Fake Wainscoting Tutorial

An easy way to update your home with decorative moldings.This is the finished product and we created the look of wainscoting by first adding a chair rail from Lowe's using a nail gun, painted the wall in a semi-gloss white paint. You can find more ideas at my blog, www.decorchick.com.

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This is the finished product and we created the look of wainscoting by first adding a chair rail from Lowe's using a nail gun, painted the wall in a se...
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The box frames I actually cheated and bought already made at Lowe's. You can find them in their molding section. It is a bit more expensive to do it this way,...
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After you nail the boxes up you will want to caulk around everything and this is what I used and like this brand.
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Here is a before photo with no moldings on the wall...
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Here is a photo with just the chair rail and the boxes and the wall not painted white. Please note: Back when I did this project I didn't know to paint the wall white,...
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And here is one more after photo. You'll also noticed we have hardwood floors now too! Yes, I can't stop with the projects. :) This faux wainscoting project was...

33 Comments Displaying 25 of 33 comments | See Previous

Kathy H Kansas City, MO

Very inviting look! Awesome turn around.

on Mar 12, 2012 · Like 0
Lily C Hialeah, FL

I like thiss alot. Not a fan of the railing but in your case beautiful !!

on Mar 12, 2012 · Like 0
Tom S Nelsonville, OH

Very inviting

on Mar 15, 2012 · Like 0
Decorchick! Houston, TX

Thanks again everyone! :)

on Mar 15, 2012 · Like 0
Linda Wendell, NC

Definitely adds some character to an otherwise blank wall!

on Mar 15, 2012 · Like 0
DeMarie I Longmont, CO

Looks great.

on Mar 29, 2012 · Like 1
Rhonda G Lockport, NY

Looks wonderful. I'm doing this in the master bedroom.

on Apr 01, 2012 · Like 0
Michael M Wheaton, IL

I did this in a finished basement but used chair rail and flat stock over drywall, so it looked like inset panels. Painted in semi-gloss paint and no one could believe it wasn't all wood. Great idea.
You can do the same with making crown molding seem taller by adding a piece of trim a few inches below the crown and painting the gap with semi-gloss like the crown and trim. Gives a great look for less cost.

on Apr 01, 2012 · Like 2
Michelle E Churubusco, IN

I was trying to figure out a cheap way to do bead board in the bath I am remodeling, but I may go with this if I can't figure out a way. I am doing this in the hall/laundry room- only we used veneer and are doing paneled walls and mahogany stain. Same look only instead of just the lower half- will be the entire wall.

on Apr 01, 2012 · Like 0
Rhonda G Lockport, NY

Michelle, we used bead board panels from Lowes in our downstairs bath. It looks awesome. Found a sink and cabinets to match.

on Apr 02, 2012 · Like 1
DeMarie I Longmont, CO

I too used the bead board panels from Lowes in the bathroom. I love it.

on Apr 03, 2012 · Like 0
Tina H Colorado Springs, CO

I'm totally going to do this!

on May 03, 2012 · Like 0
Patty S Sturgeon Bay, WI

I did bead board and picture frame molding on all my kitchen and bath cabinets. I also did the interior doors. I did it myself.
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on May 12, 2012 · Like 3
LORETTA C Jacksonville Beach, FL

Hi Decorchick,
Can you please tell me what color you used on your walls in picture 10? it looks like a shade of grey? Thanks !

on Jun 04, 2012 · Like 0
P R Live Oak, FL

beautiful !!!! :)

on Jun 04, 2012 · Like 0
Decorchick! Houston, TX

Hi Loretta, the paint color is Sherwin Williams Balanced Beige. Love this color! It's the perfect "greige"

on Jun 04, 2012 · Like 0
Linda R Murrells Inlet, SC

Andrea R....click the "add photos" on the bottom of the comment box. (explain what the photo is before you add the photo) Navigate o to where you store your pictures and click on the picture you want to add and click "Open" (Windows 7). They will automatically upload.

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Linda, I think your helpful tutorial was meant for another thread.

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 0
Sue G Chesapeake, VA

@Michelle E. There is no way to do "cheap" Beadboard. I just put up near 9 sheets and very nice railing in the formal living room and entire hallway. But, I do not think it was expensive.for it being such a big space. Also, the first thing you see when you walk into my front door. I picked out the best most flawless pieces I could find. I believe the cost was $20 dollars a sheet and the chair railing was near the same and needed 6 to 7 of those as well. Then, of course I need to change out ...»
9 wall sockets $3.97 each and covers that look like beadboard (beautiful).@ $8.00 each. the total cost was not that much for the BEAUTIFUL room I got in return..It was a lot of HARD WORK and SWEAT though..But, in my mind, VERY worth it. I need to change out all door knobs now though,, and they are very expensive. I am looking to get 7 and they are near $50.00 each for the brushed nickel that I would love to have.. Have fun and hope it all works out the exact way you want it ; )

on Sep 05, 2012 · Like 0
Sue G Chesapeake, VA

Decorchick, I Totally LOVE what you did.. It is classy ; )

on Sep 05, 2012 · Like 0
Decorchick! Houston, TX

Thank you! ;)

on Sep 05, 2012 · Like 0
Sue G Chesapeake, VA

Decorchic, I wish I had seen your article about a week ago. I spent a bundle buying Beadboard and Very nice railing. This went around my entire formal living room and down and back the hallway... LOL, I am always a day late ; )

on Sep 07, 2012 · Like 0
Lori T

I just might do this project.. It looks very nice.

on Sep 26, 2012 · Like 0
Lori T

Did you buy the nail gun or rent it?

on Sep 26, 2012 · Like 0
Lori T

I'm always wanting to add to my ever growing collection of tools. I want to get a nail/ brad nailer next.

on Sep 26, 2012 · Like 1