Large Coastal Wall Art Made From Scrap Wood
We’ve all seen those warped, cracked, or “oops” wood piles at the back of Home Depot. Most walk past. I saw a full size Stunning Surfboard Wall Art and after a wild ride of cutting, gluing, and sanding, I transformed $30 of discounted “junk” into a breathtaking coastal wall art statement piece.
Why Defective Wood?
The Discount: Home Depot’s damaged/returned lumber section is a treasure trove. I scored rough pine planks for 70% off – perfect for large-scale art where “character” is the goal.
The Challenge: Flaws = unique texture. Knots, cracks, and uneven tones add organic depth you can’t buy. Large coastal wall art often thrives on such unique textures.
The Eco-Angle: Rescuing wood destined for landfill? Yes, please. The Build: From Scraps to Surfboard, creating wall art from large coastal materials is rewarding.
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The Hunt For My coastal wall art wood
- Scoured Home Depot’s discount cart.
- Targeted longer, thicker planks (even if split or stained).
- Total cost: Under $30 for a 7ft board that forms part of your large coastal wall art.
The Glue Up
- Cut planks into manageable strips on my table saw.
- Arranged pieces to hide major flaws or highlight them as features.
- Used waterproof wood glue and bar clamps for a seamless(ish) face.
Shaping the board
- Printed, sketch or trace a surfboard of choice as a template.
- Jig saw to cutout the outline.
- Sanding: Where Magic Happens:
- Started with 80-grit to murder splinters.
- Ended with 220-grit for baby-smoothness.
- Hidden Win: Sanding revealed hidden grain patterns – flaws became art.
- Finishing Touches:
- Stained with teak oil to deepen wood tones + highlight “defects.”
- Added gloss marine varnish for a wave-wet look.
- Mounted with hidden French cleats. Creating coastal wall art on a large canvas looks best when securely mounted.
First, consider the cost versus impact. A retail wooden surfboard can easily cost $300 or more. By contrast, this DIY version comes together for about $35 in supplies.
More importantly, it doesn’t demand perfection.
In fact, any natural flaws or “injuries” in the wood actively add soul and tell a story. This character makes your finished piece—whether it’s large coastal wall art or a standalone sculpture—feel more authentic and truly captivating.
Finally, it’s fully customizable. You control the size, shape, and finish, which means you can make the design truly yours.
Ultimately, this project isn’t just about building a surfboard. It’s about learning to see creative potential where others might only see waste—a perfect mindset for crafting one-of-a-kind coastal art.
Ready to Make Your Own?
👉 Watch the full build from discount pile to wall-worthy wave on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/EBCZAoCAnU8