What Is Wainscoting Panels? Is Wainscoting Paneling Expensive?
What Is Wainscoting Panels?
Wainscoting is a system of wooden panels, chair railing, and moulding that is both decorative and functional. It originated in the 18th century when it was no longer used as floor-to-ceiling paneling and instead covered just the lower half of walls.
Originally, wainscot paneling was used to add interior protection and insulation from damp and cold stone walls but now it is often used for aesthetic purposes alone. In the 18th century, wooden-panel wainscoting became popular among wealthy families in Europe and New England and in modern times, it is mostly used as a decorative element to add visual interest to a room.
Purposes Of Wainscoting
Wainscoting is a versatile material that can serve multiple purposes. It can be used for insulation, protection and decoration.
Historically, homes in cold weather areas would use wainscoting to reinforce the walls and provide an extra layer of insulation. Additionally, wainscoting placed along the lower walls can protect them from everyday wear and tear.
Furthermore, it can also be used to add visual interest to a room. Homeowners can choose from raised panel or flat-panel wainscoting to suit their design preferences. Whether you want a traditional or minimalist look, wainscoting can help you achieve it.
Is Wainscoting Paneling Expensive?
The cost of wainscot paneling varies based on factors such as the material used, the square footage needed, custom design elements and the cost of installation.
Wainscot paneling can be made from various materials, including traditional hardwoods and modern options like medium density fiberboard. Wainscot paneling serves both a functional purpose by protecting walls and a decorative purpose by adding a stylish touch to any room.
With a wide range of styles and designs to choose from, wainscot paneling can be used to add a subtle texture or a bold pop of color to any space making it a classic design choice that can enhance the look and feel of any home.
Types Of Wainscoting
Wainscoting is a decorative wall covering that can be used in various ways to enhance the aesthetic of a room. There are several different styles of wainscoting to choose from each with its own unique look and construction method.
One of the most common styles is wall-panel wainscoting, which is a simple DIY project that involves attaching strips of molding or wood directly to the wall to create a series of rectangle frames.
Another popular style is flat-panel wainscoting also known as board and batten or Shaker panel, which consists of thin boards of plywood or MDF attached to the walls with strips of molding or narrow strips of wood added to create vertical or square framing.
Beaded-panel wainscoting is another option which features a long sheet of wood paneling with vertical grooves and strips of wood or trim added to create panels. The most traditional style of wainscoting is raised-panel wainscoting, which requires a craftsman to bevel the edges of each individual panel before adding wood trim on top.
Can Wainscoting Get Wet?
Wainscot paneling can withstand some moisture but the type of material and paint will determine the amount of moisture it can handle. It can handle splashes and spills but is not suitable for wet locations like bathrooms.
If using in a bathroom, hire a professional for proper installation and sealing. Avoid allowing moisture to pool around the wainscoting or moulding as it can cause damage or warping. Clean up any moisture immediately to maintain the best condition.
Can Wainscot Paneling Be Painted?
Painting or staining your wainscot paneling can be a great way to match your home’s decor or make it stand out as an accent piece. However, the material of your wainscoting can affect how it can be painted or stained.
It’s best to consult an expert before undertaking any painting or staining of existing wainscoting or installing new wainscoting. They can help you determine the right paint or stain to use and show you available options.
Failure to consult an expert before painting or staining can result in damage to the wood or finish and can leave the moulding looking patchy or unappealing if incompatible paint is used. This advice applies to most types of moulding, especially if it already has paint on it.
