How To Install Wainscoting Wall Panels

Based on these measurements mark the wall with chalked twine at the point where the top of the mdf baseboard will go.

How to install wainscoting wall panels.

Once cut install the panel 1 16 in from the last full panel. So if your ceiling is 96 above the finished floor then of that would be 32. Old baseboard makes a good nailer and can stay put as filler behind the new baseboard if you remove. Attach the panels hold the spacer block underneath the chair rail.

To avoid chunky looking spots. Remove any baseboard molding around the room. Lay out the walls. Lay the panel face down and use a jigsaw or circular saw to cut it.

Prep the wall and determine the panel widths step 1 2. Divide the wall into equal sections so that the panel inside the rails and stiles has a height width ratio of about 1 to 1 6 vertical to horizontal. The top and the bottom of the wainscoting are held in place by a cap rail and a baseboard nailed into the studs. Remove the base cap.

When you measure the walls use an electronic stud finder to locate and mark the position of the wall studs. The rule of thumb is that the wainscoting should be installed at of the height between the floor and ceiling. To make this diy project easy use hardwood plywood along with pre squared pre planed dimensioned hardwood. The spacing underneath the wall frame should be the same which you can check with a second spacer block.

It s only one factor to consider when you re deciding on the right height. Taking measurements from the top and bottom should make up for any wall intersections that aren t perfectly plumb or square. Butt the top of the wall frame tight to the spacer and even with your pencil lines on the wall. Measure from the laser line down to where the baseboard.

Extend a line around the room with a level. How to install recessed panel wainscoting step 1. Set a laser level to the desired height of the wainscoting. You ll have a 1 16 in expansion gap to the adjacent wall.