Wainscoting is a beautiful and timeless way to add character and elegance to any room. However, when it comes to installing wainscoting around windows, it can be a bit tricky.
But fear not, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing wainscoting around windows, step by step.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, our tips and tricks will help you achieve a flawless finish that will leave your guests in awe.
So grab your tools and let’s get started!
How To Do Wainscoting Around Windows
Step 1: Determine the Type of Wainscoting
Before you start installing wainscoting around your windows, it’s important to determine the type of wainscoting you want to install. Simple patterns like bead board require minimal planning, while more detailed styles like raised panels or board and batten require more planning to create a consistent appearance.
Step 2: Install Chair Rail Molding
Begin by installing the chair rail molding. Cut the chair rail to length and check that the pieces fit properly. Apply a generous bead of construction adhesive on the reverse side of the chair rail molding along its length and secure it to the wall with small nails.
Step 3: Cut the Vertical Pieces of Picture Molding
All of the vertical pieces of picture molding should be equal in length. Set up a stop on your saw to make sure that all of those vertical pieces will be exactly equal to one another in length.
Step 4: Determine the Size and Height
You can make picture molding panels any size you want to. This makes it easy to plan for and around electrical outlets or any other features along the wall. The height of the wainscoting is your choice but it looks best if you keep it low or align it with some other element in the room.
Step 5: Positioning the Piece
Position the piece plumb and use a scribe to look at where your widest gap is between where your piece is sitting and where you’re fitting to. Spread your scribing tool out to match the gap, set it, and then transfer the profile onto the piece.
Step 6: Scribing
When working with a complicated scribe, try a couple of times until you get it right. Keep the orientation of the scribe the same, focusing on keeping the point and pencil horizontal. Start out by scribing 3/4 of the distance in order to get this piece closer. Then it’s easier to follow the small details and easier to hold the scribe at the proper orientation.
Step 7: Trim Around Windows
Trimming around windows requires a few more components and time than other methods. If casings are thicker than 1/2″, bevel back the wainscoting parts to equal the thickness of your existing trim. Or replace your door and window trim. Cut one-half of the stile up against the door and window casing. The top of the top rail will likely need to be beveled back to meet with the door.
Materials Needed
To complete a wainscoting project around your windows, you will need the following materials:
– Wainscoting panels
– Chair rail molding
– Picture molding
– Construction adhesive
– Nails (small and finishing)
– Caulk
– Wet cloth
– Stud finder
– Scribing tool
– Jigsaw
– Mitre saw
– Sanding block
– Primer
Make sure to have all of these materials on hand before starting your project. It’s important to have the right tools and supplies to ensure a successful and efficient installation.
Measuring And Marking
Measuring and marking is a crucial step when it comes to installing wainscoting around windows. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Determine the Height of Wainscoting
Decide on the height of your wainscoting and run a level line of painter’s tape across the wall above it. This will serve as a guide for your measurements.
Step 2: Divide the Wall Width
Divide the width of the wall by the number of panels you’d like and make hash marks on a strip of wood longer than the wall. This strip of wood will serve as your swing stick, which will maintain even spacing as you adjust it diagonally to fit the panels onto the wall.
Step 3: Account for Stiles
Remember that each wall has one more stile than panel, so first pad out the wall’s lower corner with one stile plus the thickness of the adjacent wall’s wainscot. Butt the swing stick against this blocking, lower the other end until a hash mark lines up with the wall’s far edge, and tape it in place.
Step 4: Transfer Hash Marks
Use a level to transfer the hash marks to the painter’s tape, which gives you the distance from the outside edge of one stile to the inside edge of the next. This will ensure that your panels are evenly spaced and aligned.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wainscoting around windows is installed accurately and looks great.
Cutting The Wainscoting
Cutting the wainscoting is a crucial step in installing wainscoting around windows. To begin, set up a stop on your saw to ensure that all of the vertical pieces of picture molding are exactly equal in length. Then, determine the size and height of the wainscoting panels, keeping in mind any features along the wall such as electrical outlets.
