Are you considering adding wainscoting to your home but unsure about the cost?
Wainscoting is a beautiful and timeless wall treatment that can add elegance and character to any room. However, the price of installation can vary greatly depending on the size of the space, type of panel, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself.
In this article, we’ll break down the average costs of wainscoting installation and explore some alternative wall treatments that can achieve a similar look without breaking the bank.
So, let’s dive in and find out how much it really costs for wainscoting!
How Much For Wainscoting
The cost of wainscoting installation can vary depending on several factors. 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.
The price of wainscoting ranges from $7 to $40 per square foot, depending on the type of panel. Installation costs average $90 per hour or about $5.50 per square foot, including materials and labor. The biggest impact on your budget is the size of the space: for example, a 12-foot-by-12-foot room can easily require more than 15 hours of work.
Many contractors charge an hourly rate of $80 to $100 to install the material. Others install wainscoting for $2 to $3 per sq.ft. A solid wood wainscot with many moldings takes longer and costs more to install than the same amount of a flat-panel wainscot with no moldings. More difficult material may take longer or have a higher hourly rate. Materials that are easier to work with may take less time or command a lower hourly rate. The type and material impacts the cost and method of installation.
If you’re still undecided over whether or not wainscoting is right for your home, don’t rule out some cheaper options like paint and wallpaper. But if you’re sure you want some kind of decorative wood element in your home, beadboard and shiplap are good options to start with.
Beadboard may be the closest you can get to wainscoting without having to commit to the price. Often mistaken for one another, beadboard differs from wainscoting as it is comprised of interlocking pieces of wood laid out in a vertical pattern. Beadboard traditionally ranges from fifty cents to $1 per square foot, with contractors charging an average of $90 per hour to install it, according to HomeAdvisor.
Used inside and outside the house, shiplap has seen an uptick in popularity over the years. In terms of cost, shiplap ranges between $2.50 and $7 per square foot, with an average interior installation cost of $1,000 (via HomeAdvisor). Despite the cost being somewhat similar to wainscoting, most homeowners have spent between $500 and $1,500 to add shiplap to one room.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Wainscoting Installation
Several factors can impact the cost of wainscoting installation. The type of panel you choose will significantly impact the overall costs. For example, if you choose an expensive wood such as cherry or want panels with an intricate design, this will cost significantly more. Meanwhile, opting for wood veneer or plastic panels is a good way to save money and get the look of wainscoting on a budget.
The size of the space is another significant factor that affects the cost of wainscoting installation. A larger room will require more materials and labor, which will increase the overall cost. For example, a 12-foot-by-12-foot room can easily require more than 15 hours of work, which will add to the labor costs.
The material used for wainscoting can also impact the cost of installation. Solid wood wainscot with many moldings takes longer and costs more to install than the same amount of flat-panel wainscot with no moldings. More difficult material may take longer or have a higher hourly rate. Materials that are easier to work with may take less time or command a lower hourly rate.
The method of installation can also impact the cost. Many contractors charge an hourly rate of $80 to $100 to install the material, while others install wainscoting for $2 to $3 per sq.ft. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a method that fits your budget.
Average Cost Of Wainscoting Installation
The average cost of wainscoting installation can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the size of the room and the style of paneling installed. For a 12 by 12-foot room with 5-foot-high unpainted wainscoting, the average estimated price is roughly $1,325, with the pricing of materials per square foot at $5.50. Homeowners should also be aware that the price of installation is dependent on a number of conditions.
The cost of wainscoting installation can vary depending on the type and material used. The price of wainscoting ranges from $7 to $40 per square foot, depending on the type of panel. Solid wood wainscots with many moldings take longer and cost more to install than flat-panel wainscots with no moldings. More difficult material may take longer or have a higher hourly rate, while materials that are easier to work with may take less time or command a lower hourly rate.
