A cost effective way to make a room go from blah to WOW! is to install chair rail molding. Chair rail moldings are typically installed in kitchens, dining rooms, and hallways but are also used in family rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms. Because they add a linear break to the wall, color, material, texture, etc. below the rail can be different than above adding interest to the decor. The best part, anyone with a few basic tools and a little upfront knowledge can handle the installation.
Click an image below to find the chair rail molding perfect for your project
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We produce chair rail moldings for architects, contractors, installers and homeowners from any wood species as well as MDF (medium density fiberboard), plastic, flexible trim and foam in many styles or size up to 12″. We also produce the backers which are used in some styles. Popular wood choices for staining are mahogany, maple, red oak, cherry and pine and for painting are poplar, pine, MDF and finger-joint pine.
How to Use Our Molding Search Tool
To begin a molding search, use the drop down menu (currently “Crown”) and select “Chair Rail”. To see all available moldings in all sizes simply click “Start Search”. You can narrow the selection by entering dimensions in the fields.
What Size Should my Chair Rail Be?
You will need to consider the door casing thickness and ceiling height when deciding on the size of chair rail. The chairrail should be thinner than the casing, 1/8″ difference is ideal, if it will butt into the edge. A thicker chair rail can be used by using a backer first and adding a more decorative profile to the backer with returns where the chair meets the casing. The overall width of the chair should be relative to the casing and baseboard. 6″ chair rail might look out of place along side 2-1/4″ casing or above 3-1/4″ base, and would be better proportioned with 4-1/2″ casing and 8″ base.
How High Should I Install my Chair Rail?
The rule of thumb for height is 1/3 of the total height of the wall, for 8′ ceilings this is 32″. Also consider whether the chair will butt into window casing or be installed below the window. Adjusting the height by a few inches may mean fewer cuts or a cleaner look. Also, for dining rooms, the chair rail can protect your walls from the back of the chairs, measure where your chairs would contact the walls and consider installing the molding at this height.
How Much Baseboard Molding Will I Need?
Use a tape measure and record the length of each wall for which base will be applied. Add the lengths together and add at least 10% for cutting waste.
What Tools Will I Need to Install Chair Rail Moldings?
Tape Measure Miter saw (Electric Power Miter Saw) Hammer (or Pneumatic Finish Nail Gun with compressor) Nail Punch Sand Paper Square Putty Knife Caulking Gun
What Materials Will I Need for Installing Chairrail Molding?
Chair Rail Molding Finish Nails (8d) or 2-1/2” finished nails Wood Filler Stain/Paint Interior Grade Caulk
What if My Wall is Longer than my Molding?
Whenever possible use one length of molding per wall section but it isn’t always possible. A scarf joint is used to make an in-line connection between two pieces of chair rail molding. When cut properly, one piece will seamlessly overlap the other.
FIND CHAIR RAIL MOLDING:
- 1″ to 2″ Chair Rail Molding
- 2″ to 3″ Chair Rail Molding
- 3″ to 4″ Chair Rail Molding
- 5″ to 6″Chair Rail Moldings
TOOLS FOR INSTALLING CHAIR RAIL MOULDING:
- Purchase a Compound Miter Saw
- Purchase Miter Saw Accessories
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Twitter: @shortsalega
I couldn’t agree more. A simple chair rail can add so much elegance and character to a room. I’ve personally installed them in every house I’ve ever owned. Excellent and very descriptive post.
.-= Shane @ Atlanta GA Short Sales´s last blog ..Over 400 Current Short Sales in Atlanta, GA =-.
Twitter: @GoodMillwork
Welcome Shane and thank you for your comment. The great thing about chair rail is that unlike some other moldings it is fairly simple to install.
Do you see many chair rails or upgraded moldings in the Atlanta real estate market?
.-= Joseph @ Architectural Moldings´s last blog ..Crown Moldings: Selecting, Measuring, Installing =-.
I agree that chair rails can transform a room. The good thing about them is that they can be easily fitted if you are familiar with home improvements. From experience I find you have to be especially careful with the staining and finishing. Great information – thank you.
.-= Adam @ Diamond Drill Bit´s last blog ..Privacy =-.
Good tip for a simple cheap home improvement. In this economy you have to be economical in the possible upgrades. It’s getting more difficult to get full value of your upgrades in your future resale of the home. Being able to complete this on your own really cuts the costs.
kris@Folding Chairs´s last [type] ..Wooden Folding Chairs
I am the type of DIY guy in our house. Just come to love these chair rail moldings since we had them from last summer. It was so cost effective to turn our previously average looking kitchen, into almost luxury like dining room – all the guests we had really like it and were amazed when I told them it cost me just under $1000 to do everything.
Twitter: @cognitive46
I have heard the same stories from my father as he is expert carpenter.
personally i like big rails as it allows for nicer features to be added
martin @ O Gauge Trains´s last [type] ..Large scale model trains nice features
Can you get a router that will churn out detail like this, the same as you can use one to add detail to skirting.
This is a beautiful, traditional theme using moldings. Equally attractive is room such as this, yet furnished with a minimal modern theme.
Great tips for the use of chair rail molding and thanks for sharing the steps for the installation. Much appreciated.
Twitter: @ciaratot
Cheap and yet beautiful outcome in improving home is what we always want to achieve when doing home improvements. Thanks for the tips ideas you shared with us.
Before reading your post I was sure that chair rails are prerogative of office spaces – installed to protect walls from being damaged by chair backs. Now I see them more as decorative element of interior design making room looking more elegant.
I spent a lot of time in Massachusetts and it seem to be very common in the older homes. It is so beautiful.
Selina