- Purchase the wainscoting for your room a few days before installation. This is important because you will need to give the wainscoting panels a few days to acclimatize to your home. Stack the panels horizontally, but be sure air is able to travel between the panels. By doing this, the panels will have a chance to expand or contract based on the humidity and temperatures of your home.
- Before beginning your project, you will need to remove the base moldings and trim in your space. If you are planning on re-using these moldings for this project, carefully remove them and set aside for later use. Once this is done, use a level to draw a level line on the wall. This line should mark the top of where the wainscoting will sit on the wall.
- Cut the wainscoting panels to the right height with a circular saw. Once this is done, measure where electrical outlets will be placed. Sketch the outlets on the panel and use a jigsaw to cut the holes.
- Squeeze the construction adhesive to the back of the panel in a zigzag pattern. Carefully place the glued side of the panel onto the wall. Nail along the edges of the paneling. If you are hammering by hand, be sure to use a nail set to push the nail further into the wall. Doing so will allow you to cover the nails with putty. As you place the panels, be sure you space them according to the manufacturer's directions. This will allow the panels to expand and contract with the climate of your home.
- Install the base molding and top cap moldings to finish the look. Remember to fill the holes with putty and touch up with paint.
