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How to Install a Do-It-Yourself Chair Rail: Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions

This elegant chair rail is made from two stock moldings and two simple boards. Read an overview of how to install a chair rail.

By Spike Carlsen
From The Family Handyman
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1. Make marks and snap chalk lines 32 to 36 in. off the floor. Locate studs with a stud finder or by probing with a finish nail, then mark other studs at 16- or 24-in. increments.


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2. Cut the 1x4 horizontal rails to length. Make square cuts where the rail butts a wall or window or door casing. Make 45-degree miters (shown) at outside corners.


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3. Test-fit corner pieces to ensure a tight fit. Cut one piece about 1/8 in. too long, then tack it in place. Use a mitered “test piece” to see how the corners will fit, then use a belt sander, miter saw or sanding block to fine-tune the angles.


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4. Install the 3/4-in. x 2-in. top rails. Test-fit pieces and cut ends so they fit tightly against walls and one another. Scribe and sand edges so top rails fit snugly against walls.


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5. Notch the ends of the top rails so they extend 5/8 in. onto door and window casings. Use 3d nails or 1-3/8 in. brads to secure the top rail to the rail below.

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6. Cut and install the bed molding. Place the molding upside down and hold it tightly against the fence of the miter box with clamps or cam pins. Secure the moldings in place with 3d finish nails or brads.


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7. Cope one of the pieces where moldings meet at inside corners. Cut a 45-degree angle, then use that profile as a guide for cutting the end. Angle your saw to remove more wood from the back of the molding than from the front; then fine-tune the cut with a file or sandpaper.


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8. Glue returns in place where the bed molding overlaps window or door casings. Tape them in place. Don’t nail them; they’ll break.


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9. Secure the glass bead molding in place with 1-in. brads. Press this flexible molding tightly against the wall so it covers any gaps between the wall and rail.


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10. Putty all nail holes and gaps, then sand the rails and moldings smooth. Ease the exposed rail edges with sandpaper to create a more durable “paint edge.” Caulk any gaps between the wall and top rail. Prime and paint.


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