Are you looking to add some classic charm to your home decor?
Arts and Crafts wainscoting might be just the thing you need. With its clean lines and simple design, this style has been popular for centuries and is still a favorite among homeowners today.
In this article, we’ll show you how to build your own Arts and Crafts wainscoting, step-by-step. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, this project is sure to add a touch of elegance to any room in your home.
So grab your tools and let’s get started!
How To Build Arts And Crafts Wainscoting
Step 1: Install the Nailers
The first step in building Arts and Crafts wainscoting is to install the nailers. These are thin strips of wood that will hold the panels in place.
Measure the height of your wall and cut the nailers to fit. Then, using a level, attach them to the wall with nails or screws. Make sure they are level and evenly spaced.
Step 2: Install the MDF Board
Next, it’s time to install the MDF board. This will be the base for your wainscoting panels.
Cut the 3/4″ MDF board to fit the length of your wall and attach it to the nailers with nails or screws. Then, cut the 1/2″ MDF board base cap and attach it on top of the 3/4″ board.
Tip: Before installing, sand the top of both boards to ensure a smooth surface.
Step 3: Install the Panel Frames
Now it’s time to create the panel frames. Start by measuring and cutting the bottom rail, followed by the stiles and top rail.
Attach these pieces together with glue and nails or screws, making sure they are square and level. Then, slip the flat panels into grooves cut into the edges of the stiles and rails.
Finally, attach the chair or cap rail to complete the panel frames.
Step 4: Install the Wainscoting
With all of your panel frames complete, it’s time to install them onto the MDF board base.
Start at one end of the wall and work your way across, attaching each panel frame with nails or screws. Make sure they are level and evenly spaced.
Step 5: Finish and Paint
Once all of your panel frames are installed, it’s time to finish and paint your wainscoting. Fill any nail holes or gaps with wood filler and sand smooth.
Then, prime and paint your wainscoting in your desired color. You can also add additional moldings or trim for a more decorative look.
Gather Your Materials And Tools
Before starting your Arts and Crafts wainscoting project, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
1. MDF board (3/4″ thick)
2. MDF base cap (1/2″ thick)
3. Flat panels (to fit between stiles and rails)
4. Chair or cap rail
5. Wood glue
6. Nails or screws
7. Wood filler
8. Sandpaper
9. Primer and paint
And here are the tools you’ll need:
1. Measuring tape
2. Level
3. Saw (circular saw or jigsaw)
4. Drill
5. Stud finder
6. Pry bar
7. Hammer
8. Nail set
9. Caulk gun
10. Safety glasses
11. Utility knife
Optional tools include a compound miter saw for cutting angled pieces, plinth blocks for added detail, and a makeshift work table or sawhorses for cutting and assembling pieces.
Make sure to have all your materials and tools ready before starting your project to ensure a smooth installation process.
Measure And Plan Your Wainscoting Design
Before you start building your Arts and Crafts wainscoting, it’s important to measure and plan your design. This will help ensure that your wainscoting looks proportional and aesthetically pleasing.
Step 1: Measure Your Walls
Start by measuring the length of the walls where you want to install wainscoting. Measure each wall separately and record the measurements.
Step 2: Determine the Height of Your Wainscoting
The height of your wainscoting will depend on personal preference and the style of your home. In general, Arts and Crafts wainscoting is installed at a height of one-third the height of the wall.
To determine the height of your wainscoting, divide the height of your wall by three. For example, if your wall is 96 inches tall, divide 96 by 3 to get 32 inches.
Step 3: Plan Your Panel Layout
Once you have determined the height of your wainscoting, it’s time to plan your panel layout. The goal is to divide your wall into equal panels that are visually pleasing.
Most plywood comes in 4×8 sheets, so it’s easiest to plan your panels accordingly. In smaller spaces like a bathroom, it’s best to have panels that are 32 or 24 inches in width while maintaining the 48 inch height.
Using a pencil and a level, draw lines on the wall to mark where each panel will be located. Make sure the lines are level and evenly spaced.
Step 4: Choose Your Moldings
Arts and Crafts wainscoting typically features simple, clean lines. Choose moldings that are consistent with this style, such as flat panels and straight rails.
Consider adding a chair rail or cap rail to complete the look. These can be simple or more decorative depending on your preference.
Step 5: Prime Your Panels
Before installing your wainscoting panels, it’s best to prime them first. This will help prevent moisture damage and ensure that your paint adheres properly.
