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How to install D.I.Y. wainscoting

Wainscotting wall with green decorative pot plant holders

Overview

Wainscoting is decorative wood panelling along the lower section of a wall. Traditionally, wainscoting protected the wall from scuffs; these days, it can add style to your dining room or any other area of your home. It gives the illusion of depth to walls that might otherwise have been flat and boring. Wainscoting is a design feature that’s elegant, sophisticated, timeless and surprisingly easy to install.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Plan your panels

    First, measure where you want the panels to be on the walls. Use a spirit level or a laser level to draw a level line on the wall at the height you want. Next, work out how many panels you’ll need, and which pieces will need to be cut.
    Plan your panels
  2. 2

    Prep your walls

    Remove existing skirting boards with a hammer, chisel and crowbar.
    Prep your walls
  3. 3

    Find the studs

    Locate the studs in the wall using a stud finder. You will need to nail the wainscoting to the studs, so mark the points on the wall with a pencil or masking tape.
    Find the studs
  4. 4

    Cut the panels to size

    Measure and cut the panels.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Measure them so that the trim pieces will eventually hide the joins in the panels.
    Cut the panels to size
  5. 5

    Cut the trim

    The top rail (called the chair rail) should be measured next, along with the skirting board. Cut them to size so that they’re ready to go when you begin installing them.

    For corners and joining two pieces together, use a mitre saw to cut the ends at a 45-degree angle. Check they fit together snugly.

    Cut the trim
  6. 6

    Install the wall panels

    It’s time to start installing your wainscoting. Place adhesive on the back of the first panel, line it up and ensure that it's level, then stick it to the wall. Next, grab your nail gun and nail the panel into the studs you marked earlier. Continue this until all the panels are fixed to the wall.

    Install the wall panels
  7. 7

    Install the chair rail

    Fix the chair rail to the wall. Place some adhesive or wood glue on the back, check that it is level, and then stick and nail it onto the wall.
    Install the chair rail
  8. 8

    Attach the skirting boards

    Once that’s done, do the same on the bottom to attach the skirting boards.
    Attach the skirting boards
  9. 9

    Insert the vertical trim

    Insert the vertical pieces to cover the panel joins and create your pattern. Be sure to check that they are level and plumb.
    Insert the vertical trim
  10. 10

    Fill in the gaps

    Fill all the nail holes using some filler and a scraper. Wait until it is dry to sand off any excess. To fill any gaps between the panels and trim, use gap filler and a caulking gun.

    Fill in the gaps
  11. 11

    Paint the wainscoting

    The final step is to paint the wainscoting. Add painter’s tape to keep the edges neat, use a paintbrush to paint any small areas and use the roller to fill in the rest. Leave the paint to dry between coats and do as many coats as needed.

    Paint it all
  12. 12

    Watch the full episode

    For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 3: Master Bedroom, Ensuite & Fernery renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.