Are you considering adding wainscoting to your home?
This classic decorative element can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
But before you commit to this upgrade, it’s important to understand the cost.
Wainscoting materials can range from as little as $1 per square foot to as much as $40 per square foot, with installation costs adding an additional $5.50 per square foot on average.
The final price will depend on factors such as the type of paneling, the size of the space, and the complexity of the design.
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of wainscoting per square foot and explore some alternative wall treatments that may be more budget-friendly.
How Much Is Wainscoting Per Square Foot
The cost of wainscoting per square foot can vary greatly depending on the type of paneling you choose. Raised panel wainscoting, one of the most traditional variants, can cost between $12 and $33 per square foot. This type of wainscoting involves installing backboards first, followed by panels that give a raised, 3D look. Decorative baseboard trim can enhance the overall effect.
Basic designs made of smooth pieces of wood with a pair of decorative slats can cost between $10 and $20 per square foot. More complex designs where moldings are installed on smooth wood can reach $40 per square foot, although the type of molding will determine the final price and can even be bought for $10 per square foot.
Installation costs also play a significant role in the overall cost of wainscoting. On average, installation costs are around $5.50 per square foot, including materials and labor. The size of the space is also a factor to consider, as a larger room will require more time and materials to complete. For example, a 12-foot-by-12-foot room can easily require more than 15 hours of work.
What Is Wainscoting And Why Is It Popular?
Wainscoting is a decorative wall treatment that involves installing panels or boards along the lower half of a wall. It is a popular choice for homeowners who want to add texture and visual interest to their walls. Wainscoting can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and even wallpaper.
One reason why wainscoting is popular is that it can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. It can also help to protect walls from damage, such as scratches and dents caused by furniture. Additionally, wainscoting can be used to create a focal point in a room, drawing the eye towards a particular area or feature.
Another reason why wainscoting is popular is that it can be customized to suit any decor style. From traditional raised panel designs to more modern shiplap and beadboard styles, there are countless options available. Homeowners can choose from a variety of finishes and colors to create the perfect look for their space.
Types Of Wainscoting Materials And Their Costs
When it comes to wainscoting, there are several materials to choose from, each with their own cost range.
Plastic wainscoting is one of the cheapest options, with an average price range of $6 to $10 per square foot. This material is lightweight and easy to install, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. Plastic wainscoting kits can be purchased easily and come in a variety of colors and styles, including beveled or straight edges.
Beadboard is another option that is often used as paneling for wainscoting. It consists of interlocking pieces of wood laid out in a vertical pattern and ranges from fifty cents to $1 per square foot. Contractors charge an average of $90 per hour to install it, according to HomeAdvisor.
Shiplap has also become a popular choice for wall treatments in recent years, thanks to its versatility and association with the farmhouse design style. It 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.
For those who prefer traditional wainscoting materials, raised panel wainscoting is one of the most popular options. This type of wainscoting involves installing backboards first, followed by panels that give a raised, 3D look. Decorative baseboard trim can enhance the overall effect. Raised panel wainscoting can cost between $12 and $33 per square foot.
Installation Costs And Factors That Affect Them
When it comes to installation costs, hiring a professional contractor can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the size of the room and the type of paneling used. However, doing the work yourself can significantly reduce the cost. DIY wainscoting projects typically only cost around $1 to $31 per square foot for materials.
Factors that can affect installation costs include the type of paneling used, the height of the wainscoting, and any additional decorative elements or trim that are added. For example, raised panel wainscoting may require more time and effort to install than basic designs made of smooth wood. Additionally, a taller wainscoting design may require more materials and labor to complete.
Before beginning your wainscoting project, it is important to measure your walls and calculate how much trim and other supplies you will need. This can help you determine an accurate estimate of the total cost of your project. Additionally, there are easy DIY project calculators available online that can help you get started.
Wainscoting Design Ideas And Their Impact On Cost
When it comes to wainscoting, the design you choose can have a significant impact on the overall cost. Raised panel wainscoting, for example, is one of the most traditional and expensive options due to the time-consuming process of beveling panel edges, custom-fitting it into the room, and finishing it with a distinctly elevated look. This type of design can cost between $12 and $33 per square foot.
Basic designs made of smooth pieces of wood with a pair of decorative slats are more affordable, ranging from $10 to $20 per square foot. However, more complex designs that involve installing moldings on smooth wood can increase the cost to around $40 per square foot. The type of molding used will also impact the final price.
It’s important to keep in mind that installation costs are also a significant factor in determining the overall cost of wainscoting. While DIY installation can save money, most homeowners choose to hire professionals. On average, installation costs around $5.50 per square foot, including materials and labor. The size of the room is also a factor to consider, as larger rooms will require more time and materials to complete.
Alternatives To Wainscoting For A Budget-Friendly Upgrade
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly upgrade to your walls, there are alternatives to wainscoting that can achieve a similar effect without breaking the bank. One option is to use wallpaper or paint to create a faux wainscoting look. This involves painting or wallpapering the lower portion of the wall and adding a decorative trim or molding on top. This method can cost as little as $2 per square foot for paint and around $5 per square foot for wallpaper.
Another option is to use panel molding to create a raised panel effect. This involves installing strips of molding on the wall to create a panel look, similar to raised panel wainscoting. Panel molding can cost between $2 and $10 per linear foot, and installation costs are typically around $3 per linear foot.
Beadboard paneling is another alternative to wainscoting that can achieve a similar look for less. Beadboard paneling costs around $1 per square foot, and installation costs are typically around $4 per square foot.