Using a paintbrush or roller, apply primer to both sides of each panel. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding with installation.
By measuring and planning your wainscoting design beforehand, you can ensure that your finished product looks professional and visually appealing.
Prepare Your Wall For Installation
Before you can begin installing your Arts and Crafts wainscoting, you need to prepare your wall(s). This is especially important when installing wainscoting over drywall.
The first step is to fill any holes, cracks, or dents on the wall and then sand the surface smooth. This will ensure that the MDF board and panel frames will lay flat against the wall.
If you plan on adding any additional design elements to your wall, such as wallpaper or molding, it’s best to add them before installing the wainscoting. This will make it easier to frame around these elements with the wainscoting.
It’s also important to install nailers onto the wall before attaching the MDF board. These thin strips of wood will hold the panels in place and ensure that they are level and evenly spaced. Measure the height of your wall and cut the nailers to fit. Then, using a level, attach them to the wall with nails or screws.
Finally, label your cut pieces as you go so you aren’t searching for where they belong when tacking them to the wall. When tacking the boards to the wall and there isn’t a stud, nail at an angle for a better and tighter hold.
By following these preparation steps, your Arts and Crafts wainscoting will look professional and polished once installed.
Install The Baseboard And Chair Rail
Now that your wainscoting panels are installed, it’s time to add the finishing touches with the baseboard and chair rail.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Baseboard
Measure the length of your wall and cut the baseboard to fit. Hold the baseboard in place against the MDF board base and nail it into place with 1-1/4” finish nails.
Make sure to place two nails, one towards the top and one towards the bottom of the board, every 10-12”. It’s best to secure each board with a few nails shot into studs for added stability.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Chair Rail
Measure and cut the chair rail to fit the length of your wall. Hold it in place on top of the panel frames, lining up with the top edge of each panel.
Balance a level on top of the chair rail and adjust until it is level. Nail it into place with 1-1/4” finish nails, placing two nails every 10-12”.
Tip: Start on the least visible wall in the room, so you can perfect your technique before working on areas that are focal points.
Step 3: Finish and Paint
Once your baseboard and chair rail are installed, fill any nail holes or gaps with wood filler and sand smooth.
Then, prime and paint your baseboard and chair rail in your desired color to match your wainscoting panels. This will give your Arts and Crafts wainscoting a polished and cohesive look.
Cut And Install The Vertical Boards
To complete the Arts and Crafts wainscoting, you will need to cut and install the vertical boards. These boards will be placed between each panel frame, creating a classic look for your wainscoting.
Start by measuring the height of your wall and marking a pencil line 60″ up from the floor. This will be the height of the bottom of the horizontal top rail. Cut 1″ x 6″ boards to the proper width for your wall and hold them in place, lining up the bottom edge with the pencil mark.
Next, use a level to ensure that the board is straight and adjust it until the bubble shows that it is level. Nail the board into place with 1-1/4″ finish nails, placing two nails every 10-12″. It’s best to secure each board with a few nails shot into studs. Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark their location lightly with a pencil while working around the room.
As you work your way around the room, start on the least visible wall so that you can perfect your technique before working on areas that are focal points. For corners, cut 1/2″ off the end of the board that will go into the corner. The simulated board in the corner will be slightly narrower than all other boards, but this type of wainscoting installation makes this detail look just fine.
Once all of your vertical boards are installed, you can finish and paint your wainscoting to match your desired style. With these steps, you can create beautiful Arts and Crafts wainscoting that will add timeless elegance to any room in your home.
Add The Horizontal Boards
To add the horizontal boards to your Arts and Crafts wainscoting, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Cut the Pine Boards
Using a chop or miter saw, cut 1″ x 2″ pine boards to the proper length for your wall. These boards will be used to create a ledge on top of the horizontal top rail.
Step 2: Install the Pine Boards
Place the cut pine boards on top of the horizontal top rail to create a ledge. Nail them into place, downward into the top rail.
Note: If you have corners where two walls meet, you can either butt the wood together or miter it. Make sure to adjust the pattern around light switches, outlets, windowsills, and built-in pieces as necessary.
Step 3: Repeat Around the Room
Repeat steps 1 and 2 around the room until your wainscoting is complete. Make sure to use a level to ensure that everything is even and straight.
With these steps, you can easily add horizontal boards to your Arts and Crafts wainscoting, giving it a more decorative and finished look.