Wainscoting Calculator
Plan picture frame wainscoting or wall moulding boxes: enter your wall and how many boxes you want to get the box size, equal spacing, where each box goes and how much moulding to buy.
Wainscoting height by ceiling height
| Ceiling | Classic (about ⅓) | Tall (about ⅔) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft (96 in) | 32–36 in | 54–60 in |
| 9 ft (108 in) | 36–40 in | 60–66 in |
| 10 ft (120 in) | 40–42 in | 66–72 in |
Heights are to the top of the chair rail. In dining rooms, keep the chair rail above the back of the chairs, usually 32 to 36 inches.
How to lay out wall moulding boxes
- Measure each wall with a tape measure and decide the spacing (the same on every wall).
- Choose the number of boxes per wall; the calculator splits the wall so every box and every gap is equal. Interrupted walls (doors, windows, outlets) are planned section by section.
- Mark the chair rail line with a level, then mark the corners of each box from the list under the drawing.
- Cut the moulding at 45°, with each piece measured on its long (outside) edge, and assemble one box at a time. A cardboard spacer cut to the spacing width keeps the gaps even.
- Caulk, fill and paint the moulding and wall the same color for a classic look.
Frequently asked questions
How high should wainscoting be?
The classic rule is about one third of the wall height: 32 to 36 inches for an 8 ft ceiling, and 36 to 42 inches for 9 to 10 ft ceilings. Taller wainscoting at about two thirds of the wall (54 to 66 inches) suits dining rooms and modern spaces. Avoid exactly half the wall, which tends to look like it cuts the room in two.
How far apart should wainscoting boxes be?
Spacing of 3 to 6 inches between boxes, and the same distance above the baseboard and below the chair rail, looks balanced. Keep the spacing the same everywhere and let the box width change from wall to wall.
How wide should picture frame moulding boxes be?
Below a chair rail, boxes are usually 18 to 36 inches wide, often a little wider than they are tall. Long walls look better with more boxes rather than very wide ones. The calculator works out the width from the number of boxes you want.
How much moulding do I need?
Each box needs two pieces as long as its width and two as long as its height. For four boxes 25 × 20 inches, that's 4 × (2 × 25 + 2 × 20) = 360 inches, or 30 linear feet. Add 10–15% for the 45° miter cuts and mistakes.
What is the difference between wainscoting and board and batten?
Wainscoting is any paneling on the lower part of a wall. Picture frame wainscoting uses rectangles of thin moulding; board and batten uses vertical (and sometimes horizontal) boards spaced evenly. For a board and batten layout, use the board and batten calculator.
Prefer vertical boards or a grid? Use the board and batten calculator. For planks, the shiplap calculator.