What is wainscoting?

Wainscoting has been used in interior design for centuries, with the earliest examples dating back to the 16th century. It rose to widespread popularity during the 18th century in Europe and America, and today, wainscoting remains a popular design element in many homes.

Modern materials and designs are making it more accessible and customizable than ever before, making it ideal for DIYers looking to enhance their homes. Before you dive into this home improvement project, though, make sure you choose the best style and material of wainscoting for your needs.

Common uses for wainscoting

Wainscoting can be used for decorative and pragmatic purposes. The following are some of the most common uses for wainscoting:

• Adding visual interest to a room: The contrast that wainscoting creates is useful for  making a focal point in a room, drawing the eye and adding texture and depth to the walls.
• Protecting walls: Wainscoting can help protect walls from damage caused by furniture, pets, or other sources of wear and tear.
• Enhancing the architectural style of a home: Wainscoting can add to the architectural style of a home, whether it's a traditional Victorian or a modern farmhouse.
• Defining spaces within a room: Wainscoting can be used to create visual separation between different areas of a room, such as a dining area or a reading nook.
• Adding a touch of elegance to a space: This sophisticated paneling can create an elegant look in a room, particularly when paired with other decorative elements such as crown molding and trim.
• Creating a sense of warmth and coziness: Wainscoting can help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in a room, especially when paired with warm colors and soft lighting.

Types of wainscoting

Not all wainscoting looks the same, and the different styles of wainscoting can create drastically different effects on your home design. Below are the most common types of wainscoting to help you decide which is best for your home:

• Raised panel: This is the most traditional type of wainscoting, marked by framed panels with a raised center. More intricate designs may feature beveled edges, arches, or decorative carvings.

• Flat panel: Or recessed panel wainscoting, offers a more streamlined appearance than raised panels. Flat panel wainscoting features panels that are flush with the framework, creating a smooth, understated look.
• Board and batten: This type of wainscoting uses vertical panels or boards (known as battens) attached to a solid baseboard to create a rustic, farmhouse-inspired aesthetic. The evenly spaced battens create texture and visual interest without creating distraction. Board and batten wainscoting is commonly found in country homes, cottages, and other cozy spaces.
• Beadboard: Beadboard wainscoting is made of narrow vertical planks with a groove (or bead) along the edges. The planks are installed side by side to create a seamless look. This type of wainscoting is known for its timeless charm and versatility. It’s often used in bathrooms, kitchens, or informal spaces to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Materials used for wainscoting

The earliest iterations of wainscoting were made of wood, but homeowners today can choose from a variety of materials. While wood remains the most traditional type of wainscoting, alternatives like MDF and PVC can make this decorative addition more affordable to homeowners looking to add this sophisticated look.

Wood‍

This is the most classic type of wainscoting material. Wood wainscoting is typically crafted from high-quality natural wood such as oak, maple, or pine, to create a warm and inviting aesthetic. Wood wainscoting is easily customizable and can be used to match almost any architectural style.

MDF‍

This popular wainscoting material provides a cost effective alternative to the more traditional and expensive wood. MDF is made of fine wood fibers mixed with resins, resulting in a smooth paneling material. It is most often used for modern or traditional designs but can be shaped to match other architectural styles, too.

PVC

Wainscoting made of PVC is the lowest maintenance option and offers exceptional resistance to moisture and mold, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other humid spaces. However, its plastic-like appearance offers less natural warmth than wood wainscoting.

Pros and cons of common wainscoting materials

There’s no perfect wainscoting material — each variety offers unique advantages and disadvantages. If you’re deciding which type of wainscoting to use for your home renovation, carefully consider the following pros and cons:

How to install wainscoting

The luxurious design of wainscoting might make you think that it’s difficult to install. Luckily, this home improvement project is approved for newbie DIYers and experienced professionals alike. 

Below is a simplified guide to installing wainscoting. Note that it’s best to consult a professional before taking on any home improvement project.

1. Measure the wall where you want to install the wainscoting. Mark the height where you want the top of the wainscoting to be.
2. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. Mark their location on the wall with a pencil.
3. Cut the wainscoting panels to the appropriate height using a circular saw or jigsaw.
4. Apply adhesive or nail the panels to the wall, making sure to line them up with the marks you made in step 1 and the studs you located in step 2.
5. Continue installing panels until you've covered the desired area. Use a level to ensure each panel is straight and even.
6. Cut any necessary holes or notches in the panels to accommodate outlets, switches, or other fixtures.
7. If desired, paint or stain the wainscoting panels.
8. Install baseboard and chair rail molding at the bottom and top of the wainscoting, respectively, to complete the look.

Maintenance and care

Once installed, your wainscoting will require some upkeep to ensure that it remains looking good as new. Here are some tips for maintaining your wainscoting:

• Regular cleaning: Wainscoting should be cleaned regularly to remove dust, dirt, and grime. Use a soft cloth or a gentle cleaning solution to avoid damaging the surface of the wainscoting.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your wainscoting, as they can damage the finish or the surface of the panels.
• Repair any damage promptly: If you notice any damage to your wainscoting, such as cracks or scratches, repair them promptly to prevent further damage.
• Avoid exposure to moisture: Wainscoting can be damaged by exposure to moisture, so avoid installing it in areas where it may be exposed to water, such as bathrooms or kitchens. If wainscoting is installed in a bathroom, make sure to use a ventilation fan to reduce moisture levels.
• Protect from direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the color of wainscoting to fade over time, so consider using window treatments to protect your wainscoting from excessive sun exposure.
• Refinish as needed: Over time, the finish on wainscoting may wear off or become damaged. If this happens, consider refinishing the wainscoting to restore its appearance.

Is wainscoting a good idea?

Wainscoting can add architectural flair to your home and is easy to install and maintain, making it the ideal choice for DIYers looking to enhance the appearance of their home. Before installing wainscoting, just be sure to choose the best type and material for your needs. This will ensure that your wainscoting lasts the test of time.

Whether or not wainscoting is a good idea for you and your home will depend on your individual tastes and needs. And if you’re having trouble deciding, speaking to a local real estate agent can help you decide if wainscoting is an appropriate choice for your home.

FAQs

The most common questions about wainscoting, answered.

What’s the difference between wainscoting and paneling?

Wainscoting and paneling are both wall treatments used to enhance the visual appeal of a space, but they have some distinct differences. Wainscoting specifically refers to the decorative paneling or trim that covers the lower portion of a wall, while paneling is a broader term encompassing various wall coverings that can extend from floor to ceiling.

What’s the difference between wainscoting and molding?

Wainscoting can sometimes be confused with molding; however, wainscoting refers to the decorative paneling installed on the lower portion of a wall, while molding is a general term encompassing various decorative elements used to enhance the overall aesthetics of a space, including trims, baseboards, and crown molding. Wainscoting can be considered a type of molding, but not all molding is wainscoting.

Is wainscoting expensive?

Like many things in real estate, wainscoting can be as expensive or affordable as you want it to be. Hardwood wainscoting will be the most expensive option, while PVC wainscoting provides an affordable alternative.