Are you looking to add some classic charm to your bathroom?
Wainscoting is a timeless feature that can transform any space. And the best part? It’s an achievable DIY project for all skill levels and budgets.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing wainscoting in your bathroom, including tips on trim work, attaching beadboard, and even temporarily relocating your toilet.
So, let’s get started and create a beautiful, elegant bathroom that will stand the test of time.
How To Install Wainscoting In Bathroom
Step 1: Plan Your Trim Work
Before you begin installing the wainscoting, it’s important to consider your trim situation. If you already have the baseboards and trim you want, then you can skip this step. However, if your bathroom has cheap-looking trim work, you may want to replace it with something more substantial.
Consider installing chunky craftsman-style trim to give your bathroom more character. Remove any existing trim that you don’t like and replace it with new baseboards and door/window trim. Once you have the new trim in place, you can move on to installing the wainscoting.
Step 2: Attach Beadboard to the Wall
Start by using a stud finder to locate and mark the center of each stud along the walls. Apply a generous amount of construction adhesive to the back of the first panel of beadboard and press it against the wall. While holding it in place, use either a nail gun or a hammer and trim nails to nail the panel into the studs. Nail at the top, middle, and bottom of each stud.
Continue around the room gluing and nailing one panel at a time until all of the beadboard is in place. Take a break and allow the glue to dry overnight before adding molding and baseboards.
Step 3: Temporarily Relocate Your Toilet
To have full access to the wall behind your toilet, you’ll need to temporarily dismantle and relocate it. This will allow you to remove any existing wall covering and apply the vinyl beadboard to the walls.
Measure the desired height for the beadboard (usually enough height to cover the space where the tiles were). Apply the vinyl beadboard to the walls using Liquid Nails and reinforce with a nail gun. Use a jigsaw to cut a neat hole around the water line for the toilet.
Step 4: Add Molding and Baseboards
Once your beadboard is in place, it’s time to add molding and baseboards. Adjust the corners of the vinyl chair rail with a miter saw and apply it to the wall above the beadboard wainscoting.
Caulk all nail holes and seams for a seamless finish. And voila! You now have a beautiful, elegant bathroom with classic wainscoting that will stand the test of time.
Planning Your Wainscoting Design
When planning your wainscoting design, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, create a straight line for the top of the panels by measuring and marking 32-1/2 inches up from the floor and drawing a level line around the area. This will ensure that the top of the wainscoting is parallel to the level line.
Consider the height of your wainscoting. A standard height for wainscoting is 32 inches, but you can adjust this to fit your specific bathroom dimensions. Measure up 32-1/2 inches all the way around to account for any issues generated by an uneven floor.
Also, think about the style of wainscoting you want to install. Beadboard is a classic choice, but there are other options such as raised panel or flat panel wainscoting. Choose a style that complements the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.
Finally, consider adding some decorative molding to enhance the look of your wainscoting. A chair rail or crown molding can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bathroom. Just be sure to adjust the corners of the vinyl chair rail with a miter saw for a seamless finish.
With these tips in mind, you can create a timeless and elegant wainscoting design for your bathroom that will enhance its overall beauty and value.
Gathering Materials And Tools For The Project
To get started with your wainscoting project, you’ll need to gather some basic materials and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Materials:
– Beadboard panels
– Construction adhesive
– Vinyl beadboard (for behind the toilet)
– Liquid Nails
– Molding and baseboards
– Caulk
Tools:
– Stud finder
– Circular saw or table saw
– Jigsaw
– Sandpaper
– Nail gun or hammer and trim nails
– Miter saw
– Paintable caulk and caulk gun
It’s important to note that if you’re installing wainscoting in a bathroom or kitchen, you should choose a non-warping option for the beadboard to ensure it holds up against moisture. Additionally, you may need outlet extenders to accommodate the thickness of the wainscoting.
Before starting your project, make sure to measure the room and order enough materials to cover the entire space. It’s also a good idea to order your wood early and allow it to acclimate to the humidity level in your home for at least a week before installation.
With these materials and tools on hand, you’ll be ready to tackle your wainscoting project and transform your bathroom into a beautiful and inviting space.
Preparing Your Bathroom For Wainscoting Installation
Before you start installing wainscoting in your bathroom, there are a few things you need to do to prepare the space. Here are the steps you should follow:
Step 1: Clear the Walls
Remove any existing wall covering, such as tiles or wallpaper, from the walls where you plan to install the wainscoting. If you’re removing tiles, use a screwdriver to tap the edge of each tile until it pops off. Continue until all tiles are removed.
