How much does it cost to install Wainscoting?  Fast answers

If you want to add a new style to your wall, you may find yourself in a dilemma in deciding which technique to use. If you’ve already installed a wall, the coating options will be reduced, and many will choose to simply change the wallpaper as this is an inexpensive alternative. However, it is possible to create a much more detailed and majestic design through cladding. When you get here, ask yourself how much it costs to install wainscoting. We’ll review some important details that you should know before starting this project.

Adding wood paneling and paneling to the walls of your house is one way to give them a new look. Unlike other options, however, a 3D effect is added, not just a revision.

In addition, wainscoting houses are much more sophisticated and expensive, which affects the value of your home.

Image source: New Perspective Design, Inc.

The problem with this type of coating is that its cost cannot be easily calculated because it depends on many variables.

Some of the aspects to consider are the height of the cover, the connection with which you attach it to the wall, and the square meters of the room. Even if we know that, we have to take into account that not all stores have the same price.

Finally, there is one property that determines the price, namely whether the wood is lacquered or not. These coatings require not only paint, but also stronger wood that is installed differently, and its cracks cannot be repaired with inexpensive solutions such as sealing. All of this increases the cost of paneling.

Wainscoting utility

Image source: Patrick Ahearn architect

The cladding installation began as a technical and architectural solution to protect drywall from external influences such as water. That is why they are installed on the floor of the walls.

Today there are still places where they are needed for protection, but there are also homeowners who install them as decorations in their homes.

The paneling consists of at least two basic elements: a base plate, which covers the largest circumference, and an upper bar, which is called the chair rail. In addition, the amount of additional decorative elements is practically unlimited.

Wainscoting Installation Cost – Quick Analysis

When it comes to average costs, you will most likely spend between $ 1,050 and $ 1,600 on a basic installation. This calculation uses a 3.65 x 3.65 m (12 x 12 feet) space as a reference and installs unpainted panels.

The materials alone cost around $ 600, which means the installation accounts for just over 50% of the budget. Therefore, many homeowners prefer to do the installation themselves.

If you have the required experience, you can also save half the cost of installing wainscoting. There are other aspects where you can save money. You can use construction adhesive as an inexpensive replacement for gluing the panels. For the finish, you can leave the wood in its natural state and simply sand and prime it.

Before you decide whether you want to carry out the project yourself, you need to measure the size of your space. This is the only way to determine how much material you need for the project. You may have material scraps at home that you can use to improve installation details, reducing the budget required.

Calculating the cladding you need is easy. First measure the circumference of the room. Remember to exclude the doors from this measure as they do not need to be coated.

After determining the measured girth, you need to determine how tall the leaves will be. It depends on your taste or needs.

To determine the square area of ​​the leaves you need to buy, all you have to do is multiply the length of the perimeter by the height of the leaves, both using the same unit. For example, a circumference of 50 feet multiplied by a height of 3 feet gives 150 square feet.

If you noted the data in inches, simply divide the square inches by 144 to get the square feet. Now you can calculate the shipping costs.

Finally, you have the option to call a contractor, although this can increase the price up to $ 5,000 depending on the room size. The advantage is that you don’t have to worry about the installation.

Calculation based on square feet

As you may have noticed, the result of the measurements gives you a number in square feet. This is the unit used in stores to sell the sheets.

Coating square feet is not a fixed price because it depends on the material you choose. The cheapest sheet can cost $ 0.50 per square foot, while the perfect solid wood to paint can cost $ 40 per square foot. The average square foot is $ 5.50, and a full-size room is priced at $ 1,300.

With enough searching, you will likely find good quality, inexpensive options on the market, such as: B. real wood Beadboards cladding that was only $ 1 per square foot.

Cost of installing wainscoting based on the panel

Image source: Louise Lakier

Some stores charge the price of the panels per unit. Although this is not very accurate, when you buy the panels by unit you can buy additional material that is always useful for repairs.

The cheap wood panel costs around $ 8, while the solid wood panel can reach $ 20 per unit.

Fairing prices based on the material

Image source: Carter Inc.

Poplar plywood is calculated in square feet and costs around $ 7, while red oak reaches $ 11. This is an intermediate option.

Cherry wood can cost up to $ 22, but is perfect for applying a layer of varnish to the coating.

The shape influences the price

Image source: JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

The cost of installing the cladding also depends on the shape of the coating. Basic designs made of smooth pieces of wood with a pair of decorative slats can cost between $ 10 and $ 20 per square foot.

More complex coating designs where molded parts are installed on smooth wood can reach $ 40 per square foot, although the type of molded part determines the final price and can even be bought for $ 10 per square foot.

Build your panels

There is a much cheaper alternative for those owners who want to build their panels, provided they have the time.

Some sets contain the necessary materials so that you can assemble the cladding panels yourself. With the right selection of materials and figures, you can lower the price of wall panels below $ 100. You can also go to the other extreme and buy an expensive kit for $ 2,500.

If commercial options don’t convince you

Image source: Daniel J. Mailey Carpentry, Inc.

If you don’t find anything on the market that catches your eye, you can hire a carpenter to do a custom job.

The carpenter charges approximately $ 1,000 or $ 3,000 for the job and it may take 3-5 days to complete. However, you can choose the material and shapes you want.

labour costs

If you call a contractor for the order, you will be charged depending on the number of hours that the installation takes. The average price is $ 90 an hour, and it is estimated that this work will be done in a medium to small size room in a maximum of 24 hours, so the price of the work will vary between $ 1,500 and $ 2,000.

The carpenter usually offers you a price that is up to 70% cheaper, but this depends on the installation time and the material of the cladding.

Paint or not paint?

The market offers two types of finishes that affect the cost of installing the cladding. The first finish contains only one primer, which means you have to paint the coating.

The second finish is more expensive because the panels are painted at the factory. If you have the necessary time and experience, you can paint the panels yourself and save some money.

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