Chair Rail Moldings: Selecting and Installing

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

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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Tagged as: architectural moldings, chair rail, chair rail molding