Tips on How To Layout Panels
For All Elite Paneled Wainscoting Systems

You have probably already done a considerable amount of research in choosing the right wainscoting for your home renovation project.

Most manufacturers have pre-made wainscoting that comes in panels which don't allow for symmetrical panels in different sized walls. Up until now if someone wanted that "traditional" look, they have to order flat stock and hire a custom carpenter for weeks at a time. All of our paneled wainscoting systems save a considerable amount time and expense related to this type of look. With the Elite Paneled Wainscot System, any reasonably skilled carpenter or do it yourselfer can finish a room in one day.

One of the most desirable features of any of the Elite Paneled Wainscoting systems is that the panels can be customize to any width on site.

There is no set panel width, is some cases, you will have to decide between using 4 panels 12” wide or 2 panels 24” wide. I’ll find that 18” to 20” tends to be a pleasing proportion. Another consideration is that all the panels on all the walls should be similar, but not necessarily equal in width.

We suggest that you start by installing the lower rail throughout the entire project. Next determine the width of the panels. One way to predict the end result is to place the stiles right on the wall using masking tape. Once done, you can visualize the entire room and easily make adjustments in panel width. The objective is to keep all the panels the same width on any given wall.

Elite MDF, paint-grade wainscoting 8 foot kits come with the rails 96 ½”-97” long. The rails are deliberately made over sized to compensate for any damages during shipping and handling.

Eight foot kits come with the panels and stiles a total of (24 x 4) + (4 x 5) = 116”. Even after discounting the ½” portion overlapped on the panels you have 114 usable inches to work with. That’s 96 -114 = 18" of extra paneling to be cut off from every 8 foot kit. The panels are generously over sized to give maximum flexibly in choosing panel widths.

If you have a short wall beside a doorway, say less than 8” you don’t need a panel at all, just fill the space with any ½” thick MDF board or stile.

The paneled wainscot system is all about symmetry and how the panels are laid out.

Other helpful hints Sizing Panels Around Windows , Centering Panels On Walls and/or download the Excel Panel Layout Calculator.

For rooms with walls less than 8" wide, we recommend using 1/2 or 5/8" flat stock MDF, no panels or stiles are required in this situation. For a more in depth look at panel sizing, download our excel panel calculator.