DIY Network

Install Custom Wainscoting: Customizing the Rails From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-212

	In this week's episode of Weekend Remodeling, host Fuad Reveiz will transform an ordinary dining room -- seen here -- into a warm, beautiful setting by giving ...
	it the rich, classic look of oak frame-and-panel wainscoting!

This is an intermediate level project and rated 4 on a "difficulty" scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult.

In this third segment, host Fuad Reveiz customizes the rails of the wainscoting in the dining room.

Materials:

1/4" oak plywood
1x6 base molding
1x4 framing
1x2 chair rails
Conditioner for stain
Stain
Putty
Polyurethane
Pry bar
Miter saw
Circular saw
Jig saw
4' level
Brad nailer
Finish nailer
Chalk line
Router and cabinetry bits
Framing square
Hammer
Caulk gun
Tape measure
Palm sander
Painters tape
Rags
Sanding block
Bucket
Brush

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Putting the "Custom" in Custom Wainscoting

Most of you who have used a router know how it can help to customize a project. This time is no different. Let's get started.

1. We're going to be using a matched set of cabinetmaker bits (figure A) for the stiles and rails of our wainscoting.

   Note: These bits cut a male and a female matched profile that fit together like they were made for each other -- and in this case they were. By using these bits, you'll be able to rout a decorative profile on the stiles and rails, and they'll fit together like a professional made them.

2. Cut the 16' lumber down closer to the lengths you'll be needing. It's easier to rout and stain the boards if they're cut to manageable sizes.

3. Cut down the 1x6s for the baseboards, the 1x4s for the rails and stiles and the 1x2s for the chair rail. Also rip a 1x6 to 4-1/4" (figure B) to create the vertical end boards you'll need in the corners.

4. Rout the upper edge of the 1x6 that will be the base molding.

   Tip: Clamp a 2x4 to the router table (figure C) to act as a guide and keep the wood from getting away from you.

5. Rout the bottom edge of the top 1x4 rail, and after that rout both sides of the 1x4 stiles you'll use to hide the seams of the panels.

   Note: The sides of all the stiles are done, as well as the baseboards and top rail (figure D), but you'll have to wait and rout the ends of the stiles one at a time for an exact fit when they're ready to go up.

6. For the 1x2 chair rail round off the top corner with a smaller bit on a hand router.

7. Finally, use an orbital sander on all of the larger, flatter areas and a soft sanding block to smooth out the edges of the ogee profiles (figure E).

   Most of the routing is finished except for the end cuts on the stiles -- mentioned earlier.

Figure F