Learn how to install wainscoting (also known as beadboard) in the bathroom or any room of your house! We’ll walk you through it with this step-by-step tutorial!
The longer I decorate, the more I’ve realized that the rooms I end up loving the most have a little “extra something.” I love the stenciled wall in my office. I love the vertical shiplap in our laundry room. And I really love the high board and batten in our living room.
So when I started planning out our little half bathroom, I knew it needed something to give it that “wow” factor, and I thought that the combo of wainscoting + wallpaper could be just the thing!
You can get my best tips and tricks for installing wallpaper in this post. And today I wanted to talk alllllllllllll about wainscoting, also known as beadboard!
How to Install Wainscoting / Beadboard Paneling
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
Step 1- Gather all necessary supplies.
As with any project, the first thing we did was gather up all of the supplies we’d need to do the job. Here’s what we used to install the beadboard in our powder room:
- Wainscoting / Beadboard Paneling
- 1×4 primed flatstock
- Header Stop Trim Piece (from Windsor One Craftsman Series)
- Cordless Drill
- GRK trim head screws
- Ryobi 18 Guage Brad Nailer + 1 1/2″ brads
- Bosch Miter Saw
- Ryobi Circular Saw
- Kreg Rip Cut Circular Saw Guide
- Fein Multimaster with Flush Cut Tool
- Stud Finder
- Wood Filler
- Painter’s Tool
- Caulk
- Orbital Sander
- Paint of Choice (We used Behr Marquee Cameo White in a satin sheen.)
- Paintbrush and Roller
- Tape & Drape
- Baseboards and Trim for Windows and Doors, If Desired
How do I know how much wainscoting to buy?
Wainscoting typically comes in one of two ways: in smaller packs of planks or in large panels. We opted to go for the 4′ x 8′ panels. A big reason for this is that I wanted a wider plank look rather than the super skinny wainscoting that you sometimes see, and the larger panels offered that option.
Our small powder room is 5′ x 4.5′, for a total of 19′ all around, so we purchased five 4′ x 8′ panels. (We knew we wouldn’t need beadboard where the door and window are, so 20′ of beadboard ended up being plenty.)
To minimize the number of cuts we had to make at home, we had the guys at Home Depot cut down our panels to our desired height of 5’1/2″. We chose this height because we wanted the final trim height to be 6 feet, or 2/3 the height of our 9′ ceilings. (Cutting a wall into thirds rather than in half tends to be more pleasing to the eye.) Our baseboard + top trim piece added up to 11.5″ total, so when we added that to our beadboard height, we ended up with our desired 6 feet. Yay math! 😉
Step 2- Replace any trim work that needs to be switched out.
Before we could just start installing the wainscoting, we had to think about our trim situation. You may have the exact baseboards and trim you want already. If that’s the case, you have it easy and can skip this step!
Unfortunately, our house came with really cheap looking trim work. So we have been replacing the baseboards and trim around the windows and doors room by room as we work on our house.
Our windows only have a small ledge, with no trim around the rest of the window. And with the style of baseboards that the builders put in, our beadboard paneling would stick out over the edge and look odd.
The trim around our doorways is also really thin…
We love chunky craftsman style trim because it gives our cookie cutter house so much more character, so we ripped out all of the trim we didn’t like…
And put in new baseboards and door/window trim. (You can see the tutorial for installing craftsman style trim here.)
Once we had the new trim all situated and ready to go, then we could…
Step 3- Install the beadboard panels.
Because we had the guys at Home Depot rip down our beadboard panels to the correct size, some of them could just be placed on top of the new baseboards and attached to the wall!
We first used a stud finder and marked all available studs. Fortunately, with most sections of the beadboard we were able to anchor the piece to the studs.
We pre-drilled a small pilot hole with a cordless drill and then attached the beadboard to the wall with GRK brand trim screws. The screws have a small head that makes the hole easier to fill.
For sections where no stud was available, we attached the beadboard with liquid nails and 18 gauge brads into the drywall.
