Wainscoting Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$1,687 – $3,696
$14 – $32 per sq ft
Material
$1,056 – $2,347
Labor
$587 – $1,173
Chair Rail
$44 – $176
Wall Area
117 sq ft
Style
Beadboard
Budget-Friendly: MDF is paintable, affordable, and smooth — perfect for painted wainscoting. Not recommended for high-moisture areas.
Additional costs: Wall prep ($1–$3/sqft), old wainscoting removal ($2–$4/sqft), painting/staining ($2–$5/sqft).
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Wainscoting Cost Breakdown
| Style | MDF / PVC | Solid Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Panel | $14 – $27/sqft | $22 – $39/sqft |
| Beadboard | $14 – $32/sqft | $22 – $48/sqft |
| Board & Batten | $14 – $35/sqft | $22 – $53/sqft |
| Shiplap | $14 – $32/sqft | $22 – $48/sqft |
| Raised Panel | $20 – $47/sqft | $30 – $71/sqft |
* Installed costs at 32" height including chair rail. Solid wood multiplier is 1.8× material cost.
Average Project Costs
| Room Type | Size | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 40 LF, 36", Beadboard PVC | $1,900 – $4,200 |
| Dining Room | 52 LF, 36", Raised Panel MDF | $3,600 – $8,200 |
| Hallway | 28 LF, 32", Flat Panel MDF | $1,100 – $2,000 |
| Bedroom | 44 LF, 32", Shiplap MDF | $1,700 – $3,700 |
* Includes materials, labor, and chair rail. Does not include painting or removal of old wainscoting.
How We Calculate
Our wainscoting cost calculator estimates total project cost based on room dimensions, wainscoting height, style type, and material choice. Total cost = material cost + labor cost + chair rail cost.
How the math works: First, we calculate the wainscoting wall area (room perimeter × height in feet). Material cost varies by style: flat panel is most affordable ($9–$15/sqft), while raised panel is premium ($12–$30/sqft). Height affects cost through a multiplier — 36" costs 13% more than 32", and 48" costs 50% more. Material choice applies a multiplier: MDF and PVC are baseline (1.0×), while solid wood is 1.8×. Labor is calculated separately based on style complexity.
Style Comparison
Flat Panel ($9–$25/sqft installed) — Simplest style with flat recessed panels. Most affordable and DIY-friendly. Beadboard ($9–$30/sqft) — Vertical grooves create a cottage/farmhouse look. Classic and versatile. Board & Batten ($9–$33/sqft) — Vertical boards with narrow covering strips. Trendy and adds architectural interest. Shiplap ($9–$30/sqft) — Overlapping horizontal boards. Popular modern farmhouse style. Raised Panel ($20–$45/sqft) — Traditional formal look with beveled edges. Most expensive and labor-intensive.
Material Selection Guide
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) — Paintable, affordable, smooth surface. Ideal for painted wainscoting. Not for moisture areas. PVC — Moisture-proof, rot-resistant, perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. Can be painted. Solid Wood — Premium option that can be painted or stained. Natural grain visible when stained. Costs 80% more than MDF.
Additional Costs
Our estimates include wainscoting panels and chair rail. Additional costs may include: wall surface preparation ($1–$3/sqft), removal of old wainscoting ($2–$4/sqft), painting or staining ($2–$5/sqft), baseboard modifications, and outlet/switch relocations ($50–$150 each).
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, This Old House, and verified trim carpenter estimates across multiple US regions (February 2026). Costs vary by region and contractor.
Last updated: 2026-02-04
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does wainscoting cost? +
Wainscoting costs $9–$45 per square foot installed, depending on style and material. Flat panel is the most affordable at $9–$15/sqft for materials. Raised panel is the most expensive at $12–$30/sqft. Material choice also affects cost: MDF and PVC are budget-friendly, while solid wood costs 80% more.
What's the difference between wainscoting styles? +
Flat panel features simple, flat recessed panels — easiest to install and most affordable. Beadboard has vertical grooves for a classic cottage look. Board & Batten uses vertical boards with narrow strips covering seams. Shiplap has overlapping horizontal boards. Raised panel creates a traditional, formal look with beveled edges — most expensive and labor-intensive.
What is the standard height for wainscoting? +
The standard height is 32–36 inches. Traditional wainscoting is 32 inches, covering the lower third of an 8-foot wall. In dining rooms, 36 inches is common. Taller installations of 42–48 inches work well in rooms with 9+ foot ceilings or for a more dramatic effect.
Is wainscoting hard to install DIY? +
Flat panel and beadboard are moderate difficulty DIY projects for handy homeowners. You'll need a miter saw, level, nail gun, and patience. Board & batten and shiplap are also manageable DIY. Raised panel is the most challenging due to intricate cuts and fitting. Expect 1–2 weekends for a standard room.
Should I paint or stain wainscoting? +
Paint is more popular and practical. MDF must be painted (it doesn't stain well). PVC is paintable but often comes pre-finished. Solid wood can be painted or stained — staining showcases the natural wood grain for a premium look. White painted wainscoting is timeless and brightens rooms.
Is wainscoting good for bathrooms? +
Yes, wainscoting is excellent for bathrooms when using the right material. Choose PVC or moisture-rated MDF designed for bathrooms. Standard MDF will swell and deteriorate in humid conditions. Height of 36–42 inches works well behind vanities and toilets.
What's the difference between wainscoting and full wall paneling? +
Wainscoting covers only the lower portion of walls (typically 32–42 inches), while full wall paneling extends to the ceiling. Wainscoting costs 40–60% less and is easier to install. Full paneling creates a more formal, traditional look but requires significantly more material and labor.
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