DIY Network

Install Custom Wainscoting: Install the Framing and Chair 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 final segment, host Fuad Reveiz applies the finishing touches to the wainscoting remodel by installing the framing and chair rails. He completes the project by applying putty in the nail holes and by giving the wainscoting a coat of polyurethane.

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
	Figure F
	With the final touch of polyurethane the rich, warm wainscoting adds a dimensional look to the room with the raised panels.

Installing the Stiles and Chair Rails

1. Begin by installing all of the vertical pieces that go against the door casings and the corners. The boards next to the door are 3-12" wide. To match that in the corners, first install a 4-1/4" board that was ripped down to a 1x6.

2. Install a 3-1/2" board up next to it. Both boards will have 3-1/2" exposed. Use a finish nailer (figure A) with 2-1/2" finish nails.

3. Use a utility knife to cut away any paint build-up on the casings so the boards will fit flush.

4. The process is the same for the rest of the room -- until all of the other corners and end pieces are up.

5. Next, measure between the end boards and then cut and rout the ends of the 1x6 baseboards. When they are placed on the wall they will fit perfectly with the vertical end boards. Now just nail them in place (figure B).

6. With the baseboards up follow the same process for installing the top rails. Measure and cut the 1x4s to length, and then rout the ends on the router table.

7. Just like the baseboards, secure the top rails to the wall with 2-1/2" finish nails (figure C).

8. Now it's time to measure for the stiles. Each one must be taken separately since they may vary a little -- and they need to be custom fit.

9. Take several measurements at once, and then cut them to their proper lengths.

10. With that done, rout the "female" ends (figure D) on the stiles using the router table. Then go back inside to install them.

11. Set a stile in place, add one nail and check to make sure it's plumb -- then secure it to the wall. This covers all the seams where the oak paneling meets.

12. Use the guide lines that were drawn earlier on the wall to line up the stiles in their proper locations. Since the stiles were pre-cut, they should go up easily.

13. Now it's time to install the chair rails. Measure the wall for each one and then cut them to length on the chop saw -- and be sure to give them 45-degree ends (figure E) for the corners.

14. Set them on the top rail and secure by using 1-1/2" finish nails. To make it look even nicer, leave about a 1/2" overhang (figure F).

15. Work your way around the room and once they're all in, the woodwork itself is complete!

16. Next, fill in all the nail holes with matching wood putty.

17. Finally, give everything a good coat of polyurethane.