Wainscoting installation is a technique used to add intricate detail to an interior decorative wall. It’s one of the types of home renovations that have gained popularity in recent years. Many homeowners now chose this modern wainscoting because it offers numerous benefits and can give your home a facelift without the hassle typically associated with major renovation projects.

At Trim Team, our goal is to create an alluring design that transforms the interior of your home quickly and with minimal trouble. Our expertise with wainscoting installation is unmatched in Toronto, and the tried-and-true techniques we use for installing wainscoting produce a clean and dust-free result that can last a lifetime.

Wainscoting Installation Toronto

custom basement family room with baseboard trim and waffle ceiling

One of the drawbacks of many home renovation projects is how time-consuming and costly they can be. This is not the case with wainscoting installation. When you choose this subtle yet beautiful technique, you don’t have to worry about lengthy installation periods or exorbitant costs.

Depending on the style you choose, installing wainscoting can take anywhere from 1 to 10 days, and the overall costs involved are far below what homeowners typically spend when renovating their homes.

wainscoting wall decor in modern dining room

With the right team of professionals and wainscot, you can give your hallways or entryways a captivating upgrade that stands out. Our team has a track record of quality work and approaches each project with dedication and zeal. Further, our contractors are well-trained on how to install wainscoting and can help further develop your wainscoting ideas to produce a well-designed decorative feature you will love.

Types of Wainscoting We Install

wainscoting staircase wall trim

We construct and install two types of wainscoting:

Picture Frame Wainscoting. This type of wainscoting is very popular with homeowners. It is also commonly referred to as applique wainscoting. This technique uses a chair rail and panels made from MDF panel moulding to achieve the desired look and can be completed in 1-3 days. It requires very little cleanup, which is always a plus with our customers.

Paneled Wainscoting. To create this look, panels are used to cover an entire wall and produce a very traditional and elegant result. This installation process takes slightly longer than picture frame wainscoting, but still only takes between 1-10 days to complete.

interior doors and baseboard trim install by trim team

Whatever wainscoting style you choose, you can never go wrong with this stylish upgrade. Homeowners in Toronto are often pleasantly surprised to find out how straightforward and seamless wainscoting installation is.

Whether you want wainscoting in a bathroom, against a staircase, or wainscoting on a wall, we can help you achieve the aesthetic you have in mind.

What Makes Our Wainscot and Installation Different

build in fireplace and wainscoting wall decor in amazing living room

At Trim Team, we proudly offer exceptional wainscoting to our valued customers. We strive to provide the best service and go the extra mile to ensure everyone we serve is completely satisfied with our quality of work and professional conduct. When you choose us, you can expect:

  • High-quality work
  • Clean and dust-free installation
  • Variety of moulding and trim services
  • Complex designs
  • 10-year labour warranty
second floor staircase with luxury wainscoting wall decor

Our friendly team of experts is standing by to assist you. So, give us a call at (437) 980-4353 to learn how you can get your free consultation. You can also email us at info@trimteam.ca if you have any questions about our wainscoting service.

We served customers all across the GTA including Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Woodbridge, King City, Aurora, Newmarket, Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Stouffville, Georgina, Bradford, Barrie and more.

Wainscoting Installation Process 

Interior Columns by trim team

Wainscoting is one of the simplest ways to add texture and visual interest to any room in your home. Installing wainscoting, however, can be a lengthy and tedious process. That’s why we offer professional wainscoting installation services at Trim Team. Our number one priority is to ensure that your decorative trim exceeds all your expectations. 

These are the steps we take to install wainscoting:

blueprint of trims for custom home

Step 1: Choose the Design 

First, we map out the design so that you can visualize how everything will look. We use painter’s tape to help draw the design and make sure that there are no interruptions, such as wall vents, a sink, or a doorway.

interior door installation by trim team

Step 2: Prep the Space

Remove all the outlet covers and light switch covers on the walls that will be used to install the wainscoting. If you notice any holes in the upper part of the wall that needs to be repaired, tackle that now before you begin to apply the wainscoting.

trim team taking measurements for moudling trim

Step 3: Measure the Space

The height of wainscoting varies depending on personal preference, but there is a general rule of thirds that is often followed. For short paneling on a 9-foot ceiling, the top of the paneling would reach about 3 feet high. For higher wainscoting, it would be about 2/3 of the wall, or 6 feet high. Test a few different heights and see what works best in your space.

