Are you looking to add some character and charm to your home?
Wainscoting is a great way to achieve that classic, timeless look. But what about those pesky inside corners?
Installing wainscoting on inside corners can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be done seamlessly.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to install wainscoting on inside corners, including tips for coping joints and handling outside corners.
So grab your safety glasses and let’s get started!
How To Install Wainscoting On Inside Corners
Step 1: Start with Cap Rails
Begin by installing the cap rails between the inside corners. Use a hand-held brad driver to secure the ogee molding to the underside of the cap with 3/4-inch brads.
Step 2: Join Moldings with Miters
At outside corners, join moldings with miters. This will create a seamless look and prevent any gaps from forming.
Step 3: Use Cope Joints for Inside Corners
For inside corners, use cope joints instead of miters. Cope joints stay tight as wood moves, ensuring a long-lasting installation. Before coping, make relief cuts into the mitered end to reduce the chance that the blade will wander.
Step 4: Install Shoe Molding Against Floor
Follow the same steps to install shoe molding against the floor. This will complete the look and provide a finished appearance.
Step 5: Vertical Stiles for True Wainscoting
If you’re creating true wainscoting with vertical stiles and horizontal rails, make sure to install vertical stiles on both sides of your inside and outside corners. This will provide structure and ensure a cohesive look.
Step 6: Wall Frame Wainscoting
If you’re creating wall frame wainscoting, which is made from installing frames of panel molding on the wall with chair rail above and baseboard below, make sure to create the appearance of vertical stiles on the corners.
Step 7: Handling Outside Corners
If you reach an outside corner, there are a few different ways to handle it. One option is to cut the tongue off one piece and create a butt joint around the corner. Another option is to purchase a piece of molding that fits overtop of the beadboard or run the beadboard flush against some 1x material and miter that at 45° to turn the corner.
Step 8: Sand and Round Corners
Once your wainscoting is installed, sand and round any corners using a hand block with 100-grit sandpaper. Use a stain-matched color marker to color any sanded areas and a color-matched putty crayon to fill any slight cracks.
Remember to always wear safety glasses and breathing protection when operating tools like a table saw. Be careful when mitering any piece of wood and never stand behind a piece after it is cut away from the blade.
Materials And Tools Needed
Before you begin installing wainscoting on inside corners, make sure you have the following materials and tools:
– Cap rails
– Ogee molding
– Shoe molding
– Beadboard or panel molding
– Vertical stiles (if creating true wainscoting)
– Chair rail and baseboard (if creating wall frame wainscoting)
– Brad driver
– 3/4-inch brads
– Coping saw
– Hand block with 100-grit sandpaper
– Stain-matched color marker
– Color-matched putty crayon
– Safety glasses
– Breathing protection
Optional tools:
– Table saw for cutting 45-degree miters
– Miter saw for cutting shoe molding and cap rails at 45 degrees
Make sure to choose non-warping options if installing in a kitchen or bathroom. You’ll also need measuring tape, a pencil, level, stud finder, wood glue, circular saw or table saw, chop saw, jigsaw, nail gun or hammer, nail driver (nail set), paintable caulk and caulk gun, wood filler, paint, and construction adhesive.
If you don’t own a table saw or miter saw, get help cutting the 45-degree miters. Always wear safety glasses and breathing protection when operating tools like a table saw.
Measuring And Cutting The Wainscoting
Before you begin measuring and cutting your wainscoting, it’s important to decide on the height and size of your panels. You can make your panels any size you want, which makes it easy to plan around any features along the wall, such as electrical outlets or windowsills. However, it’s important to keep the height of the wainscoting low or align it with some other element in the room for a cohesive look.
Once you’ve decided on the size and height of your panels, measure and cut the two pieces of paneling that will fit together at the intersection of a corner, adding 1 inch to the width of both pieces. This will ensure a seamless fit at the corners.
When cutting your baseboard and trim pieces, use a circular saw to rip them to size. For inside corners, use cope joints instead of miters to ensure a tight fit that will last. Before coping, make relief cuts into the mitered end to reduce the chance that the blade will wander.
For outside corners, there are different options for handling them depending on your chosen style. You can cut the tongue off one piece and create a butt joint around the corner or purchase a piece of molding that fits overtop of the beadboard.
Once all pieces are cut and fitted together, sand and round any corners using a hand block with 100-grit sandpaper. Use a stain-matched color marker to color any sanded areas and a color-matched putty crayon to fill any slight cracks. Remember to always wear safety glasses and breathing protection when operating tools like a table saw and be careful when mitering any piece of wood.
Finishing Touches And Cleanup
Step 9: Caulk and Paint
After your wainscoting is installed, it’s time to caulk any gaps between the panels and the wall. Use a bathroom caulk that expands and contracts effectively with the varying humidity inside your home. Lay a bead of caulk along the gaps and corners, then use a wet cloth to push the caulk down into the gaps and create a finished seam. Then use the same rag to clean up the excess. This will fill the gaps and trim out the piece beautifully. Once the caulk has dried, paint your wainscoting according to your desired color scheme.
Step 10: Clean Up
Once your wainscoting is installed and painted, it’s important to clean up any messes or debris left behind. Use a vacuum or broom to sweep up any sawdust or wood scraps. Wipe down your tools with a clean cloth and put them away in a safe place. Dispose of any leftover materials according to local regulations.
By following these steps for finishing touches and cleanup, you can ensure that your wainscoting installation looks polished and professional. Taking care of these small details will make a big difference in the overall appearance of your project.