Wainscoting Calculator — Estimate Materials & Installation Costs

Wainscoting Calculator

Calculate the materials and costs for wainscoting installation. Estimate paneling, trim, and labor costs based on room dimensions and wainscoting style.

Step 1: Room Dimensions

15 ft
12 ft
9 ft
36 in

Standard Wainscoting Heights

Traditional wainscoting height is one-third of the wall height. For 9-foot walls, this is 36 inches. Chair rail is typically installed 32-36 inches from the floor.

Step 2: Materials & Costs

Beadboard
Raised Panel
Flat Panel
Board & Batten
$8.00
$3.50
$45

Material Cost Range

Beadboard: $2-8/sq ft, Raised panel: $8-20/sq ft, Board & batten: $5-12/sq ft. Labor typically adds $40-80/hour depending on complexity and location.

Wainscoting Cost Results

Summary
Style Comparison
Breakdown

Total Project Cost

$1,240
For a 15×12 ft room with beadboard wainscoting
Material Cost
$864
Labor Cost
$270
Trim Cost
$106
Total Area
108 sq ft

Wainscoting Style Cost Comparison

Wainscoting Style Material Cost (per sq ft) Total Material Cost Total Project Cost

Cost Breakdown by Component

How to Calculate Wainscoting

Total Area = Room Perimeter × Wainscoting Height

To calculate total wainscoting area: Multiply the room perimeter (2 × (Length + Width)) by the wainscoting height (converted to feet). Add 10-15% for waste and trim.

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