How To Put Up Beadboard Wainscoting

Are you looking for a way to add some charm and character to your walls? Beadboard wainscoting might just be the answer!

This decorative wall covering can contribute to the overall decor of a room while also providing support to the walls. But how do you put it up?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of installing beadboard wainscoting, from dismantling and relocating your toilet to attaching the panels with construction adhesive and nails.

So grab your tools and let’s get started!

Step 1: Dismantle and Relocate Toilet

To have full access to the wall behind it, you’ll need to temporarily dismantle and relocate your toilet. This will allow you to remove any existing wall covering and prepare the surface for the beadboard.

Step 2: Measure and Cut Beadboard Panels

Measure the desired height for your beadboard wainscoting, usually enough height to cover the space where the previous wall covering was. Then, using a saw, cut your beadboard panels to size.

Step 3: Attach Beadboard Panels to Wall

Using construction adhesive and nails, attach your beadboard panels to the wall. First, locate and mark the center of each stud along the walls. Apply a generous amount of adhesive to the back of the first panel and press it against the wall. While holding it in place, use either a nail gun or a hammer and trim nails to nail the panel into the studs. Nail at the top, middle, and bottom of each stud. Continue around the room gluing and nailing one panel at a time.

Step 4: Cut Holes for Outlets and Fixtures

Using a jigsaw, cut neat holes around any outlets or fixtures that may be on the wall.

Step 5: Add Molding and Baseboards

Once all of your beadboard panels are in place, allow the glue to dry overnight before adding molding and baseboards. Pry off any window and door moldings and baseboards with a flat pry bar. Measure up from the floor and snap chalk lines around the room at that height. Locate the studs with a stud finder and mark the centerline of each with a level. Extend the stud marks about 1 inch above the horizontal chalk line.

Step 6: Caulk Nail Holes and Seams

Finally, caulk all nail holes and seams to give your beadboard wainscoting a polished look.

Preparing The Wall And Room

Before installing beadboard wainscoting, it is important to prepare the wall and room. This will ensure that the installation process goes smoothly and that the finished product looks professional.

One of the first steps in preparing the room is to dismantle and relocate your toilet temporarily. This will allow you to have full access to the wall behind it, making it easier to remove any existing wall covering and prepare the surface for the beadboard.

Once you have access to the wall, you can measure the desired height for your beadboard wainscoting. This is usually enough height to cover the space where the previous wall covering was. Using a saw, cut your beadboard panels to size.

Before attaching the beadboard panels to the wall, locate and mark the center of each stud along the walls. This will help ensure that your panels are securely attached. Apply a generous amount of construction adhesive to the back of the first panel and press it against the wall. While holding it in place, use either a nail gun or a hammer and trim nails to nail the panel into the studs. Nail at the top, middle, and bottom of each stud. Continue around the room gluing and nailing one panel at a time.

If there are any outlets or fixtures on the wall, you will need to use a jigsaw to cut neat holes around them. This will ensure that your beadboard wainscoting fits seamlessly around them.

Finally, caulk all nail holes and seams to give your beadboard wainscoting a polished look. Taking these steps will ensure that your installation is successful and that your finished product looks professional and polished.

Removing The Toilet And Baseboards

Before you can begin installing your beadboard wainscoting, you’ll need to remove the toilet and baseboards from the wall. This will give you full access to the wall behind it, allowing you to properly prepare the surface for the beadboard.

To remove the toilet, start by turning off the water supply valve located behind the toilet. Then, flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl. Use a plunger or sponge to remove any remaining water from the bowl.

Next, use a wrench to disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank. Then, loosen and remove the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. You may need to use a putty knife to break any seal between the toilet and the floor before lifting it off.

Once you have removed the toilet, stuff a rag into the drain hole to prevent any debris or debris from falling in. Then, remove any baseboards that are in your way. Using a putty knife or crowbar, gently pry them away from the wall. If you can see any nails holding them in place, pull them out carefully to avoid damaging the baseboard.

Try to avoid cracking the baseboard as much as possible; if it’s in good shape, you can reuse it later on. Pull it away from the wall slowly and gently, a little bit at a time, until it’s completely removed.

With both the toilet and baseboards out of your way, you can now focus on preparing your wall for your new beadboard wainscoting.

Measuring And Cutting The Beadboard Panels

Before you begin installing your beadboard panels, it is important to measure and cut them to the correct size. Start by measuring the height of your desired wainscoting, taking into account any existing wall covering that needs to be removed. Once you have your measurements, use a saw to cut your beadboard panels to the appropriate size.

When cutting your panels, it is important to keep in mind any obstacles on the wall, such as outlets or fixtures. Use a jigsaw to carefully cut holes around these obstacles, ensuring a neat and precise fit.

