DIY Network

Wainscoting and Chair Rail Molding From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-212

Homeowner Tara Swick thought wainscoting and chair railing would add a touch of traditional elegance to the dining room. Host Karl Champley teaches Tara how to get started on making this vision come to life.

Materials:

Pneumatic nailer
Miter box and saw (manual)
Miter saw (power)
Tape measure
Level
Pry bar
Stud finder
Pencil
Jig saw
Drill, with drill bits and a Phillips driver bit
Utility knife
Hammer
Putty knife
Clamps
Safety goggles
3 Sheets of 1/4" birch plywood
1 Sheet 3/4" birch plywood
1x finish wood
Base, crown and chair rail trim
Caulk gun
Paneling glue
Paneling nails
Eye goggles
White caulk/putty

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. Remove old baseboard, then use a utility knife to cut line where the paint of the trim just meets the drywall, then use pry bar to lever it away from wall. Remove all faceplates from electrical outlets.

2. Determine the height of your wainscoting, then use stud finder to locate wall studs. The cap rail and baseboard will be nailed into the studs. Be cautious not to drive nails near electrical outlets or switches.

3. Mark 32" line from floor up the wall and run a level line on the wall to ensure that the wainscoting is even (figure A). This line will serve as the mark for chair railing.

4. Measure from chair rail line to outlet and corner to outlet (in this case) to determine exact location for outlet hole. Transfer measurements to wainscoting.

5. Because wainscoting adds an additional 3/4" thickness to wall, loosen outlets and bring out a bit, then reinstall faceplates.

6. Use miter saw to cut wainscoting (figure B). Cut panels as needed as lengths may change with uneven floors.

7. Cut molding with 45-degree angles for corners and 90-degree angles where molding will meet door or window.

8. Prime and paint molding.

9. Adhere wainscoting to walls. Use a glue and caulk gun to adhere. Keep panels flush with the chair rail line on wall. Add a few nails with a pneumatic nailer (figure C). Nail the panel into the stud in 6" intervals. Be sure to use protective eyewear.

10. Use nails to secure chair rail, then fill nail holes and seams with white caulk or putty.