Advertisement
Transcript

Learn how to cut miter and scarf joints to install wainscoting, chair rails, baseboards, and quarter round molding.

In bygone days, a wain was a large open wagon. Today, the term "wainscoting" describes decorative wooden wall paneling that is suggestive of the wide boards that covered the sides of the wagon. Typically, wainscoting covers only the lower portion of the wall and may be capped with a chair rail or a picture rail in the case of high wainscoting. It takes its character from the type of wood and construction used - salvaged planks from a barn make a rustic look, ready-made paneling cut to height looks more functional, and individual milled boards can add refinement to your room. This dining room project uses 1/4-inch thick milled tongue and groove planks with decorative routing and then caps the wainscoting with chair rail.

Read More
Advertisement
determining the height for the chair rail
Step 1

Determine the Desired Height for the Chair Rail

Place a dining room chair against the wall and measure from the floor to the top of the chair back. This measurement also determines the length and elevation of tongue and groove panels to be installed for the wainscoting.

snapping a chalk line
Step 2

Transfer Measurements to the Walls and Snap a Chalk Line

Transfer the measurement for the top of the tongue and groove paneling to each end of the walls. Snap a chalk line across each wall between the marks to position the panels once they are ready for installation.

locating wall studs with an electronic stud finder
Step 3

Locate and Mark Each Stud to Secure the Chair Rails

Use an electronic stud finder to locate wall studs in the walls where wainscoting will be installed. Mark them with a pencil above the chalk line for the top of the tongue and groove panels.

using a pattern for wainscoting cuts
Step 4

Make a Pattern for Cutting Tongue and Groove Paneling Lengths

Measure and cut a single length of tongue and groove paneling to use as a pattern for the other paneling cuts for the wainscoting. Always use the same board as a guide so that the length doesn't gradually creep upward.

Advertisement
working on a wainscoting assembly line
Step 5

Create an Assembly Line for Faster Repetitive Cuts

Set up an assembly line with a helper to make fast and efficient repetitive cuts for the wainscoting tongue and groove panels. One person can mark and measure while the other makes the cuts with a miter saw.

securing the wainscoting panels
Step 6

Nail Paneling to the Wall at the Chalk Line

Position the top of the wainscoting paneling at the chalk line and nail it with a pneumatic nail gun 1/2 inch from the top and bottom of the panels. Nail heads will be invisible, covered by baseboard and chair rail.

testing the notches for electrical outlets
Step 7

Notch Tongue and Groove Panels around Electrical Outlets

Switch off power to electrical outlets and remove the covers. Mark necessary cuts around outlets and notch them on wainscoting panels with a jig saw. Cut notches to accommodate the receptacle mounting screws. Secure panel with nails.

tracing a cutline for a narrow corner panel
Step 8

Measure and Cut Narrower Corner Panels

Tape a panel in the next-to-the-last position before the corner. Butt another panel into the corner and trace its overlapping edge as a cutline on the taped board. Remove both. Rip the marked board, installing it in the corner position.

positioning baseboard beneath the wainscoting
Step 9

Bevel or Miter Ends of Baseboards and Quarter-round Molding

Bevel cut baseboards and quarter-round molding where they meet door framing. Make 45-degree miter cuts where two lengths meet at corners. Form scarf joints where lengths must overlap in the middle of a wall. Secure with a nail gun.

fitting chair rail for the wainscoting
Step 10

Cut Chair Rail and Nail Directly into the Wall Studs

Measure and cut chair rail. Fit it against the top of the tongue and groove panels and nail directly into the wall studs above the wainscoting. Bevel, miter, or make scarf joints as required using the techniques demonstrated earlier.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Related Tips

Blog Articles

November 04, 2024

DIY Shutters That Last: Building with Azek

Ever thought about adding a touch of timeless charm to your home’s exterior? Shutters can do just that, enhancing your windows while adding a stylish flair. Brian recently embarked on a DIY journey to create shutters using Azek, a PVC material that mimics wood’s beauty but with enhanced durability and low maintenance.

November 01, 2024

Adhesives: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the world of adhesives can be daunting with so many options available. Having a basic understanding of the different types and their applications can make the decision-making process much easier. In this blog post and accompanying video, we will break down various types of adhesives and how to use them effectively.

October 17, 2024

Creating a Glossy Bar Top Finish: A DIY Guide

Have you ever wanted to elevate the look of your home bar that looks like liquid glass? A glossy bar top can add a touch of sophistication and style to your space. In this DIY guide, we will walk you through the steps to create a stunning glossy bar top that will impress your guests and elevate your home entertainment experience.

Advertisement
Recent Articles
Advertisement
Advertisement