Once you have all of your panels cut to size, it is time to attach them to the wall. Apply a generous amount of construction adhesive to the back of each panel and press it against the wall. Make sure to locate and mark the center of each stud along the walls before nailing the panels into place. Nail at the top, middle, and bottom of each stud using either a nail gun or a hammer and trim nails.

If necessary, shim the bottom of some panels to ensure they are level at the top. Remember that any gaps at the floor will be covered by baseboard, so don’t worry about them.

After all of your panels are installed, allow the glue to dry overnight before adding molding and baseboards. Pry off any window and door moldings and baseboards with a flat pry bar. Measure up from the floor and snap chalk lines around the room at that height. Locate the studs with a stud finder and mark the centerline of each with a level. Extend the stud marks about 1 inch above the horizontal chalk line.

Finally, caulk all nail holes and seams to give your beadboard wainscoting a polished look. By following these steps, you can easily measure and cut your beadboard panels for a professional-looking wainscoting installation.

Applying Construction Adhesive To The Wall

Before attaching your beadboard panels to the wall, it’s important to apply construction adhesive to ensure a secure hold. Start by cleaning and drying both the walls and the back of the beadboard to ensure good adhesion. Then, apply adhesive to the back of each panel in a zigzag pattern.

Position the panel into place, making sure it lines up with any marks or guidelines you have put in place. While holding the panel in place, use either a nail gun or a hammer and trim nails to nail the panel into the studs. If using a hammer, you will need to use a nail set to drive the nails down into the board creating a small divet. Nail at the top, middle, and bottom of each stud.

For best results, work on one panel at a time, allowing each panel to dry before moving on to the next one. This will ensure that each panel is securely attached to the wall and won’t shift or move over time.

Remember to take into consideration any gaps or uneven surfaces in your walls and floors when pre-fitting your paneling. By following these steps and taking your time during installation, you can achieve a beautiful and professional-looking beadboard wainscoting that will add charm and character to any room in your home.

Attaching Beadboard Panels To The Wall

Attaching beadboard panels to the wall is a crucial step in the process of installing beadboard wainscoting. To ensure that your panels are securely attached to the wall, follow these steps:

1. Locate the Studs: Using a stud finder, locate and mark the center of each stud along the walls. This will help you know where to nail your panels to ensure they are properly secured.

2. Apply Adhesive: Apply a generous amount of construction adhesive to the back of the first panel and press it against the wall. Make sure it is level and straight before proceeding.

3. Nail the Panel: While holding the panel in place, use either a nail gun or a hammer and trim nails to nail the panel into the studs. If you use a hammer, you need to use a nail set to drive the nails down into the board creating a small divet. Nail at the top, middle, and bottom of each stud.

4. Continue Around The Room: Continue around the room gluing and nailing one panel at a time until all panels are in place.

5. Take A Break: Take a well-deserved break! Allow glue to dry overnight before adding molding and baseboards.

Remember that if you are installing beadboard over drywall, choose a panel with 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch thickness. That will ensure a reveal, albeit a narrow one, at the point where your beadboard meets the door molding. Apply a thin bead of caulk to fill the narrow gap between the beadboard and the molding. Where the beadboard meets the ceiling, you have a couple of options: Either use the caulk gun again or add a trim transition. If you’re attracted to the latter approach—and it sounds like you are—select a molding profile whose design is consistent with the proportions and style of your bathroom.

By following these simple steps, you can easily attach beadboard panels to your wall and achieve beautiful wainscoting in any room of your home.

Installing The Baseboard And Chair Rail

Once your beadboard panels are attached to the wall, it’s time to add the finishing touches with baseboards and chair rail.

Step 1: Measure and Cut Chair Rail

Measure the length of your walls and cut the chair rail to size. Be sure to leave extra length for any corners or angles that may require a bevel, miter, or scarf joint. Fit the chair rail against the top of the tongue and groove panels and nail it directly into the wall studs above the wainscoting.

Step 2: Install Baseboards

To install your baseboards, measure and cut them to size. Then, using a nail gun or hammer and nails, attach them directly to the wall studs at the bottom of the beadboard panels. Be sure to nail at the top, middle, and bottom of each stud to ensure a secure hold.

Step 3: Terminate at Door Casing

Ideally, you want all of your beadboard to terminate at a door casing for an easy transition. The beadboard, chair rail, and baseboard should all sit flush against the casing. To accomplish this, fit the last two pieces of beadboard together before gluing and nailing them to the wall. Use a beater block to gently drive the beadboard into place.

Step 4: Address Open Space

If some of your wainscoting ends in open space, it can be challenging to terminate the chair rail, beadboard, and baseboard. In this case, use a thin piece of 1x with a beveled edge on top to create a finished look.

Step 5: Caulk Nail Holes and Seams

Finally, caulk all nail holes and seams to give your beadboard wainscoting a polished look. This will also help to prevent any gaps or cracks from forming over time.

By following these steps, you can easily install baseboards and chair rail to complete your beautiful beadboard wainscoting project.