It's no surprise that bead board has recently experienced a rebirth in favor given how much character and charm it can provide to a space. And if you have the necessary power equipment, most do-it-yourselfers can install bead board themselves if you're interested in learning how to do it yourself. You should first decide how high you want your bead board to hang on the wall. Bead board can be installed at a variety of heights, but you shouldn't go any lower than a third of the height of your entire wall. If your ceilings are nine feet high, for example, you shouldn't place your bead board lower than 36 inches from the floor. Wainscoting is a type of decorative paneling that shields walls and gives your décor personality. You can modernize any area in your house after you learn how to install wainscoting. The most popular kind of wainscoting is called bead board, which is a vertical row of narrow wood planks composed of tongue-and-groove panels. Bead board paneling provides a room a cozy, classic vibe, making it perfect for cottage- or bungalow-style homes.
Step By Step Process Of Installing 4x8 Sheets Of Bead Board On Wall
For a classic paneling design, bead board is typically installed halfway or two thirds up from the floor. I decided on sheets of 4'x8' bead board for this particular use because they fit my area. There are smaller bead board sheets or "planks" as well, but if you're covering a sizable area, I'd strongly advise the sheets. Once you've established the lengths of your walls, your neighborhood hardware store can assist you in ripping these sheets down; otherwise, you'll need to cut them yourself. So before purchase, we took measurements.
Step 1: Measure Up And Cut Any Outlet Holes
- Measure beforehand as suggested, then have the cuts made at your local hardware store. When you get home, arrange your bead boards and indicate any pieces that need to be removed for fit.
- The cutting of bead board around electrical outlets will be one of the more challenging aspects of installation. Remove the plate cover first. After that, align your sheet with the outlet's top, bottom, and sides. Make tick marks for your outlet's top, bottom, and sides. Use a level to align the horizontal and vertical markings that overlap once all four have been drawn. The output hole can be made with a jigsaw.
Step 2: Position And Fix With Adhesive & Secure With Nails
You will require a construction adhesive, such as liquid nails applied with a caulk gun, to apply to your walls. When possible, I like to further reinforce it by driving brad nails into studs.
Step 3: Add Trim
You should typically use a piece of trim to complete your bead board installation. You have the option of using a flat board (1x4 pine) or trim molding. I made use of a piece of plain-profiled MDF trim. Install your trim over your bead board once again using construction adhesive, then fasten with brad nails.
Step 4: Refit The Outlet Fronts
You'll also need to make changes to the outlets. You must bring the outlet out to keep it level with the wall and the plate cover since the bead board has increased the depth of the wall by a quarter-inch. Adding outlet spacers and securing them with the screw that holds the outlet in place will help you do this.