The hall and stairway in this home were featureless. The owner asked us for ideas as to how to give it some character. We proposed using moldings to create a faux wainscoting. Layout and proportions were critical in creating a pleasing appearance. At the stairs, the continuously changing pitch of the steps made this job particularly challenging.

Jamaica Plain, MA

Click on the first image for detailed explanation of the process.

  • We started by laying out the chair rail with masking tape, following the pitch of the stairs.
  • At corners, we drew the chair rail on the wall, and measured and cut our stock from that.
  • The walls were not flat, so we used biscuits to keep the pieces lined up.
  • The chair rail is installed. Masking tape helps us to visualize the proportions of the picture frames.
  • The picture frame moldings were glued and clamped.
  • Wood glue works best under pressure. These clamps put a lot of pressure on the joint.
  • Part of our inventory of pieces, ready for attachment to the walls.
  • The hallway with the picture frame molding. We also installed a base cap on an otherwise plain baseboard.
  • Stairway carpentry completed. No two picture frames were the same.
  • The hallway, painted (by others.) It brings the hall to life.
  • And the stairway painted.
  • Another view of the faux wainscoting.