4 Types of Wainscoting

Wainscoting can differ in terms of construction and aesthetic. Here are four of the most common styles of wainscoting:

1. Wall-panel wainscoting: This simple wainscoting is easy to tackle as a DIY project. For wall-panel wainscoting, strips of molding (also called moulding) or wood end up attached directly to the bare wall (drywall or plaster, depending on your home) to create a long series of rectangle frames.

2. Flat-panel wainscoting: Also called board and batten or Shaker panel, flat-panel wainscoting consists of thin boards of plywood or MDF attached to the walls. Then you decorate the boards with strips of molding or narrow strips of wood over the flat panels to create vertical or square framing.

3. Beaded-panel wainscoting: Beadboard is a long sheet of wood paneling with vertical grooves. The classic look of beadboard wainscoting is a result of applying strips of wood or trim to the beadboard to create panels.

4. Raised-panel wainscoting: The most traditional type of wainscoting, raised-panel wainscoting requires a craftsman to bevel the edges of each individual panel before adding wood trim on top of the raised panels.