Making Cuts Around Obstructions
As nice as it was not to have to cut down the height of the wainscoting ourselves, we didn’t totally get out of having to make cuts.
Sometimes the amount of wall we needed to fill required only a partial beadboard panel, so we had to cut it down. Sometimes we needed to work around the plumbing, so we created an extra cutout for that…
We had to cut around the outlets and light switches as well.
And underneath the window, we obviously needed a shorter piece of wainscoting than we were using on the full walls.
When cutting the beadboard to fit around obstructions, it’s important to carefully measure. Once we were sure of our measurements, we marked the cutouts on the beadboard with a pencil. We then used our Fein Multimaster flush cut tool to make the various cutouts.
In some places, we needed to rip down one of our sheets of beadboard. A table saw would be ideal for making these long, straight cuts, but we didn’t have one set up at the time. Instead, we attached the Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide to our cordless Ryobi circular saw.
The Kreg tool worked perfectly. The guide has a long ruler, and we used the gray adjustment clip (see in picture below) to set our desired width. Once the width is set, the guide makes it easy to make a long, straight cut.
Step 5- Patch screw and nail holes.
Once all of our beadboard panels were attached to the wall, it was time to patch up all of the screw and nail holes. We used this wood filler and a painter’s tool to fill in the holes.
While we were at it, we also filled in any larger gaps that wouldn’t be able to be filled by just caulk alone.
Once we had filled in everything with the wood filler, we used an orbital sander to smooth down the surface to make it nice and flat. That way after we paint, no one will be able to tell where the holes were.
After using the sander, the whole bathroom was pretty dusty! So I took a damp cloth and wiped everything down really well before moving on to the next step.
Step 6- Caulk small gaps in the wainscoting.
To make the beadboard really look seamless, we also needed to caulk any gaps. Pretty much anywhere that wood met wood– in the corners, at the baseboards, and near the door and window trim– got the caulk treatment. I used this caulk.
I simply squeezed a thin line of caulk into the gap…
Then I used my finger to smooth out the bead of caulk, helping it to fill the entire gap.
Patching and caulking is a tedious process, but it is absolutely vital to having a polished final look! I treated myself to a new audiobook, popped in my ear buds, and started patching and caulking away! 🙂
Step 7- Paint the beadboard paneling and trim.
Once everything was patched and caulked, it was time to paint! I sort of lucked out because our beadboard and trim were both being painted the same color (Behr Marquee Cameo White). Also, we were going to be installing wallpaper in the space above the beadboard, so I didn’t have to be super careful around the edges.
Painting beadboard is a little tricky because you’re dealing with a lot of small dips and crevices. I used a paint brush to get into all of the dips and crevices really well first. Then I used a roller over the entire wall of wainscoting to make sure that everything was covered with paint.
The only spot that I ended up needing to tape off was where the shoe moulding met our wood floor. I used my favorite product for this– Tape & Drape— to tape off the shoe moulding and protect the floor with plastic sheeting at the same time.
Step 8- Install wallpaper (optional), then add the top trim piece to the wainscoting.
Since we were doing wallpaper above our wainscoting, we decided to install the wallpaper before we added the top trim piece to the beadboard. I am SO glad we did– it made wallpapering so much easier.
While I was putting up wallpaper, Donnie put together the top trim pieces. To make the top trim piece we combined a standard 1×4 and a header stop piece from Windsor One. It’s the same method we used to make the board and batten in our living room.
Unlike the wainscoting, we painted the top trim pieces before attaching them to the wall so we wouldn’t have to cut in and risk messing up the wallpaper.
Since we attached the trim pieces to the walls with our nail gun, we did have to patch those holes with wood filler and touch up the paint a little bit. But that was only on the front surfaces of the top trim pieces, so we didn’t have to worry about messing up the wallpaper.
We also caulked the area where the beadboard panel met the trim piece and painted over that once it was dry.
Step 9- Enjoy your beautiful bathroom (or other space)!
Once the top trim piece was installed, patched, and painted, our wainscoting was finished! I think it definitely accomplished that “wow” factor we were going for in this space!