For the optimal visual effect, we recommend choosing the shorter side, as it creates the illusion of taller ceilings. Use a level and a pencil to mark the correct height for the beadboard from the floor.

trim installation project

Step 4: Cut Pieces to Size

We cut one piece at a time using a compound miter saw. The corners are mitered (cut at 45 degrees to line up).

If you are layering trim pieces, it’s best to group them together and cut each piece.

trim team installing wooden railings and baseboard trim

Step 5: Attach to the Wall 

The easiest way to attach wainscoting panels is to run a small bead of caulk along the backside of the trim and then nail into place. We use a level to make sure tops and bottoms are straight. It’s highly recommended to use a brad nailer because it’s fast and requires a lot less hole filling. 

We fill any nail holes as necessary, but gluing with caulk will cut down on how many nails you need.

in progress of baseboard trim installation

Step 6: Caulking Around the Frames

Taping, mudding, and patching create bumps in walls that are easy to miss, but it shouldn’t be a problem. Don’t worry if the wood pieces aren’t laying perfectly flat against the wall – that’s part of the charm!

For professional-looking results, we use a thin bead of caulk around every edge that touches the wall. Make sure to use a paintable, interior caulk. With a little patience and attention to detail, you will be able to create a stunning wainscoted wall that is sure to add beauty and character to your home.

Step 7: Start Painting 

The final step in the wainscoting installation process is to begin painting. We suggest choosing a trim paint that matches the rest of the baseboards throughout your house. 

If you are looking for wainscoting panels in Canada, contact us today for a free consultation.

Call Us for your free design consultation and wainscot installation service. We will be happy to provide you with a free estimation quote.

FAQs

What is wainscoting?

Wainscoting is a type of wall covering, typically wood paneling, laid over the lower portion of a wall inside a home, especially in the dining room, living room, or entryway. Wainscoting contributes to the decor of a home and especially in old houses, this wall treatment supports fragile walls, contributing to a home’s overall durability.

What is the purpose of wainscot paneling?

Wainscot paneling can be practical, decorative, or both, while serving the following 3 main purposes:

1. Adding insulation: Wainscoting reinforces the delicate plaster and provides another layer of insulation against significantly hot and cold temperatures.
2. Protecting the walls: Wainscoting, when placed along the lower wall, helps protect the walls from everyday use.
3. Serving as home decor: Wainscoting panels add visual interest to walls. Homeowners who want a room to have a formal, traditional feel to it can add raised panel wainscoting, while those who prefer minimalist design can opt for flat-panel wainscoting.

What are the different types of wainscot paneling?


The variety of types of wainscoting differs in terms of construction and aesthetics. Here are four of the most common styles:

1. Wall-panel wainscoting
2. Flat-panel wainscoting (or board and batten or Shaker panel)
3. Beaded-panel wainscoting
4. Raised-panel wainscoting

How do you install wainscoting?

Wainscoting is installed by way of following this process: 

Phase 1: Preparation  
– Step 1: Calculate the Amount of Wall Paneling Needed
– Step 2: Remove Existing Molding and Outlet Cover
– Step 3: Mark a Level Line
– Step 4: Mark the Wall Studs

Phase 2: Installation 
– Step 1: Set the First Panel
– Step 2: Secure the Wood Panel
– Step 3: Accommodate the Wall Outlets
– Step 4: Install the Second Panel
– Step 5: Add the Panel up to a Corner
– Step 6: Cut the Corner Panels
– Step 7: Install the Remaining Panels, Molding, and Wall Plates

Is wainscoting hard to keep clean?

Wainscoting is not difficult to clean. The crevices and textural variations in wainscoting naturally collect household dirt and grime over time. To clean wainscoting, use standard cleaning supplies, similar to how you would go about making full-paneled walls or wood furniture looking their best.

Does wainscoting add value?

Absolutely! Wainscoting adds value to any home. Wainscoting has become a primarily decorative element, adding texture or visual interest to a room. It is part of a home’s interior design plan but most importantly, wainscoting is used to cover existing damage to walls in a unique and appealing way. Additionally, wainscoting can prevent damage from occurring from dents or scuffs. It also improves a home’s energy efficiency by providing insulation. Overall, wainscoting enhances your home’s appearance, but it doesn’t necessarily increase its property value.

Can you paint wainscoting?

Yes, you can paint wainscoting. It’s not often thought of but when painting a room, wainscoting needs attention just as the walls and ceilings do. To colour wainscotting, paint only 2-3 feet of baseboard at a time. A friendly reminder that when you paint, examine the surface for drips, spatters, and overlapping edges.