Bathroom Wainscot

Wainscotting gives a dramatic design feature to any bathroom, adding character and providing wall protection. If you have some experience with woodwork projects, you'll be able to install bathroom wainscot in two to three days. Before you begin, consider your materials. Wood will give a traditional look but be sure to thoroughly seal before installing to prevent moisture damage.

Next, decide how high you'd like your bathroom wainscot to be. A height of 60" from the baseboard is often used to create a formal look but can be overwhelming in a smaller bathroom, where 36" and 48" is more appropriate.

Rule the height on the wall with a level and pencil or by snapping a chalk line. Cut your chosen material to that height using a miter saw.

Remove everything attached to the wall. This will include the sink and you'll have to cut your boards to accommodate plumbing. Alternatively, attach wainscot around existing structures, cutting as flush as possible.

Start in a corner and nail at the top and bottom. The tongue and groove nature of wainscot material makes it easy to mount.

To finish, install chair rail moulding to the top of the bathroom wainscotting and re-install the baseboard.