How To Install Wainscoting Wall Panels

This beginner guide will teach you how to successfully install beadboard to give your home a refreshed and updated look in under a day.

How to install wainscoting wall panels.

Overview for installing wainscoting illustration by gregory nemec. Prep the wall and determine the panel widths step 1 2. Beadboard paneling gives a room an intimate traditional feel making it ideal for homes with more of a cottage or bungalow style. At electrical outlet locations carefully measure and mark each panel before you install it and use a razor knife or jigsaw to cut out the opening image 4.

Wainscoting is a form of decorative paneling that protects walls and can add character to any room. Gently remove any crown moulding baseboards and trim you plan on using again. Unless the room s perimeter measurement is divisible by 4 trim a wainscoting panel to fill in the smaller gaps. Measure the last section to butt against the corner and use a circular saw to cut it to fit.

You ll have a 1 16 in expansion gap to the adjacent wall. For best results set the paneling in the room for a few days before you install it. The first step in how to install paneling is to remove all wall plates outlets and any nails in the wall. Tack the base molding to the outside of the mdf at the base with 2 inch brad nails.

Lay the panel face down and use a jigsaw or circular saw to cut it. Quickly tack the wainscoting down with 2 inch brad nails to keep them flat against the wall and prevent them from shifting. Wainscoting is decorative paneling that is applied to the lower 3 to 5 feet 90 to 150 cm of an interior wall. Taking measurements from the top and bottom should make up for any wall intersections that aren t perfectly plumb or square.

Install the panels rails stiles and baseboard steps 3 10. Continue installing the plywood sheets to the end wall. Most wainscot panels are manufactured from tongue and groove wood boards however they can also be found in vinyl and laminate alternatives. Install the chair rail parts base moldings and panel trim steps 11 17.

Here are tips on choosing materials and planning a layout for wainscoting. Once cut install the panel 1 16 in from the last full panel.