The new trim also looks so much more substantial and adds a ton of character to this very small bathroom.
Here’s the boring “before” compared to the super happy after!
I confess, I find myself lingering a little bit in the doorway of this bathroom anytime I come in our front entrance or come down the stairs! It just makes me smile to see this cute, cheery space!
If you’re thinking of adding wainscoting to a space in your own home, be sure to pin the image below so you can easily find this post later!
- Planning a Pretty Powder Room
- Aqua Removable Wallpaper Ideas
- THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO INSTALLING WALLPAPER
- POWDER ROOM REVEAL
Have you ever installed beadboard / wainscoting in your home? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Thank you so much for following along! Have a wonderful day!
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
FAQs
Is installing beadboard easy? ›
Installation is easy, yes, if you know how to handle obstacles, such as doorways, windows, or electrical outlets. Or, how to make beadboard gracefully turn corners. Says Tom, “With a little know-how, this is a project you can easily tackle yourself.”
Should beadboard be nailed or glued? ›Use wood glue on the lap-joint seams and apply either a wood glue or construction adhesive on the back of the beadboard panel. You don't need a lot of glue behind the beadboard panel. Nail each panel through the lap joint up high within the top 1 /2" so that nail will be covered by the top cap molding and down low.
Do you glue or nail wainscoting? ›If your molding is delicate, like ours, just glue it in place. For thicker trim, nail it in place with a nail gun and 1½-inch finishing nails. Once all the pieces are installed, fill all nail holes with wood filler, and joints with latex caulk.
How does beadboard hold up in a bathroom? ›Vinyl beadboard doesn't have to be painted, it's moisture resistant and can be wiped clean. Just like the vinyl plank flooring that we installed the other day, the pieces snap together. You will need a compound miter saw to get a clean cut on this, though.
What is the best beadboard for bathrooms? ›The moisture resistant MDF is ideal rooms that have a high moisture content such as Bathrooms and Basements. These quality Beadboard Panels are 5/8″ thick x 8″ wide and are available is 30″, 36″, 46″, 60″ and 94″ heights.
What do you use to fill nail holes in beadboard? ›Step 5: Finish Beadboard (caulk, fill nail holes, paint)
To finish this project off, fill all the small nail holes with wood filler. Use paintable caulk to caulk all the seams.
The second thing you need to know is: Stick to the rule of thirds. A good general rule for the height of a wainscot is that it be a third of the way up the wall. In a room that's nine feet tall, for example, this would put the height of the wainscoting at three feet.
Is wainscoting difficult to install? ›Installing wainscoting may seem like a complex job, but DIY wainscoting is an approachable option for beginners. The overall wainscoting cost is also greatly reduced if you do the work yourself instead of hiring a pro. This guide will explain how to create an easy DIY recessed panel wainscoting look in your home.
Can you nail wainscoting into drywall? ›The quickest and most affordable method is called the glue-and-nail method of installing wainscoting. To do this you apply an adhesive to the wainscot panel to hold it in position so that it can be nailed to the drywall. The panel should be nailed with a fine finishing nail or with a pneumatic pin nailer.
What is the best adhesive for beadboard? ›The best beadboard panel glue for the job is LePage No More Nails Paneling & Moulding Construction Adhesive. It features nearly instant grab, so you won't have to clamp or nail the panels if you don't want to. It is also water resistant for use in kitchens, bathrooms and other places where dampness is a possibility.
What kind of nails do you use for beadboard? ›
We recommend using a 2” 18 gauge finishing nail. Always nail at an angle of approximately 45 degrees both towards the top and the bottom, creating an “x”, this will fasten the board to the wall whether you hit a stud or not.
How do you hide seams in beadboard? ›Apply wood putty
In order to build up a strong patch over the seam, spread on an ample supply of wood putty. Then use a wide putty knife to feather it out, sreading a portion of putty both above and below the seam. Feathering it out and spreading the wood putty over a larger area will help hide the seam.
