
How much does it cost to install a wainscoting?
The costs of wainscoting projects average between $3,000 and $4,500. For example, to install wainscoting in a 12 x 12 foot room in a flat-panel material made of solid mahogany, primed, and painted on-site, the average homeowner pays around $3,600 for the finished project. Prices can be much lower or higher.
How to create and install custom wainscoting?
Install Panels
- Begin at the corner of the longest wall. ...
- Hold your first wainscoting panel in place and secure it to the wall using your caulk gun and construction adhesive. ...
- Continue adding panels with construction adhesive and paneling nails, working your way toward the right side of the wall. ...
- Use the method outlined above to cut additional outlet panels as needed.
How to install wainscoting without a professional?
To install it, just follow these simple steps:
- Check that the beadboard you’ve chosen is cut to fit your wall line.
- Make sure the beadboard sits perfectly on the top of the baseboard.
- Then, to ensure that the beadboard is level, use a standard level to make sure it’s exactly horizontal.
Is wainscoting installing expensive?
Since the individual panels must be processed and cut to length, they can be quite expensive. Installing wainscoting can be a tedious process, especially if it is to be used over extensive areas. Additional molding must also be purchased, processed and installed.

Does wainscotting add value?
Wainscoting doesn't necessarily add value to your home Wainscoting enhances your home's appearance, but it doesn't increase its value. “An appraiser isn't going to add an extra $5,000 to $10,000 to your home's value simply because it has wainscoting.
Do you put wainscoting over drywall?
Tongue-and-groove boards make great wainscoting because they're easy to install with just a few basic carpentry tools. We show you how to install wainscoting directly over your existing drywall or plaster so you don't have to cut into the walls, and we include details for making custom brackets and mounting the shelf.
Can you install wainscoting yourself?
Installing wainscoting may seem like a complex job, but DIY wainscoting is an approachable option for beginners. The overall wainscoting cost is also greatly reduced if you do the work yourself instead of hiring a pro.
How much does it cost to install wall paneling?
The national average materials cost to install wall paneling is $1.88 per square foot, with a range between $1.55 to $2.21. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $5.35, coming in between $4.26 to $6.44. A typical 300 square foot project costs $1,604.64, with a range of $1,277.23 to $1,932.05.
What rooms should have wainscoting?
Foyer. You can install wainscoting in any room. However, Moloney says his customers tend to like it in the foyer. “Homeowners like to make an impression at the main entrance to their home, especially along the staircase,” he says.
Will wainscoting go out of style?
Wainscoting has been a hot trend as of late, but, since it's appeared in homes for literally hundreds of years, it's considered a classic style that is unlikely to go out of fashion. Let's take a look at some installation ideas courtesy of Woodgrain, which specializes in wood moulding and doors.
Is wainscoting in Style 2022?
"Dark wainscoting is a trend that has blown up in the design world in 2021 and will continue to rule 2022," she said. "Wainscoting in a deep, saturated color is popular because it leans into the moody color trend, adding an elevated look to any room with features that make the space look much more expensive."
Does wainscoting make a room look bigger or smaller?
It is known that wainscoting makes a room, look smaller rather than larger, but it does depend on the color you use to paint the panels and the height of those panels. Wainscoting is mainly used to protect the lower part of a wall and to make a room look more elegant, instead of using it for sizing purposes.
Is wainscoting expensive?
Hairston recommends manufactured wainscoting panels as the most cost-effective, ranging from $8 to $10 per panel. Hardwood panels are higher in price, with costs varying by wood species, but professionals estimate $12 to $20 per square foot for average quality.
How do you install wainscoting?
1:503:55How to Install Easy DIY Wainscoting | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext apply adhesive to the back of your first panel then set it atop the baseboard butting itMoreNext apply adhesive to the back of your first panel then set it atop the baseboard butting it tightly against the vertical style. Once level and plumb press firmly to the wall.
How much does it cost to install beadboard paneling?
Fair Cost Guide - Beadboard WainscotingItem detailsLowHighLabor Includes on site setup, site preparation, job completion, trash removal and work area cleanup.$1,320.45$2,467.93Supplies, Tools Includes equipment allowance and supplies for preparation, job completion and site cleanup.$167.78$207.383 more rows
How much does it cost install baseboards?
The labor cost to install baseboards is $4.90 to $7.75 per linear foot. Baseboard materials are pretty inexpensive (only about $0.80 to $1.20 per linear foot).
How do you attach wainscotting to drywall?
0:131:26How to Install Wainscoting Onto Drywall : Drywall Help - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd run it across the wall to mark our studs. So we'll take your stud finder. Turn it on. And run itMoreAnd run it across the wall to mark our studs. So we'll take your stud finder. Turn it on. And run it across can we get one of our studs. And we'll go ahead for the little mark here for where our stud.
Does beadboard have to go over drywall?
Beadboard installs over drywall with panel adhesive. While the adhesive cures, use brads or nails to hold the panels in place temporarily. Review scribing techniques: Because room corners are rarely plumb, it may be necessary to cut panels so that they conform to irregularities.
Does wall paneling go over drywall?
Holes and dents make drywall an eyesore and, if the damage is extensive, not a simple thing to repair. Rather than replacing the drywall – an expensive option – consider installing paneling over top instead. Fairly strong and easy to install, panel boards imparts a rich, warm look and cozy feel to your home.
Can you put paneling on top of drywall?
0:041:50Drywalling Over Paneled Walls : Drywall Help - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow this is a great way so you don't have to tear out all that old paneling you can go right overMoreNow this is a great way so you don't have to tear out all that old paneling you can go right over the top of it.
