How to Finish Corners of Wainscoting

Wainscoting is the decorative protection that lower portions of walls are sometimes covered with. Traditionally, wainscoting is done with tongue and groove lengths of wood. When using tongue and groove wood, however, it can sometimes be a challenge to properly finish outside corners such that the wainscoting appears seamless. But by using the proper techniques, you can give your wainscoting a professional finish that will last.

Wainscoting wood
Pencil
Table saw or circular saw

Instructions

- 1
  Place the last piece of wainscoting into the groove of the preceding piece. Get it in to its correct position, but don't attach it to the wall yet.
- 2
  Take a pencil and make a line where the corner intersects with the board, using the corner of the wall as a guide for the pencil.
- 3
  Use a circular saw or table saw to cut along the pencil line, but do not remove the pencil line. You want the piece of wainscoting to stick out, very slightly, beyond the corner.
- 4
  Install the wainscoting, and secure it in place with whatever method you are using.
- 5
  Use a skill saw or table saw to remove the tongue portion of the first piece that you will use on the new wall at the corner.
- 6
  Install this first piece of the new wall so that it is flush to the outside of the last piece from the previous wall. If you are using nails to secure the wainscoting in place, place several nails through the new piece, into the edge of the last piece.
- 7
  Secure this first piece of the new wall in place with whatever method you are using, and continue with your wainscoting installation.
- 8
  Cut the ends of the corner wainscoting boards at a 45-degree angle for a more professional look. The two boards will then form a miter joint around the corner of the wall. To make a 45-degree angle cut, set your table saw blade at a 45-degree angle or use a circular saw with an adjustable bevel and set it to 45 degrees.

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