Step 2: Relocate Your Toilet
To have full access to the wall behind your toilet, you’ll need to temporarily dismantle and relocate it. This will allow you to remove any existing wall covering and apply the vinyl beadboard to the walls.
Step 3: Measure and Cut Your Beadboard
Measure the height of your walls and cut your beadboard panels to size using a saw. Apply a generous amount of construction adhesive to the back of each panel and press it against the wall. Use either a nail gun or a hammer and trim nails to nail the panel into the studs. Nail at the top, middle, and bottom of each stud.
Step 4: Add Molding and Baseboards
Once your beadboard is in place, it’s time to add molding and baseboards. Adjust the corners of the vinyl chair rail with a miter saw and apply it to the wall above the beadboard wainscoting. Caulk all nail holes and seams for a seamless finish.
By following these steps, you can prepare your bathroom for wainscoting installation and create a beautiful, elegant space that will stand the test of time.
Installing The Baseboard And Chair Rail
After the beadboard is in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches with the baseboard and chair rail. If you haven’t installed the baseboard yet, measure from the floor upward, leaving a 1/8-inch gap at the bottom for expansion. Dry-fit the first plank in the corner, using a level on the outside edge to ensure it fits squarely. If the corner isn’t plumb, use a scribing tool to scribe the plank and trim on the inside. The first plank will need to be nailed, and any other plank covering a stud should be nailed as well. You can use construction adhesive alone on the rest of the planks.
To install the chair rail, measure and cut it to fit against the top of the tongue and groove panels. Nail it directly into the wall studs above the wainscoting. Bevel, miter, or make scarf joints as required using the techniques demonstrated earlier.
Make sure to caulk all nail holes and seams for a seamless finish. With these final touches in place, your wainscoting is complete and ready to impress.
Attaching The Beadboard Panels
Attaching the beadboard panels is a crucial step in installing wainscoting in your bathroom. To ensure a secure and long-lasting installation, it’s important to follow the proper steps.
Start by lining up your first beadboard panel to the wall, starting from one corner of the wall. Make sure the panel is level and raise it up a little bit off the floor using 1/4″ thick scrap plywood pieces. Apply construction adhesive to the back of the panel and then attach it to the wall with a brad nailer and brad nails. Place nails into the studs along the top and bottom of the beadboard panel, as well as a few in the middle.
Continue around the room gluing and nailing one panel at a time until all of the beadboard is in place. Be sure to use a stud finder to locate and mark the center of each stud along the walls before attaching each panel.
Once all pieces of beadboard are attached, you can add trim to the top and bottom to give it a finished look. Measure the top and bottom of the beadboard and cut trim pieces to match. Miter any corners and install the top and then the bottom of the trim pieces, using finishing nails. Fill any gaps with caulk for a seamless finish.
By following these steps, you can successfully attach your beadboard panels for a beautiful and functional wainscoting installation in your bathroom.
Cutting And Installing Trim Work
Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Trim
Before you begin cutting your trim, measure the length of each wall where the trim will be installed. Use a measuring tape to ensure accuracy. Then, using a circular saw or table saw, cut your trim to the appropriate length.
If you have delicate molding, simply glue it in place using wood glue. For thicker trim, use a nail gun and 1 1/2-inch finishing nails to secure it to the wall. Be sure to nail the trim into the studs for a secure hold.
Step 2: Fill Nail Holes and Joints
Once all of your trim is installed, fill any nail holes with wood filler. Use a putty knife to smooth the filler and ensure it’s flush with the surface of the trim. Next, use latex caulk to fill any joints between pieces of trim. This will create a seamless finish.
Allow the filler and caulk to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Sand and Paint
Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or bumps on the surface of the trim. Then, prime the plywood with a high-quality primer. Finally, apply several coats of paint to achieve the desired finish.
Pro tip: Label each cut piece as you go so you know exactly where it belongs when it’s time to install it on the wall.
Step 4: Attach Trim to the Wall
To attach your trim to the wall, run a small bead of caulk along the backside of each piece of trim. Then, use a level to ensure that the tops and bottoms are straight before nailing them into place.
If there isn’t a stud behind where you want to install your trim, nail at an angle for a better and tighter hold. A brad nailer is highly recommended for this project as it’s fast and requires fewer nail holes to be filled.
With these steps complete, your bathroom wainscoting project is almost done! The finishing touches will include adding outlet extenders and painting any remaining surfaces for a polished look.