For those thinking about adding wainscoting to their walls, it’s important to know what to anticipate when it comes to the price. HomeAdvisor has reported that homeowners should expect to pay over a thousand dollars for the materials and labor if they plan to hire professionals. If you are looking to hire a contractor to install wainscoting, it is recommended to ask for quotes from multiple professionals near you, as the location of your home can be key in lowering the cost.
Ultimately, the cost of wainscoting installation will depend on several factors, including the size of the room, the type and material used, and any complications that may arise during installation. It’s important to do your research and get multiple quotes before deciding on a contractor or DIY project.
DIY Vs. Hiring A Professional: Pros And Cons
When it comes to wainscoting installation, homeowners have the option of doing it themselves or hiring a professional. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
DIY Pros:
– Cost savings: DIY wainscoting can save homeowners money on labor costs.
– Sense of accomplishment: Completing a DIY project can be satisfying and boost confidence.
– Flexibility: DIYers can work on their own schedule and take breaks as needed.
DIY Cons:
– Time-consuming: Installing wainscoting can be a time-consuming process, especially for those with limited experience.
– Risk of mistakes: DIYers may make mistakes that could be costly to fix.
– Lack of expertise: Professionals have experience and training that may be lacking in a DIY project.
Hiring a Professional Pros:
– Quality work: Hiring a professional ensures high-quality work and attention to detail.
– Time-saving: Professionals can complete the project more quickly than a DIYer.
– Safety: Electrical or plumbing work may require a licensed professional for safety reasons.
Hiring a Professional Cons:
– Higher cost: Hiring a professional can be more expensive than doing it yourself.
– Limited control: Homeowners may have less control over the project when hiring a professional.
– Scheduling conflicts: Contractors may have other jobs scheduled, leading to delays in completion.
Alternative Wall Treatments That Achieve A Similar Look
If you’re looking for a similar look to wainscoting without the high price tag, there are several alternative wall treatments to consider. One option is to use peel and stick shiplap, which is a DIY-friendly alternative to traditional shiplap. This product is designed to be applied directly to walls and can be easily removed without damaging the surface underneath. Peel and stick shiplap is available in a variety of finishes and styles, including wood grain, distressed, and painted.
Another option is to use wallpaper that mimics the look of wainscoting or paneling. There are many different styles of wallpaper available that can create the appearance of wood paneling or other decorative wall treatments. This is a great option for those who want a temporary solution or who are not able to install traditional wainscoting due to rental restrictions or other limitations.
If you’re handy with tools and have some DIY experience, you may also consider creating your own wainscoting using inexpensive materials like MDF or plywood. By cutting these materials into panels and adding trim pieces, you can create a custom wainscoting look at a fraction of the cost of traditional materials.
Finally, if you love the look of wood paneling but want a more modern twist, consider using engineered hardwood flooring as wall paneling. This product is designed to be used on floors but can also be installed on walls for a unique and stylish look. Engineered hardwood flooring is available in a variety of finishes and colors, making it easy to find something that complements your existing decor.
Tips For Saving Money On Wainscoting Installation
If you’re looking to save money on wainscoting installation, there are several tips and tricks to keep in mind.
1. Consider doing it yourself: While hiring a professional may seem like the easiest option, doing it yourself can significantly cut down on costs. DIY wainscoting kits are available at most home improvement stores and can be installed with basic tools.
2. Shop around for materials: Different suppliers may sell wainscoting supplies at varying prices. Take the time to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
3. Use reclaimed or recycled materials: Consider using reclaimed or recycled wainscot material from a different project to save money on the wainscoting cost.
4. Opt for pre-finished wainscoting boards: If you’re doing a DIY project, consider using pre-finished wainscoting boards instead of building from scratch. This will save you time and money on materials.
5. Install halfway up the wall: Installing wainscoting halfway up the wall can save you money compared to installing it all the way up to the ceiling.
By following these tips, you can save money on wainscoting installation without sacrificing style or quality.