Wainscoting can be done with a variety of materials like tile, wood, plastics, particle board, and more. For an adhesive that fits a multitude of surfaces, reach for Loctite PL 505 Paneling and Trim Adhesive. Because it's a water-based adhesive, one of the surfaces needs to be porous, e.g. wood or drywall panels.
Do you paint wainscoting with a brush or roller? ›You'll probably have better luck by using a roller to get paint onto the wall and mostly into the crevices, then quickly following up by brushing with a mostly dry brush to even out thick or thin areas and whisk away paint globs, especially in the grooves, before they dry into visible drips.
How do you hide seams in wainscoting panels? ›- Mark the paneling seam with a pencil.
- Move the sheet of paneling out of the way.
- Spray black spray paint on the seam along the pencil line.
- Install the paneling on the wall.
Nail the beadboard at the top and bottom, hiding the nail in the grooves of the board. You may need to cut beadboard sheets with a jigsaw to fit around door frames and corners.
How high should beadboard wainscoting be? ›Tip: Installation is typically 32 to 36 inches off the floor or roughly one-third the room height. When installing wainscoting, adjust the top edge to avoid running into windowsills or other trim in the room.
Does beadboard go on top of drywall? ›Beadboard installs over drywall with panel adhesive. While the adhesive cures, use brads or nails to hold the panels in place temporarily. Review scribing techniques: Because room corners are rarely plumb, it may be necessary to cut panels so that they conform to irregularities.
Does beadboard look good in a bathroom? ›Beadboard bathroom designs are most common in cottage-style bathrooms, but this casually elegant design can work well in a wide selection of bathroom styles. Traditional cottages often use the most familiar style of beadboard, which features thin, vertical white panels aligned closely together.
Does beadboard make a small bathroom look bigger? ›Tall beadboard in a large space or larger bathrooms can add a bit more movement and look more visually pleasing. On the other hand, with shorter beadboard, you can make your walls look taller and more spacious in a smaller space with low ceilings.
Is beadboard in bathroom in style? ›
Beadboard wall treatments are a beautiful and traditional way of adding visual interest to a bathroom. Whether you install some halfway up your wall or over its entire surface, it's sure to make your bathroom cozy and welcoming.
Do you glue beadboard to wall? ›Hang the Beadboard Wainscoting
Apply a generous amount of adhesive to the back of the first panel and press it against the wall (Image 2). While holding in place, use either a nail gun or a hammer and trim nails to nail the panel into the studs.
Once the grooves and trim have been painted, paint the flat part of the beadboard with a paint roller. Apply a thin layer of paint in two-foot sections at a time (this helps you keep a “wet edge” as you work). As long as you're using a good quality roller (we love Purdy), you should get a nice smooth finish.
What causes beadboard to buckle? ›High Humidity
Wood naturally absorbs the moisture in the air and expands, which causes warping or buckling. Additionally, high humidity levels can lead to other issues like mold. Any moisture trapped under paneling can increase the risk of warped paneling or hidden mold growth.
Does beadboard need to be glued? I would highly recommend gluing your beadboard using a construction grade adhesive such as liquid nails.
Do you caulk wainscoting? ›You'll want to caulk the gap between the panel and the baseboards or door trim, the top of the trim piece where it meets the wall and the bottom of the trim piece where it meets the wainscoting.
Can you nail beadboard to ceiling? ›Can you do a beadboard treatment on a larger ceiling? Yes! Our ceiling happened to be the perfect size for a single piece of beadboard, but it's designed to meet up with other pieces. You could also design a grid pattern with straight trim pieces between the panels.
What material to use for wainscoting in a bathroom? ›Solid Wood
Wood is the most common material used in wainscoting. Initially, wainscoting was made with solid oak wood panels. Today, most solid wood is made of pine because it is more abundant. Advancements in technology also made any wood variety a practical choice for wainscoting.
Solid Wood
This is the most common wainscoting material. To avoid cracks and gaps produced by seasonal expansion and contraction, wood must be installed and finished with care. Wainscoting was made of solid oak wood panels. Pine and spruce have become more popular.
