Wainscoting is a popular home improvement project because it is both stylish and has many practical benefits.
These benefits include protecting walls from damage, hiding imperfections. Wainscoting can be used in many different ways in your home, such as on walls, or as a backsplash in your kitchen.
Let’s dive in and learn all about this intriguing home improvement project to help you decide if it is right for your home!
Wainscoting is a type of paneling that is commonly used on the lower half of walls as decoration around the perimeter of a room. Wainscoting can add visual interest and texture to a room.
If you are considering adding wainscoting to your home, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you will need to choose a style that fits your home’s decor. Wainscoting comes in a variety of styles, in both paint grade and stain grade so you should be able to find something that compliments your existing decor.
Second, you will need to decide on a budget. Wainscoting can be relatively inexpensive, but if you want something more elaborate or made from high-end materials, it can also be quite pricey.
Finally, you should consider the installation. The simplest route is to buy pre-cut wainscotting parts that will be delivered to your home ready to install. You can also get the stock boards and cut your own wainscotting, but this is significantly more difficult and will require some DIY knowledge.
The decorative paneling is used to create an elegant, finished look in a room. It can be used on walls to add visual interest and texture to a room. It is often used in conjunction with other architectural features, such as crown moulding and baseboards to add elegance to a room and create different vibes.
But looking pretty isn’t the only thing wainscoting is good for. It can also help to protect walls from scuffs and scratches or even budding artists with crayons.
Traditionally, wainscoting has been made of solid wood, though homeowners often turn to MDF as a more budget-friendly option.
Let’s investigate both of these materials here.
Wainscoting made of solid wood is durable and long-lasting. As the popular choice of yesteryear, wainscoting in older homes or public buildings is almost certainly made from solid wood.
Wooden wainscoting can also be stained or painted, so you can easily match it to the rest of your décor.
MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of applications around the home including wainscoting.
Like plywood, MDF is an engineered wood product, making it a more affordable choice than solid wood. It is made by dehydrating sawdust and wood shavings, then mixing them with resin and wax. The mixture is then heated to a high temperature and subjected to intense pressure until the panel becomes rigid.
MDF doesn’t have knots or grain and isn’t prone to warping — all issues that can arise when working with real wood. It’s a particularly good choice for bathrooms and kitchens as it is resistant to moisture problems.
Plus, it is an ideal material for wainscoting in general because it is durable and easy to work with. It can be painted or stained to match any décor and is relatively inexpensive.
One of the most important benefits of wainscoting is that it can help to create a sense of visual balance in a room.
You can choose whatever height you want, but the traditional use was to cover the lower third of the wall. In a room with a nine-foot ceiling, this puts the wainscoting at three feet tall. In general, wainscoting runs between 36 and 48 inches off the floor.
The height you choose will depend on the size of your room, the height of the ceiling, as well as the overall look you want to achieve in your space.
If you want your wainscoting to be a focal point in the room, then choosing a taller height will give it more impact. If you want it to be more of a background element, then choosing a shorter height will help it to blend in more.
Ultimately, the decision of what height to choose for your wainscoting is up to you and what will work best in your space.
The cost of wainscoting will vary depending on the material that you choose and the size of the area that you need to cover. For example, if you want to cover an entire wall with wainscoting, it will obviously cost more than if you just want to add a few panels to an existing wall.
The cost also depends on the materials you choose and the complexity of the installation.
Regardless of what you spend, it is definitely worth the investment if you want to add value and beauty to your home.
You can use wainscoting in any room in your home. Here are a few ideas for practical uses.
Protect the walls in entryways and mudrooms where people will be slinging backpacks, taking off muddy shoes, and leaning wet umbrellas up against the wall. It can also lend a more formal air to your entryway if that is your goal.
These narrow passages can benefit from wall protection and the panelling looks elegant as it follows the pitch of the stair.
Wainscoting accent walls in entertaining spaces both protect the walls and adds a calming effect — if such a thing is possible with kids and pets. Consider making the cap rail wide enough to perch drinks or game accessories for convenience.
One of the traditional uses of wainscoting was to protect the walls in dining rooms from chairs. It still makes a gorgeous statement in formal dining rooms and adds elegance to kitchens as well.
Warp-resistant material, like MDF, is perfect for use in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms. It protects the plaster from water damage as well as warms the room instead of cooling it like tile.
Did you know that wainscoting is easier to clean than drywall? This makes it a great choice for kids’ bedrooms where getting artistic with a crayon on the walls is a rite of passage. Or add elegance to your master bedroom with these stylish panels.
There are a variety of styles you can choose from. Each one will offer a different feel to the room and it’s important to choose one that will match the aesthetic you’re trying to create. Here are a few of the most common ones.
Beadboard are thin boards about 3-4 inches wide. They are installed vertically usually with a strip of moulding at the top and bottom to finish the look.
This style creates a strong look that’s great for a wainscoting accent wall in a manly library or office. Battens that are about 4 – 6 inches wide are arranged to create indented squares about 6 – 10 inches wide.
These panels fit together using a tongue-and-groove joint that creates a v-shaped groove upon assembly. The style is great for modern wainscoting styles.
Shiplap interior panelling looks similar to shiplap exterior siding. The style involves long, horizontal boards that overlap one another on the long edges. It adds a rustic look that is useful for a farmhouse aesthetic.
Overall, wainscoting has many benefits that can help improve your home’s value and appearance. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra character and style to your home, wainscoting may be the perfect solution.
There are many different types and styles of wainscoting to choose from, so you’re sure to find an option that fits your needs. Be sure to consult with a professional before installation to ensure the job is done correctly.
If you’re considering adding wainscoting to your home in the greater Ottawa area and aren’t sure where to start, House of Fine Carpentry has decades of experience in designing, manufacturing and installing wainscoting of all kinds. Contact House of Fine Carpentry today to get your project plans started.
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