How to Install a Chair Rail

1  

Using your measuring tape, measure from the floor, making a mark on your wall where you want your chair rail to be.

Then you want to measure the width of your wall, so you know what length to cut your chair rail to. 

Using a stud finder, identify the studs in your wall by making a mark on the wall with a pencil. This is an important step as you are going to want to attach your chair rail to the studs to ensure a secure hold. 

2  

If you are installing your chair rail on a wall that forms a corner with the adjacent wall, you will need to cut your chair rail at a 45-degree bevel cut. This will ensure that your two pieces of chair rail fit together seamlessly when they meet in the corner of your wall. Cut your 45-degree bevel cut on your miter saw first, before you install it.  

To cut a 45-degree bevel cut: 

1. Measure your chair rail from the back, marking the width with a pencil.

2. With your miter saw at 90 degrees, cut your chair rail on your mark.  

3  

Line up your chair rail on the wall using the marks you made earlier as a guide. Be sure to use a level to ensure that your chair rail is straight on the wall. Using a brad nailer or finish nails, nail your chair rail into the wall, placing your nails in the spots where you marked the studs. It’s important to keep your level on top of your chair rail, so you can ensure it is straight throughout the installation process.  

4  

To add a small lip to your chair rail, use a skinny quarter round moulding and cut your wood at a 45-degree angle for your corner, cutting the opposite side at 90 degrees. Use your brad nailer or finishing nails to nail it into the top of the chair rail.