How to Install Wainscoting

How to Install Wainscoting – 7 Easy Steps

Things that you will need

  • WainscotingDepot.com paneling
  • Eye protection
  • Miter saw or circular saw
  • Saw horses
  1.  Unwrap your wainscoting panels from WainscotingDepot.com that come triple primed and ready for installation.  Normal wainscoting panels would need a few days to sit inside your home to allow for the moisture in the wood to become adjusted to your environment.  But WainscotingDepot panels are made with the finest composite materials that will not expand and contract due to moisture and temperature.
  2. Take all the switch plates and outlet covers off of the walls to be paneled.  It’s best to also move the furniture to the middle of the room or out of the room all together to allow you the room to complete your installation.
  3. Remove the baseboards and moldings (if applicable) and make sure to note where the studs are located for easy reference later.
  4. Measure up 42.5 inches from the floor and using a level, mark a level line all around the room.  (Since floors are pretty much NEVER level, this step will make sure that your wainscot is level all around the room.)  If there is a discrepancy at the bottom, when you reattach the baseboard this should take care of it.
  5. Start in one of your corners and install the panel 1/16” from the corner making sure that it is level with your line.  Use panel adhesive or paneling nails to secure the wainscot.  (If you are nailing the panels, you may consider using a compressor nail gun that drives and sets the nail at the same time.  This will save you from having to set every nail and fill the holes once finished nailing manually.)
  6. Work your way around the room applying the paneling.  When you come to an electric outlet or light switch, you will need to measure accurately where the panel hits and cut the panel to accommodate the outlet/switch.
  7. Once you are finished, use caulk to fill in the gaps in the corners, and replace your baseboards and chair rails.