Installing Wainscoting
Designing With Wainscoting Trim
Probably one of my favorite finish carpentry activities is installing wainscoting. An even better activity is to make raised panel wainscoting in the shop and later install it onsite.
Wainscoting is a broad term referring to trim that is added to the bottom quarter of the wall. The type of material used can be wood paneling, trim or intricate molding.
Types of Wainscoting
Wainscoting can be a simple beaded type, or a flat panel as shown below or an elegant and formal raised panel.
Interiors have used wainscoting for architectural design and visual appeal since the late 1500s. Though there is no structural purpose for wainscoting, the added feature adds contrast and design to a wall.
Photo: concordcarpenter
Wainscoting is commonly painted to match existing trim in a home; however, employing different paint colors and treatments adds character and personality to a home’s interior design.
Wainscoting adds instant architectural detail and interest to a wall.
Photo:Isaac Goodale House, Ipswich, Massachusetts
A raised panel appearance, wainscoting becomes formal.
Photo:Isaac Goodale House, Ipswich, Massachusetts
Dark stained wainscoting adds a masculine touch for a man’s room or den.
Photo: concordcarpenter
White painted wainscoting against pastel walls becomes a youthful, feminine combination.
With a bead board appearance, wainscoting evokes the beach and lake.
How the wainscoting is designed and finished makes it usable in almost any room in the house.
Applied moldings: See Faux wainscoting
~ concord carpenter