How to Put Bead Board Up On a Wall

Bead board is a traditional grooved paneling that is most often 32 to 36 inches in height. It was used in older homes to protect the fragile plaster; now, however, it is most often used to add texture, visual interest and a cottage feel to a home. Bead board is fairly inexpensive to purchase and, due to its tongue-and-groove construction, is simple to install. Because of its ease of installation, it is a common project for both the beginning and the experienced DIY enthusiast.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Crowbar
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Stud finder
• Hammer
• Nails
• Saw
• Primer
• Paint
• Wood filler

Instructions

1. Measure the height you want your bead board to be, taking into account the windowsills in your room. Measure from the base of the floor with your measuring tape. Write this measurement down. Measure the width of each of the walls in the room and add them up. Add an extra 5 percent to the width measurement. Write this number down so you can take it to the store with you when you purchase your materials.

2. Purchase your materials. Be sure to purchase tongue-and-groove bead board, baseboards with a built-in groove to hold the bead board in place and a cap rail with a built-in groove to hold the bead board in place.

3. Remove all of your baseboards, using a crowbar. Remove any outlet covers and light switches with the screwdriver.

4. Mark the height where the bead board's top edge will rest. Use a level to mark this top edge around the entire perimeter of the room.

5. Locate the studs with a stud finder. Mark the studs an inch above floor level and an inch below the line you drew.

6. Install the baseboards first; this is necessary because they contain the groove that holds the bead board in place. Nail the baseboard in place at the top and the bottom of the board at each stud, making sure to countersink the nails.

7. Cut your bead board to length, if necessary, if you have uneven floors. Measure as you go, and cut one length of bead board at a time. Mark the areas where outlet covers or light switches will go, and cut out those areas with a jigsaw.

8. Install the bead board by placing it in the groove in the base board. Line up the tongue and groove in each side-by-side section. When you get close to a corner, cut the board to fit so it will lie flush with the corner section.

9. Install the cap rail by placing the groove in the underside over the top edge of the bead board. Nail the cap rail in place at the top and bottom of the rail at each stud, making sure to countersink the nails.

10. Prime and paint if you desire, making sure to use wood filler in any sunken nails.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also prepaint or stain the bead board and baseboards before you install them.

References

• Home Depot: Installing Beaded Board
• Cottage Home Decorating: Installing Beadboard