22nd December 2022 What is Wainscoting called in Australia?” is a question we are often asked, and the answer really is simple… it’s called ‘wainscoting.’ Confusion sets in as there are many types and names for ‘wainscoting’ that are used interchangeably or between different applications onto the wall, so here’s the difference: Wainscoting is a broader term used to describe decorative panelling applied to walls. Originally it was used as insulation, to prevent damage to walls and hide rising dampness but now is used as a beautiful decorative feature. The type of panel used determines the name of the wainscoting such as raised panel, flat panel, board and batten and beadboard (also known as lining board or v-joint board). You’ll find out which panel is which as you read on. SK58 skirting boards, CR33 chair rail and IN68 inlay mould Frame and Panel Most commonly, wainscoting is made up of panels and frames and usually covers just the lower third of a wall and is topped with a decorative chair rail (also known as dado rail). When using frames and panels (or just frames on their own), there are many ways they can be applied to the walls: Traditionally with framing on the lower half of the wall with a chair rail; Framing above and below the chair rail; Top and bottom framing with no chair rail; or If you want to go all out you can double-frame. 1. Lower frame with chair rail 2. Framing above and below Chair Rail. 3. Top & bottom framing with no Chair Rail. 4. Double frame wainscoting. Flat Panel, Board & Batten and Shaker Wainscoting Applying wainscoting using the board and batten method is the traditional application. This involves applying MDF or timber sheets to the wall, applying flat panels to create the ‘squares’ and then applying the inlay mould (which usually has a rebate cut from the back) on the inner lip of the timber. This simple type of wainscoting produces clean lines and a ‘shaker style’ look. There are a few ways to achieve this look. You can add a sheet of MDF or a similar board placed on the lower part of the wall to produce a bit more projection and then arrange a flat DAR profile in a square or rectangular configuration to create the batten. The more straightforward way to achieve this is to apply a flat DAR timber profile directly onto the wall. Again, the way you can apply this style to the wall is varied and can be used on the lower third of the wall with a chair rail or applied to the entire wall. Frames are applied to the whole wall. Frames applied 1/3 up the wall topped with chair rail. you can also add a small inlay mould to the inside of your 'box' to add greater detail and effect. Beadboard or Vertical “V” Lining Board Wainscoting Beadboard in Australia is created using V joint or ship lap lining boards. Put simply, a row of narrow wooden planks are fitted together and lined vertically on the wall. Between each wooden plank is a little indentation or a ridge, also known as the ‘bead’. The vertical boards are capped off by a Chair rail or Dado rail which usually has a rebate in the back so it sits neatly over the top of the boards and partly flush against the wall. Beadboard, or vertical lining board, can be used anywhere in the house, on the ceiling, as a kitchen splash back, in any entry or hallway. VJ Board Pro 100 VJ Board Pro 150 VJ Board Pro 100 No matter which wall panelling or wainscoting look you choose, or what you call it, it is guaranteed to add value and a stunning design element to your interior.
