DIY Network

Hallway Wainscoting Installation From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-308F

With the new picture window in place, the crew helps homeowner Lisa Cabus install wainscoting.

Materials:

Level
Hammer
Stud finder
Tape measure
Table saw
Pencil
Tongue-and-groove bead board
Cap rail
Baseboard
Construction adhesive
Finishing nails
Notched trowel
Paintable caulk

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	Figure A
	Figure B

1. Using a stud finder to locate and mark the studs. (The top and bottom of the wainscoting are held in place by a cap rail and a baseboard nailed into the studs.)

2. Determine the height for the wainscoting. First measure up from the floor then use a level extend a line along the wall.

3. Cut the wainscoting to length.

4. Begin at either end of the wall and measure to determine the length of the wainscoting boards. Do not cut everything at once; the length of the boards may change as you move along because of uneven or unlevel floors.

5. Next, run a wavy line of construction adhesive along the back of several boards (figure A). Spread the glue with a notched trowel.

6. Adjoin the tongues of the panels with the grooves. Align the top edges with the level line; check the edge for plumb with a level.

7. Press the boards with the heels of your hands to help bond the boards with the wall. Nail in place into studs (figure B).

8. Nail the cap rail in place with #6 or #8 finishing nails. Miter inside and outside corners. Seal any gaps with paintable caulk.