Wainscoting is a classic design element that has been around for centuries. It not only adds a touch of elegance to any room, but it also serves a practical purpose of protecting walls from wear and tear.
But what exactly does wainscoting look like? Is it just plain wooden panels or are there different styles and designs to choose from?
In this article, we’ll explore the various types of wainscoting available and how they can enhance the architectural integrity of your home. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave the installation to the professionals, there’s something for everyone when it comes to wainscoting.
So let’s dive in and discover the beauty of this timeless design element.
What Does Wainscoting Look Like
Wainscoting comes in a variety of styles and designs, each with its own unique look and feel. One popular style is picture frame molding, which consists of individual strips of beveled wood or MDF molding joined into a square or rectangle. This style is perfect for formal dining or living rooms and adds a traditional touch to any space.
Another popular style is beadboard, which features long, continuous vertical grooves and raised beads spaced every inch or two. Beadboard can be found in individual boards or large panels up to 8 linear feet long, making installation a breeze. This style is versatile and can be used as wainscoting or even as a ceiling material.
Traditional wainscoting panels are solid hardwood boards that cover the lower half of an interior wall. They were originally used to keep the space warmer and protect walls from scrapes and scuffs caused by chair backs and shoe-clad feet. Today, wainscoting serves a decorative purpose while still providing wall protection.
Wainscoting can also come in the form of decorative boards or panels with moldings that extend partway up a wall’s face. This style dates back to the 1300s when the Dutch used it to shield the bottom half of plaster walls from hazards such as jostled chairs and riding boots.
The Origins Of Wainscoting
The history of wainscoting can be traced back to the 1300s when the Dutch first used it as a protective measure for their plaster walls. The term “wainscoting” is believed to have originated from the German word for “wall-board.” The wood used for wainscot paneling originally came from a specific oak tree known as “wainscoting oak.” However, even after the type of wood commonly used for wainscot paneling changed, the term “wainscoting” stuck with the wall panels.
In England, wainscoting was initially used as a way to cover up unwanted dampness in the lower part of the wall by early homeowners. In a climate where rain is common, dampness was a problem that often occurred. Today, homeowners have better ways to deal with accumulation of wetness, but back then improper insulation, plumbing, and poor drainage led to the invention of wainscoting for private residences. Over time, people began to realize that wainscoting could completely transform a room’s look and feel, leading to an increase in its popularity.
The average height of full paneled wainscoting skyrocketed from 42 inches high to 72 inches high during the 1900s. A lot of homes built during this era have dining rooms with near floor-to-ceiling wainscoting. This is one way to transform a dull dining room into something worthy of an English manor even today.
In days of old, marble and cloth were the two materials of choice for wainscoting. Depending on the room and the practicality of the materials, these were often debated upon and chosen between. Today, however, cloth and marble wainscoting are nowhere to be found. Both are rather ridiculous material choices for wear and wallet. Instead, today you can find yourself choosing between wooden raised panel, flat panel, and bead board.
Wainscoting has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a moisture-hiding band-aid. It has become less about practicality and more about an element of prestige and elegance in modern times. Whether you choose traditional solid hardwood boards or decorative panels with moldings that extend partway up a wall’s face, wainscoting is sure to add warmth and sophistication to any space.
Traditional Wainscoting Styles
Traditional wainscoting styles are still popular today and can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. One of the most common traditional styles is raised panel wainscoting, which features panels that are raised above the surrounding frame. This style is perfect for formal spaces like dining rooms or entryways.
Flat panel wainscoting is another traditional style that features flat panels that are set into a frame. This style is more understated than raised panel wainscoting but still adds a classic touch to any room.
Beadboard wainscoting, which originated in 19th-century Victorian and cottage styles, is another traditional option. It features thin, individual boards placed directly next to each other with a tongue-and-groove system. Beadboard is perfect for informal spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and back hallways.
Vertical v-joint tongue and groove (T&G) wainscoting is a classic style that features vertical boards with a V-shaped groove between them. This style is perfect for adding texture to a room and can be used in both formal and informal spaces.
Finally, board and batten wainscoting is another traditional style that features flat panels with vertical boards used to cover seams or stiles. The additional boards are known as battens and add a rustic touch to any space.
Materials Used For Wainscoting
Wainscoting can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Traditionally, wainscoting was made from solid wood, such as oak, pine, or spruce. While wood provides a timeless and sophisticated look to any room, it can be expensive and may not be suitable for every climate. Some woods do not readily accept stains, and others may be prone to warping or rotting in humid environments.
