How to Install a Footboard in an Entry Way

Sand the entire exterior of the footboard using rough-grit sandpaper, removing all possible paint and any uneven and unwanted textures. Wipe the footboard clean to remove all sawdust created by the sanding.

Apply a thin layer of stain or paint using a brush in long, smooth and even strokes across the surface of the footboard. Brush with the wood grain if visible. Let this first coat dry for two hours, and then reapply a second coat. Repeat the process until the footboard is the desired color or shade at the end of a drying period.

Coat the dry surface of the footboard with a thin layer of sealant, keeping your brush strokes in the same direction as the previous coats. Let the first coat dry for two hours and continue to apply sealant in the same manner depending on the amount of wear the footboard will get. Use four or five coats for high-use items such as coat hangers and only two or three coats for purely decorative projects. Let the footboard dry overnight.

Mark the locations of the wall studs in the footboard-hanging area and measure the distance from center of stud to center of stud. Transfer this distance to evenly spaced markings on the rear of the footboard. Position heavy-duty mounting hooks at each marking and mark the location of their screw holes. Drill out each screw hole, being careful not to puncture the other side of the footboard. Attach the mounting hooks with 1/2-inch wood screws.

Hold the footboard up to the wall and set a level on top of it. Adjust the footboard until it is straight, then move it out a few inches to mark the position of each mounting hook on the wall, making sure each hook is lined up with a stud. Drill holes in each position, making sure the holes strike a wall stud. Screw 3-inch wood screws into each hole. Set the footboard on the wall by lowering the mounting hooks over the exposed wall screws.