How to Install Raised Panels for Stairs

Fill in a staircase measuring sheet. The instruction sheet walks you through how to measure your staircase for raised panels. You will need a separate sheet for each wall. For a wraparound staircase you may use six or more sheets of measurement. To fill in the sheet you will use a tape measure and a level.

Obtain an adjustable staircase pre-manufactured panel set. These sets come in two sizes that fit most staircase installations. The first is a 37-degree panel set, and the second is a 41-degree panel set. This type of set requires more work but is still simple enough for most homeowner installations. The third type of set is custom fit to your exact measurements and will be delivered in fitted sections making it very easy to assemble.

Move a stud finder along all of your staircase walls where wainscot panels will be installed. Mark the location of studs. Mark each side of each stud. Divide the distance and mark the wall. Place a long level at your mark and hold it vertically level. Draw a long stud line from 20 to 40 inches above the top of the treads. Repeat for all of the studs.

Install the bottom rail of your staircase wall for the kit type installation. Typically, you will need to fit the rail to the horizontal rail of the up- and downstairs landing. Mark the angle of your suggested cuts and cut the rail on a table saw. This piece nails into position first. Nail with a finish nail gun. For non-kit installation, pre-fit your panels.

Mark and cut any openings where you need to cut around electrical outlets or other obstacles. Drill holes at the location of your opening and cut the opening carefully to exactly match the obstacle. Most custom-made panels have numbers on the back of the panel telling you the order of installation. After you pre-fit, remove the panels. Apply construction adhesive, move the panel sections in place and nail at the stud locations.

Measure and lay out the arrangement of your panels and stiles on the wall above the rail for your kit installations. Some kits will require you to trim the angle of each panel and dado the edge before installation. Draw out the vertically level panel on the wall. Transfer that drawing to a large sheet of paper. Cut out the paper and fit the paper to the wall. When you know your angles are correct, mark and trim your panels as recommended by the manufacturer. Repeat the same process for your stiles. Once you have the angle, all of the stiles will alter at the same angle.

Assemble the panels and stiles over the wall drawing, sliding the dado ends of both into the bottom rail. Finish nail the panels to the studs. Draw the extra wide stile that joins the angled wainscot to the horizontal wainscot at the top and bottom of the stairway. Draw in the horizontal wainscot so you can see how they meet. Make a paper cutout and check your fit before cutting and dadoing your special stiles. Fit and install your special dados before installing the horizontal paneling.

Install the top rail, making cuts as needed. Finish with your top cap. Most kits will describe each cut in great detail and help you fit the pieces together.