If you want to make your home office space feel more comfortable and inviting, install a chair rail. The installation of a chair rail is a very important part of a home renovation project. It adds much-needed elegance and style to the room and gives it an elegant look.
Installing a chair rail requires a great deal of skill, experience, and attention to detail. It can be a tricky job because of all the nooks and crannies, and the difficulty in getting things precisely where you want them. This article will help you know how to install a chair rail.
What is a Chair Rail?
Is a chair rail used to frame a wall? Well, not exactly. A chair rail is a type of door hardware that extends vertically from the floor to the ceiling. The purpose is to separate the inside of a room into two distinct spaces; this is especially useful for rooms that are divided by a hallway or passageway.
You might think that a chair rail is a pretty useless piece of hardware, but that’s not true at all. It is a useful decorative element that adds privacy to the space and creates the feeling of separation between the inside and outside areas of a room. “It is just one of several types of wall/ceiling treatments that can help you define separate zones in a room.”
The Benefits of Having a Chair Rail
A rail or dado rail, also known as cornice molding, is a decorative feature used to separate the ceiling from the wall. Usually found on the top of a room’s crown molding or architrave molding, a chair rail’s purpose is to add height and beauty to a living room.
It’s either made of wood, metal, or plastic and serves as a decorative feature. Most homes that have a rail usually have some type of decorative molding around the base of the wall. As an additional benefit, a rail creates a sense of depth, which can enhance the aesthetics of a room.
When purchasing a rail, the size, type, material, and design of the rail are determined by the overall theme and style of the room. A rail can be an expensive addition, so it is best to purchase one with care, knowing that the features of the chair rail are important.
Steps to Install a Chair Rail
When you choose to use a chair rail, you need to consider a few things.
First, make sure that the rail will fit in with the overall style of the room and that it will complement the existing moldings
Second, decide if you want the chair rail to go all the way around the room or just in the areas where the furniture is placed.
When installing it in a room, the top edge of the rail should be slightly higher than the height of the ceiling. This provides a visual break between the wall and the ceiling and helps to make the room feel less imposing. Wainscoting is usually installed over the top of the rail.
Measuring the Dimensions of a Chair Rail
The chair railing is found in the trim section of the store. Or you can purchase any type of molding that has the width and thickness that you desire. Popular widths for chair railing tend to be in the 1 1/2 inch to 2 1/2 inch range. Popular thicknesses are in the 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch range.
First Mark the Wall with a Chalk Line
The level of the chair railing is measured from the floor to the height of the rail. Make sure to continue along the entire wall where you plan to install the rail and snap a chalk line
To snap a chalk line, drive a finish nail into a wall, then hang the chalk line’s hook over, stretch the line, then snap it
Measure and Cut the Exact Rail
Then you should remeasure the chair rail and cut it at a 45-degree angle so that when you join the pieces they make a right angle. Make sure to do exact measurements and placements.
Finish the Chair Rail
Use a primer as a setting base for the paint. First, prime the whole chair rail and then paint it. Painting a rail is easier when it’s not fixed on the wall. For a durable long-lasting finish apply two or three coats of paint and wait until each coat is dry before the next one.
Install a Chair Rail onto the Wall
Now attach the chair rail to the wall at the measured height. There are all vertical studs in the room. Use painter’s tape to mark the studs. You can use a pencil.
An electric hammer and finish nails can be used to attach a rail to a wall. You can use a scarf joint to install a chair rail. There is a dot of wood glue on the joint.
Join the Pieces and Repaint
Now you should fill in any holes with epoxy or wood chippings. These empty spaces can make the rail weak. Lastly, paint the whole structure to cover the wood fillings.
If you don’t want to repaint just cover the empty spots.
FAQs
1. What do you mean by a chair rail?
A chair rail is a horizontal piece of wood or metal that runs along the bottom of a wall. It protects the wall from friction with furniture.
2. What do I need to install a chair rail?
You will need a level, a pencil, a drill, a hammer, a screwdriver, a drill bit, and some screws.
3. How do I make sure I have the right measurements?
Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the wall. Then, measure the length of your wall.
4. Where should I put my screws?
It takes a few days to complete installing chair rails in the house.
The End
In conclusion, you don’t have to be an expert carpenter to install a chair rail for your home. All you need are the right tools and basic knowledge. How to install a chair rail summarized:
- First, measure the length of the space between the floor and the wall.
- Second, determine the amount of wood needed to cover the entire length of the wall.
- Third, cut the board to size and position it against the wall, starting at the top.
- Fourth, use the drill and screws to secure it in place.
