If you’ve ever admired the elegant look of wainscoting in a room, you may have wondered what the finishing trim on top is called.
Is it a chair rail? A wall base? Or something else entirely?
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of trim used in conjunction with wainscoting and their unique characteristics.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply curious about interior design, read on to discover the answer to the age-old question: what is the trim on top of wainscoting called?
What Is The Trim On Top Of Wainscoting Called
The trim on top of wainscoting is called a wainscot cap. It is a finishing piece that is applied to the top edge of the wainscoting to create a more polished and complete look. The wainscot cap can also be used in conjunction with a chair rail to create a larger profile and add more visual interest to the room.
Another type of trim that is commonly used in conjunction with wainscoting is a wall base. This moulding is applied around the perimeter of a room along a finished floor and is also known as a baseboard. The wall base helps to protect the walls from scuffs and dents while also adding a decorative touch to the room.
The Basics Of Wainscoting And Trim
Wainscoting is a decorative wall treatment that involves the use of panels and moldings to cover the lower portion of a wall. This treatment can vary in complexity and creativity, with different types of wainscoting used in different rooms and settings. The top part of wainscoting is known as the wainscot cap, which is a finishing piece that is applied to the upper edge of the wainscoting.
In addition to the wainscot cap, there are other types of trim that are commonly used in conjunction with wainscoting. One such example is a chair rail, which is a horizontal molding that is installed along the upper portion of the wainscoting. This molding serves both a decorative and functional purpose, providing a visual break between the wainscoting and the upper portion of the wall while also protecting it from damage.
Another type of trim that is often used with wainscoting is a wall base or baseboard. This molding is applied around the perimeter of a room along a finished floor and serves to protect the walls from scuffs and dents while also adding a decorative touch to the room. When selecting trim for wainscoting, it is important to consider both its design and its thickness in relation to other moldings in the room, such as door and window casings. The goal should be to create a cohesive and natural look that enhances the overall aesthetic of the space.
Chair Rail: The Most Common Type Of Wainscoting Trim
Chair rail is the most common type of wainscoting trim. It is a strip or piece of moulding that is installed horizontally around the perimeter of a room, typically at chair height. The name “chair rail” comes from a time when people would place wooden pegs on the walls to hang their chairs while cleaning. Some believe that chair rail moulding was used for the first time in ancient days to create an aesthetically pleasing separation in walls. It has since evolved and has become a standard part of modern home design.
Chair rail moulding is often used in conjunction with wainscoting to create a more substantial profile and add more visual interest to the room. Sometimes, more moulding is installed below a chair rail to create a wainscot, or at least the illusion of one. While a traditional wainscot is made of framed wooden panels, moulding can re-create the look without the panels themselves.
The chair rail molding at the top of the wainscot should be less wide than the baseboard. This creates a balanced and visually appealing look that draws attention to the wainscoting and adds depth to the room.
Wall Base: The Bottom Trim Of Wainscoting
Wall base, also known as baseboard, is a type of trim that is commonly used in conjunction with wainscoting. It is a horizontal moulding that is applied around the perimeter of a room along a finished floor. The wall base serves as a protective barrier for the walls against scuffs and dents while also adding a decorative touch to the room.
When it comes to wainscoting, the wall base is an important component as it serves as the bottom trim of the wainscoting. The height of traditional wainscoting is usually between 36 to 42 inches, and the wall base is applied at the bottom of this height. The wall base can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, MDF, or PVC.
One important thing to note when installing wall base with wainscoting is that the width of the wall base should be less than that of the chair rail molding at the top of the wainscot. This creates a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look.
In addition to its functional and decorative purposes, wall base can also be used to hide any gaps or imperfections between the wainscoting and the floor. It can also be used to create a seamless transition between different flooring materials in adjacent rooms.
Other Types Of Wainscoting Trim
Aside from the wainscot cap and wall base, there are other types of trim that can be used with wainscoting to enhance the overall look of a room. One such type is the chair rail, which is a horizontal piece of trim that is typically installed at the height of a chair back. Chair rails were originally used to protect walls from being damaged by chairs, but they are now mostly used for decorative purposes.
Another type of trim that can be used with wainscoting is the picture rail. This type of trim is installed near the ceiling and is used to hang pictures or other decorative items without damaging the walls. Picture rails were commonly used in older homes, but they are now making a comeback in modern homes as a way to add character and charm.
Crown molding is another type of trim that can be used with wainscoting. This decorative molding is installed at the junction of the wall and ceiling and can add an elegant touch to any room. Crown molding comes in a variety of styles and sizes, making it easy to find one that complements your wainscoting and overall decor.
Finally, there is the base shoe or quarter round, which is a small piece of trim that is installed at the bottom of the baseboard. This type of trim helps to cover any gaps between the baseboard and the floor and creates a clean, finished look. Base shoe or quarter round trim can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, PVC, and MDF.
Choosing The Right Trim For Your Wainscoting Project
When choosing the right trim for your wainscoting project, it’s important to consider the overall style and design of the room. Here are some popular options to consider:
1. Wainscot Cap: This is the most common type of trim used on top of wainscoting. It provides a clean and elegant finish to the wainscoting and can be made from a variety of materials, including wood and MDF.
2. Chair Rail: Chair rail is another popular type of trim that can be used in combination with wainscoting. It adds an extra layer of detail to the wall and can be used to create a more traditional or formal look.
3. Wall Base: As mentioned above, wall base is a type of trim that is applied along the bottom of the wall where it meets the floor. It can be used in combination with wainscoting to create a cohesive look and provide extra protection for the walls.
4. Plate Rail: This type of trim is installed at the top of the wainscoting and provides a ledge for displaying decorative plates or artwork. It adds an extra layer of functionality to the wainscoting while also creating visual interest.
5. Crown Molding: Crown molding can be used to add a more decorative touch to the top of the wainscoting. It can be simple or ornate, depending on the overall style of the room.
When choosing your trim, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, cost, and maintenance requirements. Some materials may require more upkeep than others, so be sure to do your research before making a final decision. Ultimately, the right trim will depend on your personal style preferences and the overall look you are trying to achieve in your space.
Installation Tips For Wainscoting Trim
Installing wainscoting trim can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily. Here are some installation tips for wainscoting trim:
1. Measure twice, cut once: Before cutting your wainscot cap or wall base, make sure to measure the length of the wall accurately. Double-check your measurements to ensure that you don’t waste any material.
2. Use a miter saw: A compound miter saw is the best tool for cutting wainscot cap or wall base. It will ensure that your cuts are precise and clean.
3. Cut at a 45-degree angle: When cutting your wainscot cap or wall base, make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle to create a clean and seamless joint.
4. Apply adhesive: Apply construction adhesive to the back of the wainscot cap or wall base before attaching it to the wall. This will ensure that it stays in place and doesn’t shift during installation.
5. Use finishing nails: Once the adhesive has dried, use finishing nails to secure the wainscot cap or wall base to the wall. Make sure to countersink the nails and fill the holes with wood filler.
6. Sand and paint: Sand any rough edges and apply a coat of paint or stain to finish off your wainscoting trim installation.
By following these tips, you can achieve a professional-looking wainscoting trim installation that will add elegance and sophistication to any room in your home.