Are you looking to add some elegance and sophistication to your home decor?
Installing chair rail molding with wainscoting is a great way to achieve just that. Not only does it add visual interest to your walls, but it also provides protection from scuffs and scratches.
However, the installation process can seem daunting at first. But fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the steps to install chair rail molding with wainscoting like a pro.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!
How To Install Chair Rail Molding With Wainscoting
Step 1: Measure and Cut Chair Rail Molding
The first step in installing chair rail molding with wainscoting is to measure and cut the chair rail molding to fit against the top of the tongue and groove panels. Be sure to make bevel, miter, or scarf joints as required using the techniques demonstrated earlier.
Step 2: Trim the Planks to Height
If you need to trim the planks to height, measure from the baseboard upward, accounting for the notch in both the baseboard and chair rail. If the baseboard hasn’t been installed yet, measure upward from the floor, leaving a 1/8-inch gap at the bottom for expansion. Dry-fit the first plank in the corner, using a level on the outside edge to ensure it fits squarely. If the corner isn’t plumb, use a scribing tool to scribe the plank and trim on the inside. The first plank will need to be nailed and any other plank covering a stud should be nailed. You can use construction adhesive alone on the rest of the planks. Add each plank by locking the groove onto the tongue of the adjacent plank. Leave a 1/8-inch gap at the corners for expansion.
Step 3: Add Trim
Add trim using the same basic method as paneling. Apply construction adhesive to the back of the piece of trim and fit it to the wall, overlapping the top of the paneling. Use a nail gun or hammer and nail set to attach chair-rail molding over top of wainscoting.
Step 4: Subtract 7 Inches
To determine rough frame size, subtract 7 inches. This accounts for a 3 1/2 inch space top and bottom, or the width of two 1×4 “rails.” The calculations in Steps 1 and 2 provide a rough frame size.
Gathering The Necessary Tools And Materials
Before starting the installation process, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
– Chair rail molding: You can purchase pre-made molding pieces or create your own using wood glue and a few pieces of trim.
– Wainscoting: This is typically tongue and groove panels that will be installed below the chair rail molding.
– Wood glue: You’ll need this to create your own chair rail molding or to attach the wainscoting to the wall.
– Trim pieces: These will be specially cut to fit seamlessly into the corners.
– Chop saw or circular saw: You’ll need one of these tools with a blade set to make a 45-degree cut for the trim pieces.
– Miter saw: This will be used to cut the chair rail molding to the correct length.
– Coping saw with extra blades: This will be used to create bevel, miter, or scarf joints as required for the chair rail molding.
– Level: This will ensure that everything is installed straight and level.
– Scribing tool: This tool will be used to scribe the planks and trim on the inside if the corner isn’t plumb.
– Nail gun or hammer and nail set: You’ll need this to attach the chair rail molding over top of wainscoting.
– Construction adhesive: This will be used to attach the wainscoting and trim pieces to the wall.
Once you have all these tools and materials, you’re ready to start measuring and installing your chair rail molding with wainscoting.
Measuring And Marking The Wall For Chair Rail Molding
Before you start installing the chair rail molding, you need to measure and mark the wall where it will be installed. The first step is to determine the appropriate height for the chair rail. As a general rule, chair rail should be applied one-third of the way up the wall from the floor. For a room with an 8-foot ceiling, installing the chair rail at around 32 inches is a safe bet. However, chair rail height can be installed anywhere from 30 in. to 42 in.
Lightly mark the bottom of the chair rail every 3 ft. around the perimeter of the room. Measure from the baseboard, the ceiling or the floor—whichever is most consistent. This will help you determine how much molding you will need to purchase for your project.
Next, find and mark all the studs where you will be attaching the chair rail molding. You can use masking tape or a pencil to mark their locations on the wall. This will ensure that your chair rail molding is securely attached to the wall.
Use a level and measuring tape to draw a guideline around the room at the height where you want the chair rail to sit. If the floor isn’t level (very common in older homes), split the difference between the guideline on the wall and a consistent measurement from the floor, otherwise, the chair rail could end up looking crooked even if it is level.
When deciding how much molding to buy, make allowances for miter cuts (and mistakes) by adding about one foot to the length of each wall. This will ensure that you have enough material to work with and can make adjustments as needed during installation.
By following these steps, you can measure and mark your walls for chair rail molding installation with ease and accuracy.
Cutting And Installing The Chair Rail Molding
Once you have measured and cut the chair rail molding to fit against the top of the tongue and groove panels, it’s time to install it. To cut the chair rail, you’ll need a miter saw and a coping saw with extra blades (they break easily). A finish nailer isn’t absolutely necessary but will give you faster, better results.
