Materials:

Tongue-and-groove beadboard
Chair rail molding
Construction adhesive
Caulk and gun
Pry bar
Circular saw
Level
Tape measure

Measure up from the floor, mark the planned height for the wainscoting and extend the line around the entire area using a level.

Chair rails typically are between 32 and 36 inches above the floor, but you can adjust it if the height will be awkward with window frames.

Cut your first pre-finished tongue-and-groove panel to length. Apply a wavy line of construction adhesive along the back.

Position the board on the wall, align the top edge wit the level line and check that it’s plumb.

Apply pressure to the board with the butt of your hand to bond the boards with the wall.

Note: Wainscoting also can be installed with nails, but that requires locating studs, driving in nails and applying wood putty to the holes.

Repeat the process measuring and cutting the boards as you go to allow for uneven floors, and be sure to allow for a slight gap between each board for expansion in humid weather.

With the wainscoting complete, cut and adhere the chair rail to the wall along the upper edge of the beadboards and fill any gaps with caulk, and then paint or stain as desired.

Wainscoting will add warmth and elegance to any room in your home, and it will also protect your plasterboard walls from damage.