it down in the middle and secure in the middle and then to the sides.

Have you found a unique way to use your planking that we should know about? What about a helpful installation tip? Show the world! Contact us today to show us what you did!

10 Comments

#DIYCedar: Pet Storage Cart - CedarSafe Cedar DIY · September 26, 2018 at 2:57 pm

[…] Your Project How To Install Categories: CedarDIYEco-friendlyOrganizationProjects […]

#DIYCedar Christmas Card Holder - CedarSafe · December 13, 2018 at 1:11 pm

[…] Your Project How To Install Categories: […]

#DIYCedar: Outdoor Cedar Box Shelving - CedarSafe · February 8, 2019 at 3:07 pm

[…] Your Project How To Install Categories: […]

#DIYCedar: Cedar Barn Quilt - CedarSafe · February 18, 2019 at 11:17 am

[…] Your Project How To Install Planks Categories: CedarDIYProjects Tags: […]

#DIYCedar: Vertical Cedar Veggie Garden - CedarSafe · March 8, 2019 at 4:31 pm

[…] Your Project How To Install Planks Categories: Cedar Tags: cedarcedar planksDIYCedarspace […]

#DIYCedar: Over the Toilet Storage - CedarSafe · March 12, 2019 at 10:04 am

[…] Your Project How To Install Categories: CedarDIY Tags: […]

#DIYCedar: Return of the Cedar Lined Ceiling - CedarSafe · March 25, 2019 at 1:27 pm

[…] Plan Your Project How To Install […]

Protect your clothes with CedarSafe accessories! - CedarSafe · May 23, 2019 at 4:25 pm

[…] Your Project How To Install Purchase CedarSafe Products Categories: […]

#DIYCedar: Outdoor Rolling Cedar Plant Stand - CedarSafe · October 9, 2019 at 1:41 pm

[…] Next Plan Your Project How To Install Purchase CedarSafe Products Categories: […]

21 Master Bedroom Closet Ideas - Your House Needs This · March 2, 2021 at 2:02 am

[…] definitely want something attractive, but you'll have to decide how to install it. One option is using cedar planks on the walls. The planks look great, and you can use the instructions in this article and video to put them in […]