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How to Install Chair Rail
Introduction: There is no doubt
that chair rails are an elegant way to add a
finished look and a warm feeling to any room.
Installing chair rail molding is quite easy for the
DIY homeowner.
In
days of old chair rails was exactly what it
implies, it was for chairs. Homes were small and
kitchen and other living space was combined so the
chairs were hung on a rail that was
There are many different styles of chair rail
material. In most formal installations the chair
rail consists of two pieces, a flat piece of
material attached to the wall and a finished piece
attached on top. However, in informal rooms and
hallways the chair rail is often a single piece of
material.
Installing chair rail consists
of four steps:
·
Determine measurements and mark a level line at the
height you want the chair rail, usually just below
the light switches.
·
Cut the chair rail.
·
Attach the rail to the wall (preferable with a
finished nail gun).
·
Smooth the surface and apply paint.
How to install chair rail:
1.
Measure the wall according to the length to
determine how much chair rail molding will be
needed. Add approximately 10% for waste. To
determine the height of the chair rail, measure the
height of the ceiling and divide it by three. The
general rule is that the chair rail height should
be about 1/3 of the way up above the floor and just
below any light switches. Once the height is
determined use a tape measure and level to make a
level line along the whole length of the room.
2.
Mark and cut the molding using a miter saw. Start
with an inside corner (or a door or window frame)
and use a square (90-degree angle) cut. Cut one
piece of molding for each stretch of wall. Use
45-degree angled cuts for the corners. If a wall is
longer than the length of a single pieces miter the
joint. Use
opposite 45-degree cuts at the ends that meet to
create the miter cut.
Make sure
you position the seam over a wall stud so that the
two ends can be solidly nailed to the wall.
3.
When all pieces of molding are cut, begin
installing them starting with an inside corner.
Align the
bottom of the molding with the level line you
marked earlier. Attach the first piece to the wall
with wood glue and then secure it to the wall using
a finish nail gun. If you use a finish nail gun the
rails will set themselves.
4.
After the pieces are attached to the wall, use
caulking to fill corners or edge gaps. If you hand
nail the molding to the wall use a nail set to
recess the nail heads, and then cover up the nail
holes with wood filler. Give the molding a light
sanding to smooth the joints and puttied nail
holes. Apply finish paint.
And that is how to install chair rail.
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attached high
up on the wall. The primary reason we use chair
rail in modern construction is to protect the walls
from damage whether it be from chair backs bumping
the wall or soiled little hands that are not always
as clean as they could be. The chair rail is much
more durable than the drywall and in the event that
it is damaged it is much easier to repair.
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