How to Install Beadboard Wainscoting

By: Mark Feirer and Thomas Baker, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. BEADBOARD WAINSCOTING

2. CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE

3. CAP RAIL
pine or fir 1x2

4. OGEE MOLDING

5. BASEBOARD MOLDING

6. CAP MOLDING

7. SHOE MOLDING

8. FINNISHING NAILS
4d and 6d

9. 3/4-INCH BRADS
to attach ogee molding to underside of cap rail

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Drill/driver and assorted drill bits
- Levels,
  2 ft. and 4 ft.
- Compass,
  for scribing
- Coping saw
- Biscuit joiner
- Utility knife
- Nail set
- Caulking gun
- Jigsaw
- Combination square
- Tape measure
- Block plane
- Brad nailer
- Hammer,
  16 oz.
- Table saw
- Power miter saw
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Product selections for this project
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drawing the layout line for the wainscoting

Photos by: David Carmack

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11

1. Draw layout line

Cut all the wainscot pieces to length. Tom commonly sets his height at 32" to 36" and then cuts all the pieces he needs on a miter saw.

Using a 4-foot level (or longer), find the floor's highest point along the wall. At this high spot, place a cut board vertically against the wall and set the level on top so that the bubble is centered in the vial.

Pencil a layout line on the wall using the level's underside as your guide. The top of each beadboard will land on this line.

Move the level around the entire room, drawing a continuous layout line.

Tip: For large rooms, a water level and chalk line make it easier to create a layout line.