If you see me walking around with a stiff neck and sore hands, you’ll know why when you see what I’ve been up to. I’m SUPER EXCITED to share with you my DIY arched wainscoting tutorial. {{happy dance!!}}

Go arched or go home, right?

Literally, though, I’ve been wanting to do this since forever and it’s awesome!

I’m not only sore because of this project. Actually, I’m still stiff from installing my new kitchen sink as well as having to haul out my deader than dead clothes washer (and more).

When it rains it pours, eh?

Without wasting another minute, let’s jump into this project.

First, do know that in each of my posts that have a video you’re missing more than half the content if you skip over that. So, be sure to stop and take a minute to view it either now or later.

Second, you’ll want to save this tutorial with materials and tools list as well. (pin and share!)

GETTING STARTED

A few things to consider before starting:

• do you want a coat rack?
• do you desire a picture ledge?
• consider outlets, corners, adjoining rooms, and other items that you may need to work around

TERMS OF USE: If you want to create this arched wainscoting, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own.

Isn’t it crazy to think I built that room and I’m able to keep going? What a blessing! (see all the previous posts HERE)

If you want to create your own DIY arched wainscoting for your own home, here’s what you’ll need:

Material & Supplies: (all varies depending on your desired result)

*bear in mind that a 1″ x 4″ is actually ¾” x 3 ½” and so on for other boards. Insane, I know.

• ¼” x 4′ x 8′ sheet of luan – thin plywood (you can use the thinner version, but your definition will be vastly different) Also, how many sheets will depend on your space. I used less than two sheets for my entry here. To save time and ease of transportation in my vehicle, I have the store cut it down for me. (see photo above).
• 1″ x 4″ board(s) – again, depends on what you’re after
• 1″ x 3″ board(s) – if you want a picture ledge. You could save a bit of money if you use a 1″ x 3″ or even a 1″ x 2″ in place of a 1″ x 4″ if you don’t want a ledge.
• 1″ x 2″ board(s) OPTIONAL for creating the Craftsman style doorframe
• caulk
• paint or stain – I use an eggshell finish of White Veil (top) and Pure Earth (bottom)
• brads, if using brad nailer
• Shaker pegs or hooks if coat rack is desired
• wood glue
• spackling or wood filler to fill nail holes
• 180 grit sandpaper
• finish choices (paint, stain, etc. ) I use White Veil and Pure Earth

Tools

• pencil and string – to create arch
• tape measure
• level
• jigsaw with smooth cutting blade
• circular saw, miter saw, table saw – any will do
• caulk gun
• paint brush
• brad nailer
• safety gear – earplugs, safety glasses, dust mask
• drill – with bits for adding hooks or pegs (see video for more details on bits)

STEP 1

Preparation is key.

Before starting, make sure your walls are prepped and ready by filling in holes, making repairs, etc.

One side of my walls had faux wood panels nailed on. I remove the panels and find the drywall underneath is missing much of its paper layer from someone removing wallpaper.

And yes, I give away the panels so someone can make use of them. No waste around here!

Also, note that I have 1″ x 4″ trim that I remove and save for later while adding a bit more too it to balance the space.

To remedy the damaged walls, I apply a skim-coat and then sand and sand and sand.

Yes, I had to take a phone call while trying to get this done quickly. oy!

STEP 2

As I mention earlier, my walls are not the same dimensions as your walls, and maybe you want different sized arches in your wainscoting. All that will play a part in your outcome.

In order for me to design my own space, I took into account the width of the wall, how high I want the wainscoting, and also function of the space. I have several separate walls to deal with and want several arches.

It’s at this point you want to install your top board, whether it has a coat rack, a ledge, or just a single board. I find it easier to install the wainscoting easily when you have a square surface to work with.

You can see in my video how I install the setup making sure to mount it into wall studs for strength and durability.

To play with configuration, I measure my space and also take a “naked” picture of it and play around with it in my software to get a visual.

I even just draw on the wall (as shown in the video) and then I decide to continue the pattern around the room. Once I settle on size, I begin to sketch using scrap paper.

Then, I trace my paper onto a scrap piece of luan I use as a template to create an even larger template for longer walls.

Here are the dimensions below that are my end result.

STEP 3

For my DIY arched wainscoting, I have the store rip (cut lengthwise) the luan into 12.5″ widths (8′ long). However, I cut my template shorter before I finished my design and head to the store. The spacing is totally up to you. It really depends on what size arch you want. You can use my sizing or adapt your own.

To create the arch, I simply have a length of luan where I find center and mark at the top and bottom of that center mark. Secondly, I also measure how wide I want the arch to be and mark on each side.

After that, I tie a string on a pencil and place the string end on the bottom end of the center mark, and the pencil tip on the top end of center mark.

Keeping the string taught, drag your pencil to from one side to the other to make an arch. Practice on scrap paper to get the hang of it.

Additionally, notice in the picture above I find center on my arch template and line it up with center of my board and trace.

Now that I have one panel cut and ready I can use it as a template for my longer walls.

You can see in my video below how I make the Shaker peg rack and install the DIY arch wainscoting using my nailer. I also mention in the video about using a smooth cut blade for the jigsaw makes a clean cut and easier to deal with.

Oh, and this is the temperature of my garage while I was working… brrrr… Outside is in the negative and I’m SO OVER being cold.

STEP 4

For the stiles of the arches (the upright portion), I rip more lengths of luan the same width as what I decided to be between each arch. In this instance, it’s 2½”. Do note that it is wise to measure for each length as your floor to ceiling height will vary slightly and you want less caulking work. Trust me. {{wink, wink}}

Once installed, I fill nail holes and joints with either spackling or wood filler, sand, caulk, and paint.

THE REVEAL

Finally, after all the steps we are able to see the fruit of our labor.

And it’s beautiful!

Enjoy the video below for more.

Is it completely finished?

NOPE.

I have the other side of the entry and ceiling to finish as I mention in my video above. But at least this part I can breathe a sigh of relief.

And if you notice in the corner, I simply decide to continue the pattern coming from the front door and wrap it around. There are many ways you can handle a corner. Do what you want… it’s your home.

What is more, remember I mention rebuilding this thrifted bench I scored for $7 in this post?

My kids and pets have already put holes in it… I just can’t have nice things, honestly.

Ah well.

And this painting is one of the few things I brought with me from my old home. It used to hang above my mantle.

If you have questions concerning this tutorial, please feel free to email or leave a comment below.

I share my work to inspire YOU!

Now… onto the hot mess in the rest of the house. ahem.

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As always, I want to hear from you. Do you like the arches? Do you think you could tackle this DIY arched wainscoting tutorial?

Let me know below.

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