Transforming a room can be as simple as adding a wainscoting accent wall. Don’t Believe me? Check out the “Before” and “After” photos of my entryway where I personally installed wainscoting.
Here is a look at my wall BEFORE Wainscoting was installed…
And here is a look at my wall AFTER wainscoting was installed…
Quite the differce, eh?
Wainscoting is defined as “wooden paneling that lines the lower part of the walls of a room” but it’s basically just a specific accent wall style. Whether you’re updating a dining room, hallway, entryway, or bedroom, this “Dead Simple” guide will show you exactly how to install wainscoting.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need to Build Wainscoting
Although the exact tools and materials needed to build wainscoting will vary from project to project, below is good materials list to get you started:
- MDF Boards (1″x3″): https://go.magik.ly/ml/24oya/
- Liquid Nails or Construction Adhesive: https://go.magik.ly/ml/24oy8/
- Paint: https://go.magik.ly/ml/24oyc/
- Caulk: https://go.magik.ly/ml/24oyb/
- Brad Nailer: https://go.magik.ly/ml/24oyf/
- Measuring Tape and Level: For accuracy.
- Miter Saw: For cutting trim.
Step 1: Measure and Plan
Start by measuring the height and width of the wall you want to cover. Traditional wainscoting typically covers the lower third of the wall, but you can adjust the height to fit your design preference.
I installed my “Top Rail” Board approximately 36″ up the wall. I used a 6′ level to mark a horizontal line across the wall at a 36″ height.
Plan your design by sketching out the layout, including the placement of panels and trim. I used Sketchup to model my Wainscoting and to get the spacing for my vertical panels.
I decided that I wanted to set my outermost vertical boards 14.5″ from the wall on each side. That left me with 70.5″ between the boards. To find the spacing, I used the formula below:
Based on this example, the total span length is 70.5″, the MDF board width is 2.5″, the number of boards is “2”, and the number of openings is “3”. Let’s plug these numbers into the formula below:
Based on the calculation above, I will need an approximate spacing of 21 3/4″ between each of the vertical wainscoting baords.
Step 2: Prepare the Wall
Clean and prepare the wall by removing any existing trim or fixtures. Patch any holes and ensure the surface is smooth. It’s often a good idea to apply a fresh coat of paint on the lower wall area before installing the wainscoting.
Step 3: Cut and Install the MDF Boards
As mentioned previosly, I installed the top rail of the wainscoting first. My wall was 99″ long, so I cut the 1″x3″ MDF to that length using a miter saw.
Although I cut the MDF for my accent wall using a miter saw, you can also cut MDF using a circular saw, a hack saw, or a hand saw.
After cutting the MDF to size, I applied a bit of construction adhesive to the back of the boards. This will help to hold the MDF to the wall.
After gluing the boards, position them in place on the wall and secure them with brad nails.
Use a level to ensure each panel is straight. Continue with the rest of the panels, aligning them carefully.
Step 4: Continue to Install the Vertical MDF Boards
Once the top rail of the wainscoting was installed, I positioned the vertical MDF boards in place. I cut them to size, glued the backside, and then posisioned them on the wall. After confirming that the vertical boards were perfectly plumb using a level, I secured them to the wall with brad nails.
Step 5: Caulk all of the Gaps
After installing all of the MDF boards, fill any nail holes or gaps with caulk. Smooth the caulk with a damp finger or a caulking tool.
Step 6: Paint and Finish
After allowing the caulk to dry, paint the wainsconting accent wall. Use a roller for the large areas and a paint brush to get all of the hard to reach places between the baords.
A semi-gloss or gloss finish works well for wainscoting as it enhances durability and adds a polished look. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats.
Step 7: Clean Up
After the paint has dried, remove any painter’s tape and touch up any areas as needed. Clean up your workspace and replace any fixtures or decorations that were removed.
How much Does a Wainscoting Accent wall Cost?
The wainscoting accent wall shown in this project cost me less than $60 in materials. MDF is very cheap (approximately $8 per board) and paint and caulk are also relatively inexpensive. Overall, I would budget around $5-$7 per linear foot to install a DIY Wainscoting accent wall. Keep in mind that this cost per LF is for materials only with the assumption that you would complete the installation yourself as a DIY project.
Building a wainscoting accent wall is a rewarding DIY project that can dramatically enhance the look of your space. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a stylish and sophisticated focal point that adds character and charm to your home. Happy building!
DISCLAIMER: This is a reference guide only. Consult local code requirements. Links included in this article might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting ATimprovements so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!