Start by marking the wall at one end to indicate the top of the chair rail molding. Normally, this will be between 32 and 36 inches above the floor. Make an identical mark at the opposite end of the wall.
Next, hold the chair rail molding in place against the wall and mark where it meets the corner. Cut it at a 45-degree angle using a miter saw. If you have an inside corner, use a coping saw to cut along the profile of the molding where it meets the adjacent piece.
Apply construction adhesive to the back of the chair rail molding and press it firmly into place against the wall. Use a level to ensure that it is straight. If necessary, use finishing nails to secure it in place.
Repeat this process for each section of chair rail molding until you have covered all areas where you want to install it. Once all sections are in place, fill any nail holes with wood filler and sand them smooth.
Preparing And Installing The Wainscoting Panels
When installing wainscoting over drywall using panels, it’s important to prepare the wall surface properly. Start by attaching a horizontal rail to the wall using a level to ensure it is straight. This rail will serve as a guide for installing the wainscoting panels.
Next, measure and cut the panels to fit between the baseboard and chair rail molding. Be sure to account for any notches in the molding or panels. Use a saw or shears to make any necessary cuts.
Apply panel adhesive to the back of each panel and press it firmly against the wall, making sure it is level and spaced evenly apart from adjacent panels. Use a level to check that each panel is straight before allowing the adhesive to dry.
Once the adhesive has dried, install cap molding along the top of the wainscoting panels. Use a miter saw to cut the molding to the correct length and attach it to the wall with panel adhesive. This molding will cover the top of the wainscoting panels and conceal any gaps between them.
Fill any seams or gaps with paintable caulk, and use wood filler to fill in any nail holes created during installation. Let the caulk and wood filler dry completely before sanding and touching up with paint or wood finish.
Finally, glue and nail the chair rail molding to the wall, overlapping the top of the wainscoting panels. Make sure each piece of molding is level and spaced evenly apart from adjacent pieces.
By following these steps, you can successfully prepare and install wainscoting panels for your chair rail molding project, adding character and charm to your walls while protecting them at the same time.
Finishing Touches: Caulking And Painting
After you’ve installed the chair rail molding and wainscoting, it’s time to add the finishing touches to ensure a professional and polished look. The final steps include caulking and painting.
Step 1: Caulking
Before painting, you’ll need to caulk all the gaps between the chair rail molding and the wainscoting panels. Use a high-quality paintable caulk that matches the color of your trim. Apply a thin bead of caulk along the gap, then use a caulk smoothing tool or your finger to spread it evenly and remove any excess. Be sure to wipe away any excess caulk with a damp cloth before it dries.
Step 2: Sanding
After the caulk has dried, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or bumps. Sand lightly in one direction until the surface is smooth and even. Be sure to wipe away any dust with a damp cloth before painting.
Step 3: Priming and Painting
Now it’s time to prime and paint your wainscoting. Use a high-quality primer that is specifically designed for wood trim. Apply one coat of primer, then let it dry completely before applying your paint color. Use a high-quality paint that is also specifically designed for wood trim. Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once the paint has dried, take a step back and admire your newly installed wainscoting with chair rail molding. If you notice any areas that need touch-up, use a small brush to carefully apply additional paint. Finally, remove any painter’s tape or protective coverings from nearby surfaces.
By following these steps for caulking and painting, you’ll have a beautifully finished wainscoting installation that will add elegance and sophistication to any room in your home.
Tips And Tricks For A Professional-Looking Installation
Installing chair rail molding with wainscoting can be a challenging task, but with some tips and tricks, you can achieve a professional-looking installation. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Use a Level: Always use a level to ensure that your chair rail molding and wainscoting are level. This will help you avoid crooked lines and uneven gaps.
2. Plan Your Layout: Plan the layout of your wainscoting before you start installing it. Sketch out the floor plan of the room and note the exact length of each section of wall. This will help you determine the minimum size you need for each wall and avoid wastage.
3. Choose the Right Materials: Choose materials that match the style of your room. 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.
4. Cut Chair Rail Molding Correctly: When cutting chair rail molding, be sure to make bevel, miter, or scarf joints as required using the techniques demonstrated earlier. This will help you achieve a clean and professional-looking finish.
5. Use Construction Adhesive: Use construction adhesive to attach the wainscoting and trim to the wall. This will help hold everything in place while the adhesive dries.
6. Nail Gun: A nail gun is a great tool for attaching chair rail molding over top of wainscoting. It’s likely to be more accurate and will impart less vibration to the wall than a hammer and nail will.
7. Smooth Surface: Select pieces that have a smooth surface to avoid heavy sanding. Watch out for deep “chatter marks” (a wavy surface left by the milling machine).
By following these tips, you can achieve a professional-looking installation of chair rail molding with wainscoting in your home.