Install beadboard wainscoting boards or panels

 

1.1. Decide how you are going to install the wainscot boards or panels – in which direction and type of pattern – and how they will be fastened. In this project we use individual beadboard strips, or wainscot boards, that are fastened directly over drywall with glue and nails. The boards will be installed vertically on the lower part of the wall, with a chair rail along the top.
1.2. Measure the height and width of the wall to be covered, in order to calculate the surface area.
1.3. Calculate the quantity of boards or panels you will need.
1.4. Also purchase the baseboard, quarter-round and other moulding and trim you may require.

2.1. Switch off the electrical supply.
2.2. Remove the outlet covers and switch plates. If necessary, replace the existing electrical boxes with deeper ones, or add box extenders, to compensate for the thickness of the wainscoting.
2.3. Remove all trim from the walls.
2.4. Remove, and replace as necessary, any door or window frames that need to be thicker than the beadboard.
2.5. Remove the existing baseboard and replace it with pre-notched baseboard that has a rabbeted groove at the back to hold the beadboard. It is also possible to reuse the existing baseboard by placing it over the wainscoting once installed.
2.6. Check that the wall is perfectly dry with no signs of damp.
2.7. Install a vapour barrier if necessary.
2.8. Protect the floor with paper or a plastic sheet.

3.1. Using a stud finder, locate and mark the position of the wall studs.
3.2. Determine the desired height for the wainscoting – the height at which the chair rail will sit.
3.3. Cut one wainscot board to the desired length with the mitre saw.
3.4. Put the board against the wall and place a 4-ft spirit level (or longer) on top. When level, mark the position of the top edge of the board at several points along the wall.
3.5. Use a chalk line to extend the layout line around the room.

4.1. Start at the most visible corner of the room, which is usually an inside corner. However, if the room has an outside corner, start there.
Outside corner: cut the grooved edge of two boards at a 45o bevel. The tongues must be facing outwards to continue assembling the boards on either side.
Inside corner: butt the grooved edge into the corner so that the tongues face outwards along the wall, to continue assembling the boards and to allow for nailing.

4.2. Apply construction adhesive to the back of the board. Run the glue in a wavy line along the full length of the board. Do not use too much. Spread the glue with a notched trowel. Alternatively, you can apply the adhesive directly to the support framework or substrate.

4.3. Insert the beadboard into the baseboard and press it firmly against the wall. Make sure it is perfectly plumb, as it will serve as a guide for the following boards. If necessary, use a mallet to drive the beadboard properly into the baseboard.

4.4. Using a pneumatic nailer and 1 ¼" nails, drive the nails through the tongue of the board and into the wall at a 45o angle.

4.5. Progressively glue and insert the tongue-and-groove boards into one another. Check for level regularly and adjust the boards as necessary.

4.6.Use at least three nails per board. Adjust the number of nails according to the length of the board.

5.1. Measure the locations of electrical outlets and light switches.
5.2. Transfer these measurements to your board or panel.
5.3. Using a jigsaw, cut along the marks, starting with the top and bottom edges of the notch.
5.4. Pull out the receptacle from the electrical box and install a box extender. CAUTION: Double-check that the electrical circuit to the room is switched off.
5.5. Replace the receptacle and fasten the box with long extension screws.
5.6. Make holes or notches in the beadboard to insert the screws.

6.1. Measure the distance, at various points, between the corner and the last-but-one board (measure to the edge of the bead – do not include the tongue).
6.2. Subtract 1/8" from these measurements to allow for expansion of the last board.
6.3. On a table saw, cut the last board to the required width and bevel the edge at a 30o angle.
6.4. Cut out the back half of the groove so as to be able to insert the board in the space.
6.5. Check the fit and adjust as needed.
6.6. Once the board is perfectly adjusted, apply adhesive and press it into place against the wall.
6.7. Nail firmly to the wall and studs.

7.1. If you did not use pre-notched baseboard, install the baseboard and/or quarter-round.
7.2. Install chair rail along the top of the wainscoting. Alternatively you could install a shelf.
7.3. Screw on the outlet covers and switch plates.