How Much Does Wainscoting Cost To Install? Factors & Tips

Wainscoting, a classic architectural feature, adds charm and elegance to any interior space. But how much does wainscoting cost to install? Wainscoting refers to wooden paneling that lines the lower part of walls. It offers both decorative and practical benefits. Moreover, it protects walls from damage as well as adding visual interest and sophistication to rooms.

Commonly used in dining rooms, hallways, and bathrooms, wainscoting can transform the ambiance of a space, making it feel more polished and refined. Let's delve into the factors and tips for estimating wainscoting installation costs.

How Much Does Wainscoting Cost?

Wainscoting installation by contractors typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on room size and paneling style. DIY endeavors drastically reduce expenses, with self-installation costs varying between $1 and $31 per square foot, contrasting with professional rates of $7 to $40 per square foot.

Accurately, the cost of installing wainscoting entails measuring walls and determining the necessary trim and supplies. Even though this could seem difficult, simple DIY project calculators make the process easier and allow you to budget your project accurately.

Factors in Calculating Wainscoting Cost

“How much does wainscoting cost?” hinges on several key factors, from the type of paneling to the size of the area and the materials chosen. To accurately budget, one must comprehend these aspects. Here's a breakdown:

Types of Paneling

The style of wainscoting you select influences both the aesthetic appeal and the overall cost of your project. Here are the typical price ranges per square foot for various types of paneling:

• Flat panel: $7–$10
• Board and batten: $7–$20
• Beadboard: $7–$20
• Shiplap: $2–$7.50
• Raised panel: $10–$30
• Overlay: $10–$40

Your choice may vary depending on your taste and the desired outcome. For instance, a flat panel design offers a clean and modern look, while an overlay design adds depth and sophistication to the space.

Size of The Area

The total size of the area you plan to panel significantly impacts the overall cost. The amount of materials needed depends on the size of the area, but labor and material costs are generally constant. Here's a detailed price list for total material costs based on different square footage:

• 50 square feet:
  • MDF/Plywood: $350–$700
  • Solid Wood: $450–$900
• 100 square feet:
  • MDF/Plywood: $700–$1,400
  • Solid Wood: $900–$1,800
• 150 square feet:
  • MDF/Plywood: $1,050–$2,100
  • Solid Wood: $1,350–$2,700
• 225 square feet:
  • MDF/Plywood: $1,575–$3,150
  • Solid Wood: $2,025–$4,050

Regardless of size, wainscoting installation involves repetitive tasks, making the method consistent across different areas.

Materials That You Pick

Material selection is necessary for wainscoting installation, affecting appearance and cost. Here's the cost per square foot for various materials:

• MDF and plywood: $6–$12
• Vinyl: $5–$10
• PVC: $5–$9
• Cedar: $8–$16
• Redwood: $11–$19
• Oak: $12–$22
• Maple: $12–$21
• Mahogany: $26–$40

Choosing the suitable material depends on your desired aesthetic and budget. Although MDF, vinyl, and PVC are affordable materials with a classic look, untreated wood creates a moody, cozy atmosphere reminiscent of historic paneled rooms.

Square Footage

The total square footage of the area to be paneled is a fundamental factor in determining material requirements and the overall project cost. Accurate space measurement ensures precise budgeting and resource allocation for wainscoting installation.

Labor Cost

Labor costs vary depending on whether you DIY or hire a contractor. DIY projects can significantly reduce expenses, but professional installation typically costs $50 to $125 per hour. Labor costs include measuring, cutting, applying materials, preparing, finishing tasks, and bookending the project.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Wainscoting installation prices are mostly related to labor and material costs, but other variables may affect the final project cost. The following are important things to think about:

• Painting: The cost of painting wainscoting depends on the paint required, typically ranging from $25 to $50 per gallon or $0.80 to $1.80 per square foot. Hiring a professional painter or handyman can cost between $20 and $50 per hour.
• Ceiling Panel Installation: Ceiling panel installation costs approximately $5 to $6 per square foot and offers a similar aesthetic to a shiplap ceiling. Necessary materials, typically wood or vinyl, provide versatility, with vinyl being a preferred option for outdoor ceilings due to its weather resistance.
• Custom vs. Prefabricated Wainscoting: Prefabricated wainscoting, available at hardware stores, is budget-friendly, with installation costs ranging from $7 to $40 per square foot. DIY homeowners can save on labor. Custom wainscoting, offering unique designs, costs between $18 and $46 per linear foot.

