How to Install a Wainscot System

Beautiful design on the wall

A wainscot system is a great way for consumers to display artistic talent. After a design is settled, transferring it from a draft on paper to an actual accent is easier than most would think. If the consumer possesses any woodworking or artistic abilities, a wainscot system is a snap.

Things You'll Need

• Chair rail mold
• Decorative mold
• Electric miter box
• Skill saw (if using paneling)
• 6d finish nails
• Carpenter's square
• Nail set
• Carpenter’s level
• Chalk line
• Measuring tape
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Skip this step if there is a 4 foot carpenter's level available. A water hose level is the best to use when leveling over a great distance. Purchase clear tubing and 2 cork stoppers. Fill the tube with water leaving enough room for the water to move inside the hose. Insert the corks. Place one end of the hose at the desired height in one corner and the other at the opposite corner and remove the cork plugs. When the water settles, make marks accordingly.

2. Choose a corner to begin. Measure up the wall from the floor to the desired height and make a mark. Do the same for each corner involved in the wainscot design.

3. Pop a chalk line from corner to corner on each wall that is to get the wainscot.

4. Secure the chair rail mold to the bottom side of the chalked line with the 6d finish nails. Countersink the nail heads with a nail set.

5. Divide the area into sections and use the square to draw picture frames in each section. Cut the decorative mold to fit these picture frames and secure them to the wall with the 6d finish nails. Countersink the nail heads with a nail set. Paint the wall as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses.

• Use caution when removing the corks from the water hose level as the water can escape the ends of the hose.

• If not using paneling, make sure the chair rail is a flat mold.

• After picture frames are drawn, paint can be applied before securing the decorative mold. This allows for the decorative mold to be a different color than the picture frame color on the wall.

• Use extreme caution when using power tools.