How to Install Wainscoting Wall Paneling

Remove any baseboard moulding or chair rail moulding in the room using a pry bar. If you intend to reuse the moulding, be careful not to damage it during removal. Turn off power to the room. Use a circuit tester to ensure the power is off and remove all of the outlet covers and wall plates in the room.

Establish a level line for the top of the panels. Measure up from the floor 32-1/2 inches and make a mark. Use a level as a straight edge and lightly draw a line around the room. When you install the wainscoting, make sure its top is even with the level line. Since wainscoting is 32 inches tall, measure up 32-1/2 inches all the way around to solve any problems caused by an uneven floor.

Locate the wall studs with a stud finder and mark them lightly just above the level line. The marks are useful when you nail the wainscot panels in place.

Hold the panel in place and secure it with paneling nails. If the panel covers an outlet, cut a hole for the outlet before installing.

Measure down from the level line to the top and bottom edges of the outlet opening. Transfer the measurements to the back of the panel and draw horizontal lines on the panel through the marks.

Measure from the corner to the left and right edges of the outlet hole. Subtract 1/16 inch from each measurement to account for the expansion gap between the corner and the panel. Transfer the measurements to the back of the panel and draw vertical lines on the panel through the marks. The lines should make a vertical rectangle. Cut out the rectangle with a jigsaw and install the panel.

Install the second panel 1/16 inch from the first and flush with the level line.

Continue installing panels until you reach the next corner. Cut holes for any light fixtures as described in earlier steps, measuring from the right edge of the previous panel instead of the corner. Remember to account for the expansion gap.

There probably won't be room to install a full panel at the corner, so you'll have to cut a panel. Measure from the top of the last full panel to the wall and subtract 1/8 inch (Mark 1). Measure from the bottom of the last full panel and subtract 1/8 inch (Mark 2). Transfer your measurements to the back of the panel you need to cut, drawing a line between the marks.

Lay the panel facedown and use a jigsaw or circular saw to cut it. Take measurements from the top and bottom to make up for any wall intersections that aren't square. Once cut, install the panel 1/16 inch from the last full panel. You'll have a 1/16-inch expansion gap to the adjacent wall.

Continue installing the rest of the wainscoting. Install the baseboard and chair rail moulding along with the outlet covers and wall plates once all of the panels are in place.