Build mouldings for your walls

Installation suggestions

Install the mouldings using finishing nails in an appropriate nailing base or with carpenters glue. Allow the nail heads to protrude by 1/16 in. then countersink them using a nail punch.

You can join two mouldings by cutting them at right angles. However, a scarf joint is recommended. Position the two pieces against the wall and cut them at a 45 degree angle. When connecting two mouldings, make sure the colour and grain match. Keep the number of joints to a minimum whenever you install any kind of moulding.

Steps:

1. It is very important that you always work with clean surfaces free from any irregularities. Prepare surfaces by filling all holes and cracks, sanding lightly and then cleaning. Apply a coat of primer.
2. Measure the wall, and on a piece of paper calculate the height of the chair rail, the spacing of the wall strips as well as their width. For this project, we propose positioning the chair rail 71 inches above the floor. The vertical posts should be spaced 12 inches apart and the strips, 2 ¼ inches.
3. Use the bench saw to cut strips 2 ¼ inches wide on the long side of the MDF panel and lightly sand cut edges till smooth.
4. Draw a guideline on the wall perfectly level at 71 inches from the floor, marking the height of the chair rail.
5. Fasten the pieces of the horizontal MDF strip to the wall, following the guideline.
6. Fasten in the same way the pieces of the lower horizontal strip over the lower wall moulding.
7. Start in a corner under the horizontal strip, then using a tape measure indicate with a pencil the precise spacing, 14 ¼ inches, of the vertical strips. Also measure and mark the same spacing on the bottom of the wall just above the lower strip. A standard level or a laser will enable you to verify whether these two marks are perfectly aligned.
8. Measure the distance between the upper and lower horizontal strip. Cut MDF strips carefully for the precise, desired length. This length may vary slightly according to the level of your floor.
9. Start installing the vertical strips in a corner. Glue and nail where pencil-indicated. Continually verify the length and spacing for each one.
10. Glue and nail the chair rail above the upper horizontal strip.
11. Use filler to fill any holes. Though you may use a small trowel, it is a lot simpler and just as effective to use your fingers.
12. For a more attractive finish, apply latex sealer to the spaces between the mouldings and the wall as well as in the corners of the casings and other joints. Clean with a damp cloth.
13. Paint the mouldings with a brush in order to cover the entire surface. Use a roller to paint the walls.

Personalize your textured paneling to suit your needs, the style of the room or the effect you’re looking to achieve. You can change the spacing between the strips, the height of the chair rail or even the dimensions of the moulding. Be very discriminating when choosing the paint, type of finish and colours; they contribute a great deal to the final result.

Important

Make sure you harmonize the style of the chair rail you choose with the existing baseboard.  The thickness of the baseboard and the chair rail should also be compatible with the MDF strips forming the frame and vertical posts of the paneling.

Allow the MDF mouldings to acclimatize for a minimum of 48 hours in the room where you plan to install them, at a temperature between 18°C and 22°C; this gives the material time to adapt to the ambient temperature. Extreme fluctuations in temperature or humidity can cause the material to expand or contract.