Tips to Save More Money on Wainscoting

Fitting wainscoting into a home improvement budget is feasible with cost-saving strategies. Here's how homeowners can save on wainscoting installation:

• Opt for cheaper materials: Choosing beadboard or shiplap can reduce material costs.
• DIY finish work: Save on labor by painting wainscoting yourself if you're handy with a paintbrush.
• Choose prefabricated panels: Prefabricated options are more budget-friendly compared to custom wainscoting.
• Skip the panels: Mimic raised panels with trim pieces instead of installing wainscoting panels.
• Install a chair rail: For a budget-friendly alternative, paint the lower portion of the wall a different color and add a chair rail.

• Perform prep and finish work: Undertake as much preparation and finishing work as possible to reduce labor expenses.
• Negotiate labor costs: If hiring a contractor, negotiate lower labor costs by offering assistance.
• Use MDF, PVC, or plywood: Opt for these materials if you don't require visible wood grain.
• Choose white paint: White paint is often the least expensive option for painting wainscoting panels.
• Watch for sales: Watch for sales on wainscoting materials and paint to capitalize on savings.
• Consider recycled materials: Explore recycled or repurposed materials to minimize costs further while being environmentally conscious.

How Much Does Wainscoting Cost? Find Out at Woody Walls

At Woody Walls, we're passionate about crafting exquisite wood panels for walls that elevate your space. How much does wainscoting cost? Woody Walls offers an attractive solution that balances quality, affordability, and style when considering the cost of wainscoting.

Our wood panels provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional wainscoting materials without compromising aesthetics or durability. Experience the beauty and versatility of Woody Walls for your next interior design project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Uncover answers to questions about “how much does wainscoting cost?”, from installation tips to design inspiration. Get clarity on this timeless architectural feature.

1. How much does wall panel removal cost?

The cost of wall panel removal typically ranges from $1.50 to $2.35 per square foot, depending on whether you perform the removal yourself or hire a professional. DIY removal is cost-efficient, while hiring a professional may incur a fee of around $1.50 per square foot for demo work. If the removal exposes damaged or compromised underlying drywall, replacement costs may add another $1.60 to $2.35 per square foot to the total expense.

2. Would wainscoting look better or worse than the walls?

It depends on various factors, including color, lighting, and personal preference. In general, lighter wainscoting, often white, brightens a room, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness. This lighter contrast can enhance the overall aesthetic, particularly in smaller spaces.

Conversely, darker wainscoting can create a dramatic and modern look, especially when the wall and wainscoting are painted the same dark color, such as green, gray, or black.

3. Which rooms are ideal for adding wainscoting?

Traditionally utilized in dining rooms to safeguard walls from chair damage, its design appeal and protective qualities have made it a versatile option for other spaces.

Wainscoting is a common feature for bathrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms, but it works well on ceilings and stairwells. Its ability to add elegance, charm, and architectural interest makes it suitable for various interior environments, enhancing any interior space's ambiance and aesthetic appeal.

4. Does wainscoting increase a home's worth?

Wainscoting can enhance a home's aesthetic appeal and contribute to its overall attractiveness to potential buyers.

While it may not directly increase the home value like adding a bathroom or renovating the kitchen does, it adds character to rooms and showcases the homeowner’s thoughtful design choices. This attention to detail can attract more interest in the home, potentially leading to higher buyer offers.

Additionally, certain types of wainscoting offer practical benefits by protecting walls against scuffs and dents, further enhancing the home's appeal to prospective buyers.