Cost of Wainscoting by Type
Many people make the mistake of saying beadboard when they mean wainscoting and vice versa. Just to clarify, beadboard is a type of wainscoting you can use to decorate your home. Beadboard wainscoting costs $13 per square foot.
Cost to Install Wainscoting by Type
Professional beadboard installation will cost $1,550. It costs slightly more to install beadboard wainscoting because of the trim. Workers will have to spend time lining the trim up with the panels before they can finish the installation.
Cost of Custom Wainscoting by Material
Ceramic wainscoting will cost $17 per square foot. You should choose ceramic if you’re planning to install the wainscoting in moist areas. The ceramic will work better in those spots compared to wood.
Related Questions
Wainscoting can do a lot for your home. First off, you can use wainscoting to change up the appearance of your home interior.
Why do we need wainscoting?
Wainscoting installation can provide some great benefits. It will help to provide protection for the walls from various types of damage. It is also easy to clean, so you can keep your walls looking spotless.
Can you use vinyl wainscoting?
Using vinyl or plastic wainscoting can help to keep the costs down. Painting the wainscoting will add to the cost. Wainscoting can help to make a home easier to sell thanks to the classic look it offers.
Can wainscoting be used in a new home?
Whether you are building a new home or you are remodeling your current home, wainscoting can be a great option to consider. The paneling, which could be made from a range of different materials, will be installed from the baseboard partway up the wall. It can be used in many different rooms to great effect. Wainscoting installation can provide some ...
What is wainscoting wood?
In case you are still wondering what we are talking about, wainscoting is a kind of wood paneling that has decorative accents, that is used to prevent water damage on walls. This originally made of oak boards paneling was used to cover the entire wall but later on, has been used to cover just the lower part in 1700.
When was wainscoting first used?
And it’s justifiable because wainscoting dates back to 1300 when the Dutch used them to shield the bottom half of plaster walls against the different hazards of everyday movement of residents and the constant shifting of furniture.
Does location affect price?
They may not cost so much but can definitely impact the overall price when added together. Location – as with any type of services, the location of the project typically affect the pricing as the cost of living and cost of doing business always play a major role in the cost.
How much does it cost to install wainscoting?
The average cost for installing wainscoting is $1,325 for a 12- by 12-foot room with 5-foot-high unpainted solid wood paneling (including materials and labor). This is the equivalent of $90 per hour or $5.52 per square foot. Simpler designs made from cheaper materials are faster to install.
How much does a wainscot cost?
Wainscoting can be as cheap as $1 per square foot if using MDF or plywood, or more than $40 per square foot if using an expensive solid wood. Real wooden beadboard paneling costs $1 per square foot. Imitation types cost $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot. Wainscoting and beadboard are only as expensive as you make it.
What is the difference between beadboard and wainscoting?
Wainscoting is the main panel that covers an interior wall - typically the lower 3 to 5 feet - whereas beadboard is a type of wainscoting panel. They are frequently mistaken for being the same thing: Beadboard. Formed through interlocking tongue and groove panels placed side by side.
What is raised panel wainscoting?
Raised panel is the most traditional wainscoting design. It costs up to twice as much compared to flat or beadboard panel. This high price is due to the time-consuming nature of beveling the panel edges to give it a distinct "elevated" look.
How much does drywall cost per square foot?
Drywall costs $1.60 to $2.35 per square foot and wood paneling is $1 to $40 per square foot depending on the type of material used. On certain projects, wood paneling and drywall complement each other.
How much does floor trim cost?
Material costs for floor trim are $1 to $2 and $3.50 to $8.50 per linear foot for labor and supplies. Also referred to as baseboard molding, floor trims serve to protect your paneled wainscoting from bangs and scrapes and to create a natural connection between the wall and floor.
How much does beadboard cost?
It costs $1 per square foot for real wooden beadboard. Imitation versions cost $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot. You will need caps and baseboards to finish off both types of paneling. These cost $0.30 to $2.50 per foot and are sold in 10-foot sections.
What is the cheapest panel?
Wood choice – As noted earlier in this article, MDF is the cheapest panel option for homeowners with a modest budget; however, for those looking to splurge on their home improvement project, wood panels derived from premium wood like cedar or oak can be substantially more expensive.
Why do you put decorative paneling on stairwells?
The walls alongside most stairwells is a breeding ground scuff marks and dirt; decorative paneling not only improves the aesthetic of your stairwell but also makes removing marks left behind by children or by moving furniture from one floor to next easier than ever.
Can I make a stairwell DIY?
If you’re willing to make beautifying your stairwell a “DIY” project, there are a few things you need to know.For example, you can make adding decorative paneling to your stairwell a little easier by choosing a ready-made, pre-manufactured shape that naturally complements it.
Can you paint decorative panels without a finish?
Finishes – Obviously, your decorative panels would not be complete without some type of finish. As such, you can expect to allocate more of your budget for paint and painting supplies. For those who prefer a more natural look, there is the option of having a stain applied to your panels, which can help drive down costs.
Can I hire a contractor to do wainscoting?
For homeowners who don’t have the time or desire to take on a wainscoting project, you do have the option of hiring a contractor. In doing so, however, your totals cost will be significantly higher. As such, you want to be honest with yourself in terms of budget; also, it would be a good idea to do some comparison shopping before settling on ...
Is it worth hiring a professional to build a stairwell?
As such, hiring a professional may be worthwhile ; however, your project cost will be higher as many of the factors that influence the paneling cost will also influence the cost of adding them to your stairwell, which means you will have to choose panels, trim, moldings, and finishes that fit into your budget.
