FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Wainscot Match Casing?

FrankR | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 10, 2006 04:00am

I’m installing the wainscot application that Gary Streigler has written about in several articles (pocket screwed frames with applied moldings).  The door casings are 4.5 inches wide.   Should the rails/stiles of the wainscot be 4.5 inches as well to keep in proportion to the casing?  Also,  the casing and base are all poplar, but is there any problem making the rail/stile from MDF?  To get 4.5 inch wide poplar, I’m ripping an inch off of 1x6s.  Considering the wainscot is running through the common areas of much of the house, we’re looking at hundreds of feet of 1×6.  That is relatively expensive and wastes a lot of wood. 

Thanks in advance for your input.

Frank R.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. DougU | Jul 10, 2006 08:41am | #1

    Without all the details regarding the proportions of the wainscoting to the casing I doubt that you would need to go with stiles and rails that match your casing.

    I dont think I have ever made wainscoting stile and rails anywhere near 4 1/2".  Seams like 3" would be about the wides. Again, this is all without the benifit of the measurements to check proportion.

    And yes, you can use MDF. There isnt going to be any problem with the two types of wood choice.

    Doug

  2. FHB Editor
    JFink | Jul 10, 2006 04:26pm | #2

    Hi Frank,

    You could probably get away with MDF - but for some reason, the thought of MDF rails/stiles gives me the willies...I'd stick with poplar.

    To solve your waste problem: Rather than getting 1x6's, buy 1x10's (which are actually 9 1/4" wide) and rip them down the middle - subtract an 1/8" for the saw kerf, and you're only physically throwing out the remaining 1/8" of stock after all is said and done.

    Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

    Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

    1. JulianTracy | Jul 10, 2006 06:40pm | #4

      For a young guy, you are sounding an awful lot like an old dog.Seems to me that would be an excellant use of mdf - no edges to deal with or seal and a flat perfect surface for painting.Dust collection on the circ saw with an ezsmart and you'd be good to go.JT

      1. FHB Editor
        JFink | Jul 10, 2006 06:49pm | #5

        I agree with you on the nice flat surface for paint, but mdf isn't anywhere near as stiff as poplar, and doesn't hold pocket screws as well as poplar - two hindrances if you are trying to assemble the framework then lift it in place on the wall.

        You would need to be screwing around to fix sags, etc. - 

        Of course, just like with anything, the cost savings could outweigh the annoyances. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

        Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

        1. JulianTracy | Jul 10, 2006 10:49pm | #6

          It's be a helluva cost savings...JT

        2. FrankR | Jul 11, 2006 03:29am | #8

          Everyone,

          My casing is thick enough that the wainscot, rail cap and base can die into the casing without projecting beyond it.   I do not recall seeing 4.5 inch rails/stiles, but I thought I read they should correspond to the casing.   I'll listen to Justin and use the 3 or 3.5 rails/stiles that I've used on past projects.  Finally,  I'm going to eat the cost and use the poplar.   I keep wanting to try out MDF on these projects, but the time commitment is such that I keep going back to what I'm comfortable with. (i.e. poplar).   By the way,  Jim Chestnut's clamps are excellent.  I tried them out on my bedroom remodel and will be using them with biscuits for all casing on this project (11 doors). 

          Thanks again for all of the input. 

          Frank R.

          1. FHB Editor
            JFink | Jul 11, 2006 03:58pm | #9

            What is the going price of Jim's miter clamps these days? I think I saw them for like $60 or so? Pretty steep...Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

            Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

          2. FrankR | Jul 12, 2006 05:18am | #11

            Justin,

            Agreed. The clamps are not cheap and I'm certain some guys can just assemble the casing on the wall and get a great miter.   But the miters on my last project were perfect, so for me the clamps were well worth the money.  Also,  they are really solid, heavy clamps and the cam works smoothly.   While some of the guys may not feel they would get sufficient use out of them to justify their cost,  I don't think anyone would say they were overpriced in terms of quality or construction.

            FR

          3. DougU | Jul 12, 2006 07:16am | #12

            I'll second that Frank.

            They may seam high until you use them.

            Doug

          4. FHB Editor
            JFink | Jul 12, 2006 04:14pm | #13

            << some of the guys may not feel they would get sufficient use out of them to justify their cost,  I don't think anyone would say they were overpriced in terms of quality or construction. >>

            Very well put.Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

            Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

          5. User avater
            Gunner | Jul 12, 2006 02:35am | #10

              I was using a set of Jims clamp this last weekend. That is the best way I've found to make a nice perfectly tight 45.

             I love em.

             

             

              Tipi fest 06. The island is gonna bounce, Ese.

  3. FHB Editor
    JFink | Jul 10, 2006 04:27pm | #3

    By the way, have you doublechecked that the chair rail/top cap on the wainscot won't end up being thicker than the door casing? This is a very common problem with adding wainscot/chair rail after the fact.

    Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

    Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

    1. FrankR | Aug 08, 2006 04:04pm | #14

      Justin,

      Sorry for the delayed response but I miscalculated.    My base extends beyond my casing by just under 1/4 inch.   I have four options.  The first is to use a 1/4 inch plywood backer instead of a 1/2 inch.  Because I'm going right onto the studs, I'm not sure the 1/4 inch is sturdy enough for the field.  Second,  I could add a 1/4 inch piece of poplar around the back perimeter of the casing which would be invisible after painting.  (The casing is 4.5 inches wide so a 1/4 inch piece across the entire back of the casing would be more difficult.)   Third,   I could trim each base piece back at a 45 degree angle where it meets the casing. (This seems like the most popular).  Fourth,  I could eat the cost of 5/4 poplar, but that would be really expensive.  I have a lot of doors to case.    After months of looking,  my wife has settled on this exact casing configuration so I'm really trying to avoid a backband or other change to the look of the casing.   Making it a bit deeper is not a big deal.    I' previously dismissed using 1 inch MDF.   Maybe I should put that back on the table.

      Thanks Justin.

      Frank Racaniello

  4. maxp | Jul 11, 2006 03:28am | #7

    I have built this type of wainscot with ripping styles and rails out of furniture grade plywood-with great results- all edges were covered by pm6- picture frame type moulding -- obviously you have to deal or plan around the 8' length

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers

Listeners write in about removing masonry chimneys and ask about blocked ridge vents, deal-breakers with fixer-uppers, and flashing ledgers that are spaced from the wall.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data