What Is the Height to Mount a Chair Rail?

Function

• A chair rail's original purpose was to protect the wall from dings and scratches. With a chair rail, chairs hit up against the rail rather than the wall. Nowadays chair rails are usually a decorative feature in a room, adding interest to the walls. It also is used to divide the tops and bottoms of the walls, which may be painted or papered in a different manner. Chair rails also add a finishing touch to wainscoting.

Height

• Chair rails are typically mounted one-third of the height from the floor to the ceiling. For an 8-foot ceiling, install the chair rail approximately 32 inches from the floor. For a 9-foot ceiling, install it approximately 36 inches from the floor. For ceilings of other heights, chair rails are still typically installed between 32 and 36 inches. However, no rule states you can’t install a chair rail below or above this height.

Other Considerations

• If the 32- to 36-inch height hits the bottom of a window casing or sill awkwardly, mount the chair rail up or down a little so it looks nice. Also, if you need some more help to decide where to install a chair rail, set a chair next to the wall and mark where you think it will look best. This is especially important if your chair rail is intended to act as a buffer between the chairs and walls. Note that the chair rail is usually thinner than the door and window moldings in the room.

Other Measurements

• Cut pieces that are mounted next to each other on the same wall with a miter saw, cutting them each at a 45-degree angle rather than straight up and down. The angles should be opposite from one another so they fit snug together. For inside corners, hold one piece of the molding vertically against the end of the molding to be cut, and trace the molding’s design with a pencil. Then use a coping saw to cut it along the line. This creates a more invisible joint that won't open up as the wood moves with the climate. For outside corners, cut each piece at opposite 45-degree angles and glue them together for a tight fit that won't come apart.