Today, wainscoting is also commonly made from wood substitutes, such as plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and even plastic. These materials are often less expensive than solid wood and can come in water-resistant varieties, making them a great choice for rooms that encounter moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens. However, they may not provide the same level of durability or long-lasting beauty as solid wood.
Another factor to consider when choosing materials for wainscoting is the cost of installation. Solid wood wainscoting typically requires a higher service fee from contractors due to the raw material’s higher cost per square foot. On the other hand, wainscoting designs consisting of paneling typically cost less than solid wood styles. Still, the quality and density of the material used during installation can drastically affect the project’s overall price tag.
When it comes to finishing wainscoting, homeowners can apply paint, stains, or glossy finishes on top of any material used. However, some materials cooperate with top coats more efficiently than others. Benjamin Moore recommends adding a layer of primer to wainscoting before painting to make the paint last longer. It is always best to consult a professional before painting or staining your wainscoting to ensure you achieve the desired look and longevity.
DIY Vs Professional Installation
When it comes to installing wainscoting, there are two options: DIY or professional installation. DIY installation can be a cost-effective way to add wainscoting to your home, but it requires a certain level of skill and patience. The process involves measuring and cutting the wainscoting panels to size, attaching them to the wall, and finishing the edges with molding.
If you choose to go the DIY route, it’s important to have the right tools on hand, including a saw, drill, level, and nail gun. You’ll also need to purchase the wainscoting material and any necessary supplies such as nails, adhesive, and caulk.
Professional installation, on the other hand, can save you time and hassle. A skilled installer can ensure that your wainscoting is installed correctly and looks great. They will have all the necessary tools and expertise to get the job done efficiently.
The cost of wainscoting installation can vary greatly depending on whether you choose DIY or professional installation. DIY installation can cost as little as $1 per square foot for materials, while professional installation can cost anywhere from $7 to $40 per square foot.
Ultimately, the decision between DIY and professional installation comes down to your budget, skill level, and personal preferences. If you have experience with home improvement projects and are comfortable with the tools and techniques involved in wainscoting installation, DIY may be a good option for you. However, if you want a flawless finish and don’t have the time or expertise to tackle the project yourself, professional installation may be worth the investment.
Maintenance And Care For Wainscoting
To keep your wainscoting looking its best, regular maintenance and care are necessary. Dusting or vacuuming your wainscoting frequently will help prevent dirt from adhering to the surface. The more dirt builds up, the harder it can be to remove.
When it comes to cleaning your wainscoting, the process depends on whether it is sealed or painted or if it is unfinished wood. If you are working with wood that hasn’t been sealed or painted, avoid liquid-based cleaning if at all possible. Your wood can absorb the liquid and eventually become prone to sticky buildup. Instead, use a soft brush or duster to wipe down the wainscoting. If you like, you can also vacuum the wainscoting with a vacuum cleaner brush attachment.
If you have unfinished wood paneling, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down soiled areas, applying pressure to scrub away dirt marks before using a second cloth to dry.
If you have sealed or painted wainscoting, clean it with a solution of vinegar and water. Fill a sealable jar two-thirds of the way with vinegar, leaving the remaining third for water. You can also add some lemon essential oil to give your room a nice citrusy smell. Dip your microfiber cloth into the vinegar/water mixture, making sure you’ve wrung out any excess liquid. Wipe down the wainscoting a section at a time, drying with a second cloth as you go.
If you don’t have vinegar or don’t like the smell, consider using oil soap mixed with water. Just follow the instructions on the bottle and apply the soap-water solution with a sponge. Be sure to rinse the sponge often to keep dirt from spreading. Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff the walls dry.
It is important to note that wainscot paneling can get wet, but depending on the type of material and paint you select, the amount of moisture your wainscoting can handle will vary. In-home wainscot panels generally deal with splashes or spills, and that type of moisture will not do any significant damage. However, wainscoting is not often suitable in wet locations like bathrooms, especially if you DIY install it. If you plan to use wainscoting in your bathroom, invest in a professional installation because they will seal your wall panels for such a humid area properly. Additionally, don’t allow spills or splashes to pool around your wainscoting framework or moulding, as that could damage the materials or cause warping. Clean up any moisture as quickly as possible to keep your wainscoting and other moulding in their best shape.