How to Install Wainscot Paneling

Use a level to make sure all wainscoting is perfectly aligned before nailing.

Wainscoting adds a touch of an old-style look to any home, or can be installed in bathrooms or kitchens and left white for a sophisticated look. Installing wainscoting is a simple process that is sure to enhance your home's personality and appeal with minimal effort.

Things You'll Need

• Nail gun
• Nails
• Level
• Screwdriver
• Wood putty
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Hand saw
• Measuring tape
• Chalk
• Chair molding

Instructions

1. Lay your wainscoting paneling out against your wall to determine where you want it to go. Mark the height it will reach with chalk around the top of each piece of wainscoting.

2. Remove the faceplates of electrical outlets if any are in the way of the wainscoting. To remove them, unscrew the screws at the top and bottom of the faceplate with a screwdriver and slip the faceplates off.

3. Push the first piece of wainscoting snug into a corner of the room. Use a level to make sure it is even.

4. Nail the wainscoting paneling in place by putting one nail in the top of the panel and one nail in the bottom by the floor, using a nail gun. Continue this process around the rest of the rooms you are paneling.

5. Cut around window sills and electrical outlets by measuring the areas with a measuring tape and cutting the wainscoting paneling down with a hand saw.

6. Attach the chair molding to the top edge of the wainscot paneling, overlapping the nails you used to secure the top of the paneling. Use a level to keep the chair molding straight as you nail it around the top edge of all the paneling, and use as few nails as possible to keep it up.

7. Cover each nail with wood putty to hide them. Once finished, paint over the entire project in your desired color, using a paintbrush, and reattach the electrical outlet faceplates.

References

• Easy Bathroom Remodeling: Bathroom Remodeling with Wainscoting
• This Old House: Step-By-Step Guide to Installing Wainscoting