How to Install Wainscot
Wainscot is a traditional finishing element to any room. It consists of a baseboard, chair rail and a panel board. If you happen to be so inclined, the panel board can be replaced by individual vertical slats, cut, and nailed into place. A panel board looks just as nice and is much easier to install.
Required Materials
Base board stock
Panel stock
Chair rail stock
6d, 8d finish nails
Carpenters glue
Caulking
Required Tools
Hammer
Awl
Circular saw
Saw horses
Block plane
Measuring tape
Stud finder
Pry bar
Speed square
Saber saw
Router & 3/8ths” bit
Clamps
Pencil
Step One: Removing Baseboard
To begin the project, remove the existing baseboard. This is best accomplished with a pry bar. Use the pry bar to loosen the baseboard at the corners and then along the middle of the baseboard. Gently pry the baseboard off the wall.
Step Two: Find the Studs
Use the stud finder to locate the studs. Once a stud is found, locate its center and make a line from the floor to 1″ above the baseboard location. Do the same for all other studs. Studs are generally spaced 16″ on center. If you do not have a stud finder, tap on the wallboard or use a nail as a probe.
Step Three: Baseboard and Chair-rail Preparation
To accept the panel stock, router a 3/8ths” rabbit joint along the edge of the baseboard, corner board and chair rail stock. If a door casing is involved, place the chair rail or baseboard end against the door casing and mark the overlap of the baseboard or chair rail on the baseboard or chair rail end. Plane the corner to a 45-degree angle with a block plane to meet the door casing width. If a corner is involved, use a circular saw to cut a 45-degree angle to make the turn.
Step Four: Attaching Baseboard
Use 6d finish nails to attach the first section of the baseboard. Lay a bead of glue along the end edge of the baseboard and butt the second piece of stock against it. Nail each end of baseboard and clean any seeping glue quickly to prevent staining. If there are gaps between the boards, use caulk to fill the voids.
Step Five: Corner Board Preparation
Cut the corner board to length remembering the rabbits cut earlier in to the baseboard and chair rail stock. Make the corner boards ¾” shorter than the total height to allow for this. Cut the corner boards to 2 ¾” and plane the edges smooth. If a corner is involved, miter at a 45-degree angle and nail with 8d finish nails.
Step Six: Panel Preparation and Installation
Place the panel board onto the saw horses face down to prevent tear out during the cutting process. Using a clamped guideboard, cut to width and length (cut the length if a stud is not available for the length). Glue at the edges and make a large “X” across the inside panel board. Use 6d finish nails to attach the panel board to the studs. Sink the nails with an awl.
Step Seven: Installing Chair-rail and Foot-rail
Cut, glue and slide the chair-rail onto the panel board. Nail at studs with 6d finish nails. Sink the nails with the awl. Place foot rail; attach and sink with 6d nails. Caulk any voids if necessary.