How to Install Beadboard the Easy Way :

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October 8, 2023

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How to Install Beadboard the Easy Way

Beadboard Installation Tips and Tricks, Install Beadboard Wainscoting in 5 Simple Steps

Something I hear a lot when I share our projects is, “I wish I could do that.”

I am here to say that adding beadboard is a DIY that is beginner friendly and everyone can do it!

It’s one of my favorite ways to add texture and interest to any space on a budget.

We currently have beadboard installed in Eli’s toddler bedroom and absolutely love the character it adds to the space.

The best part is that this wall feature is timeless and never going out of style.

Our next bead board install is taking place in the bunk bed/playroom renovation.

I put together a simple, beginner friendly 5 step beadboard tutorial that you can use to add beadboard to an entire room or use it to create an accent wall.

How to Install Beadboard

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DIY Beadboard Materials/Tools:

Installing Beadboard Wainscoting in 5 Simple Steps

We have been working on renovating this future bunkbed/playroom for about 2 weeks now and have made a lot of progress!

(you can checkout the design board for this space here)

When we first moved in, we scrapped the popcorn ceilings and removed the dingy carpet, then we closed the door…

After living here for a little over two years we decided it was finally time to create a playroom for our toddler that would also double as a spare bedroom when needed.

So far we have painted the ceiling and replaced the old baseboards, window, and door trim.

Now we are finally ready to install the beadboard!

1. Measuring the Space for Beadboard Paneling

First decide how tall you want the beadboard to be, full wall or half wall.

Measure the height and width of the wall where you want to install the beadboard.

Based on these measurements, determine the number of panels you will need.

We decided to do a half wall of beadboard around the entire room except in the small bump out nook area.

This means that we were able to cut the full sheets of beadboard in half which saved us some money.

It’s a good idea to buy a few extra panels to account for any mistakes or future repairs.

2. Prepare the Wall

Measuring the Space for Beadboard Paneling

If you plan on replacing your current baseboards or trim, now is the time to remove it.

This is when I also installed all the new baseboards and trimmed around the windows and doors.

It is also a good time to remove outlet and switch covers.

3. Cut the Beadboard Panels

Using a circular saw or jigsaw, cut the beadboard panels to the desired height.

Remember to account for the baseboards and any trim you plan on installing around the top.

To save money and make it easier, we simply cut the 8′ tall beadboard panels in half, so that we had two 4′ panels to work with.

The only tricky part when installing beadboard is cutting out the outlets.

Here’s my “cheat way” method to make it easy:

Reinstall the outlet cover backwards so the square edges are facing you

Take a paint marker and trace along the outlet edges

Place the beadboard in the position it will go and press it firmly against the outlet cover

This will mark where the outlet will need to go, trace back over the paint marker lines with sharpie

Drill a hole in all four corners of the outlet outline using a 1/2″ drill bit

Use a jigsaw to cut out the slot for the outlet

That method is the no measuring way to cut out an outlet slot and always works really well for me.

4. Secure the Beadboard

Using a brad nailer or hammer and finishing nails, secure the beadboard panels to the wall.

It’s always a good idea to also use a long level to make sure the pieces are as level as possible.

Place nails at regular intervals along the edges and in the center of each panel.

I also use a stud finder to make sure I am securing the bead board panel to studs.

Be careful not to over-nail, it could cause the panels to warp or crack, plus you won’t want to fill a million nail holes later.

5. Finishing the Beadboard

On top of our beadboard I added a piece of 1×4 pine board to act as the header.

I also attached a small piece of moulding into the corner where the beadboard and header meet.

This eliminated any gaps and also gave the bead board a more finished look.

If you are working with any small trim pieces or shoe moulding I cannot recommend these cheap trim cutters enough!

They are easy to work with and you don’t have to worry about a miter saw ripping the small pieces from your hands as you cut (very scary, trust me).

After we install the wallpaper above the beadboard I will be adding a 1×2 ledge on top of the header but you can skip that if you are going for a more simple look.