When positioning the piece against the wall, make sure it is plumb and use a scribe to determine where the widest gap is between the piece and the wall. Spread your scribing tool out to match the gap, set it, and then transfer the profile onto the piece. When working with a complicated scribe, try a few times until you get it right. Keep the orientation of the scribe the same and focus on keeping the point and pencil horizontal.
Trimming around windows requires a few more components and time than other methods. If casings are thicker than 1/2″, bevel back the wainscoting parts to equal the thickness of your existing trim. Alternatively, replace your door and window trim. Cut one-half of the stile up against the door and window casing. The top of the top rail will likely need to be beveled back to meet with the door. With these steps in mind, cutting the wainscoting can be done accurately and efficiently.
Installing The Bottom Rail
Installing the bottom rail is an important step when doing wainscoting around windows. To begin, measure the distance between the top rail and the old baseboard at three points. Use the shortest measurement and subtract the height of the bottom-rail stock. Set up a stop block on a miter saw and cut all the stiles to that length.
Next, cut a scrap spacer block to your panel width marked on the tape, minus the width of one stile, and use it to place the stiles uniformly. Apply panel adhesive to the back of each one and attach using a nail gun and 21/2-inch finishing nails. Double-check this measurement periodically around the room because not all floors are level and walls plumb, and adjust as necessary.
Select a starting point that works best aesthetically for that particular length of wall. It may look best to start from left to right, right to left, or center and work out. Install stiles vertically every 14 inches, using a level before affixing each board to the wall to ensure the stile is plumb. Cut a scrap piece of wood to 14 inches long to use as a ‘measuring stick’ between each stile. This method is quicker and more accurate than using a tape measure each time.
If you plan to install wainscoting on an outside wall, you’ll need to take windows into account. The windowsills in some homes might be close to the wainscot height off the floor. In this case, deviate from the 1/3 rule and adjust the height accordingly. Trimming around windows requires a few more components and time than other methods, but it can be done with stock items. Most hobby carpenters prefer this look, while builders and contractors are time-conscious and prefer a simpler method.
Cutting And Installing The Stiles
Cutting and installing the stiles is an important step in the wainscoting process, especially when working around windows. To begin, cut 1” x 4” boards to fit between the bottom of the horizontal top rail and top of baseboards. It’s important to note that not all floors are level and walls plumb, so it’s necessary to double-check this measurement periodically around the room because they will most likely change.
Select a starting point that works best aesthetically for that particular length of wall. It may look best to start from left to right, right to left, or center and work out. Install stiles vertically, every 14”. Use a level before affixing each board to the wall to ensure the stile is plumb.
If you don’t have a flush-cutting saw, mark the thickness of the stile on the horn and cut it with a handsaw. To slip stiles behind existing molding, like the horn of a window’s stool, use a flush-cutting saw to cut the horn where it meets the wall. Use the thickness of the stile to guide the saw, as shown, and cut toward the casing. Use a chisel to knock out the block and clean up the notch.
Cut a scrap piece of wood to 14” long to use as a ‘measuring stick’ between each stile. This method is quicker and more accurate than using a tape measure each time. By following these steps, you can ensure that your stiles are cut and installed correctly for a professional-looking wainscoting project around your windows.
Installing The Top Rail
Installing the top rail is an essential step in wainscoting around windows. The top rail serves as a horizontal piece that connects the vertical pieces of picture molding. Here’s how to install the top rail:
1. Measure and Mark: Measure 60 inches up from the floor with a measuring tape and mark it with a pencil. This is the height of the bottom of the horizontal top rail.
2. Cut the Board: Cut a 1″ x 6″ board to the proper width for your wall.
3. Hold in Place: Hold the board in place, lining up the bottom edge with the pencil mark. Use a level to balance the board on top and adjust until the bubble shows that the board is level.
4. Nail into Place: Nail the board into place with 1-1/4″ finish nails. Place two nails, one towards the top and one towards the bottom of the board, every 10-12″. It’s best if a few nails securing each board are shot into studs. Use a stud finder and mark their location lightly with a pencil while working around the room.
5. Repeat: Repeat this process for each section of picture molding that you install around your windows.
By following these steps, you can properly install the top rail for your wainscoting around windows project. Remember to take your time and measure accurately to ensure a professional-looking result.