But wood paneling can really be adapted to nearly any style preference—even if your space is modern or boho and maximalist. The size of your bathroom doesn't matter either. As you'll see, even a small bathroom can use wainscoting with the right creative configuration.
When should you not use wainscoting? ›
“Bedrooms are the wrong place for wainscoting because it's a little too formal. It's better to do one accent wall in a bedroom by painting it a different color or putting up wallpaper than to put wainscoting throughout the whole bedroom.”
What is the difference between wainscoting and beadboard? ›The difference between wainscoting and beadboard is style. Wainscoting looks like wooden panels with raised or recessed squares finished with a chair rail cap. Beadboard, while typically constructed in panels, looks like narrow vertical strips of wood with a raised edge – the bead – between them.
What is a good size wainscoting? ›The traditional rule of thumb is that wainscoting height should be a third of the wall's height, including the cap or any moldings. So if you have 9-foot walls, then 3-foot (or 36-inch) wainscoting will look great. Scale down to about 32 inches for rooms with 8-foot walls.
What's the average cost to install wainscoting? ›Labor Costs
According to data from Fixr, it should take roughly 12 hours for professionals to install wainscoting in a 10-foot by 10-foot room. At an average cost of $90 (CAD 120) per hour, that adds up to $1,080 (CAD 1,450) for labor in all.
What is the proper height for wainscoting? Generally, the cap sits about one-third the way up the wall. So if the ceiling is 9 feet, go for 3-foot wainscoting. For taller wainscoting, such as one with a plate rail, cap it two-thirds the way up the wall.
Do you paint wainscoting before or after installation? ›Perhaps the biggest timesaver is pre-finishing the material before it's installed. This, in my opinion, should be done whether you decide to paint or stain the wood. It's of the utmost importance to make sure you completely coat the entire tongue portion of the wood. The wood can shrink after it's installed.
Does wainscoting go on top of drywall? ›Tongue-and-groove boards make great wainscoting because they're easy to install with just a few basic carpentry tools. We show you how to install wainscoting directly over your existing drywall or plaster so you don't have to cut into the walls, and we include details for making custom brackets and mounting the shelf.
What fasteners are best for beadboard? ›For best results, use fasteners with thin shanks, blunt points, and full round heads. 8D finish nails or 2” #8 trim screws are acceptable provided they penetrate 1-1/2” through a flat, solid wood substrate into a framing member.
How do you finish the edge of wainscoting? ›The easiest way to finish the ends would be to use a length of Cap Trim. The cap must be mitred to create a 90 degree angle. It then will run down the side of the stile to the floor as shown in the image. Making a Return using the Top Rail is the best method of finishing wainscoting mid-way on a wall.
Does beadboard go over drywall? ›The beadboard sheets can go directly over the drywall. To adhere the beadboard, use industrial adhesive and press it gently but firmly. Nail the beadboard at the top and bottom, hiding the nail in the grooves of the board. You may need to cut beadboard sheets with a jigsaw to fit around door frames and corners.
What is the best beadboard to use in a bathroom? ›
The moisture resistant MDF is ideal rooms that have a high moisture content such as Bathrooms and Basements. These quality Beadboard Panels are 5/8″ thick x 8″ wide and are available is 30″, 36″, 46″, 60″ and 94″ heights.
How high should wainscoting be in a bathroom? ›In the bathroom, wainscoting can add a chic alternative to tile or wallpaper. For a bathroom wall, aim to keep wainscoting height to one-third of the entire wall height.
What kind of wainscoting do you use in a bathroom? ›In the bathroom, wainscoting is mostly found in rustic, farmhouse-inspired designs. But wood paneling can really be adapted to nearly any style preference—even if your space is modern or boho and maximalist. The size of your bathroom doesn't matter either.
Can beadboard go directly on studs? ›Panels 1/4" and thicker can be installed directly over even framing members–studs or furring strips (check building codes for your area). All paneling may be put up with nails or with a combination of panel adhesive and nails.