How to Install Wainscot Near a Window

Wainscoting is a type of paneling that is installed on the lower third to half of a wall and typically has a molding or chair rail along the top of it. The panels or boards are used in many rooms, particularly in dining areas, kitchens and bathrooms. While installing wainscoting is fairly straightforward, there are some tricky parts. When you get to a window, you must cut notches in the planks or panels to accommodate the opening.

Tape measure
Straightedge
Hand saw or saber saw
Safety glasses
Medium-grit sandpaper (Optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Install the wainscoting on the wall per the manufacturer’s installation instructions until you reach a point where a single board or panel will not fit due to a window.
- 2
  Measure from the edge of the last installed board over to the edge of the window trim. Write down this measurement.
- 3
  Kneel down on the floor and measure the distance from the bottom of the windowsill trim to the floor or baseboard if it is still installed. Note this wall measurement as well.
- 4
  Turn the wainscoting board or panel face up on the floor in the orientation that it will be installed on the wall.
- 5
  Transfer both of the wall measurements onto the wainscoting with the tape measure and a pencil. Connect the lines with a straightedge and the pencil to create an outline of the wainscoting section that needs to be removed.
- 6
  Cut along the pencil lines with a hand saw or saber saw. If using a saber saw, wear safety glasses for protection.
- 7
  Place the cut piece of wainscoting on the wall next to the window to ensure that it fits. If it does not fit flush with the wall, trim off any additional material with the saw or sand down the edge with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the desired amount of paneling.
- 8
  Repeat the process on the opposite side of the window if multiple pieces of wainscoting are required to cover the wall section.

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