25 Wainscoting Ideas With Pros And Cons

    Wainscoting is wooden panels and trim along the lower part of the wall or cover the whole wall. Today it’s widely used as a decor feature in many interiors and it fits many decor styles.

    There are three main types of wainscoting: beadboard, shadow boxes and panel molding. Beadboard is the most basic type and consists of simple wooden panels with vertically routered lines and a baseboard beneath. Shadow boxes feature molding, which creates a series of frames on the face of the wall adding dimension and eye-catchiness. Panel molding features rails and raised panels are used to create classic recessed boxes along the lower part of the wall. let’s take a look at the pros and cons to consider installing wainscots or not.

Pros

    Wainscoting can change the whole look of the room and add interest to the space. Some materials are paintable or stainable, so they can be modified to match the desired decor. Wainscoting combined with upholstery can make for a soft and warm ambience. Your walls won’t be boring with such panels!

    Wood is a natural insulator and wood wall panels offer good thermal and acoustic insulation. If you somehow damage the panels, it’s very easy to sand them down and reseal.
Wainscoting conceal flaws and uneven walls and unsightly features like cables and exposed wiring.

Cons

    Changes in temperature and humidity can cause the panels to expand or contract, affecting the installation and durability. Wood loses natural moisture in dry internal conditions. Apply special products to ensure that the moisture is resupplied regularly.

    Wainscots aren’t waterproof and on contact with water, they can show rot. Once rot sets in, the panel should be sanded down or totally replaced depending on the extent of damage. To avoid that, use special waterproof finishes or order wainscots of water-resistant materials.

by Olivia