Installing of Wainscoting
Pry off the baseboard. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark where you want the top of the wainscoting to fall (usually 40 to 48 in. above the floor). Snap a chalk line at the desired height, and then use a level to make sure that it’s even. If you’re doing this alone, tap in a nail to hold one end of the chalk line.
Locate the studs and mark their locations above the chalk line. Set a plank with its top along the line and a side at a door or corner; if necessary, plane the edge for a tight fit. Apply a vertical ribbon of adhesive to the wall for each plank. Where planks are over studs, nail them to the studs at the top, bottom, and midpoint of the plank (wear goggles). Continue with more planks, fitting them together tightly as you go.
When you approach a window, do not install the last full plank. Instead, mark above the chalk line where the edge of the plank (not including the tongue) will fall. Then place another plank against the sill, and set a scribe to the width between the mark and the edge of the plank (inset). With the point of the scribe against the window side casing, draw a guideline down the plank, scribing around the sill.
Using a saber saw, cut the marked plank. Install the full plank and the cut plank; then continue around the window, scribing as needed. If you plan to paint or finish the wainscoting planks, cap, and baseboard, do it now. Set the baseboard in place, mark where one end must be trimmed, and wearing eye protection, cut it with a saber saw. Fasten the baseboard to the studs.
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