Toilet Renovation Vol.11: Wainscot Panel Making Pt.2

u270fufe0f Originally published: January 12, 2017 / ud83dudd04 Rewritten: May 8, 2026

u270fufe0f 2026 Update from DIY Dad: The Full Story of Our Toilet Wainscot DIY

The highlight of the toilet renovation series is the DIY wainscot paneling. I covered the lower half of the diatomite walls with wood panels to create a high-end interior finish u2014 and I have to say, this idea was a real winner. (u2312u25bdu2312)

What Is Wainscoting?

Wainscoting (also called wainscot or dado paneling) refers to wooden boards or panels applied to the lower portion of a wall u2014 typically below waist height, around 90 cm or lower. It’s a common feature in Western-style interiors and offers both decorative appeal and impact resistance.

It’s an unusual finish for a rental property toilet, which is exactly why it makes such a strong impression on prospective tenants. When I tried it out, the tenants told me it looked “incredibly stylish!” ^ ^

Materials and Tools for the Wainscot DIY

Materials Used

• MDF (medium-density fiberboard), 6 mm thick u2014 the panel boards themselves
• Baseboard trim u2014 used as a cap molding at the top edge
• Wood glue + finish nails u2014 for fastening
• Water-based paint (white) u2014 for painting the panels
• Silicone caulk u2014 to fill gaps between panels and wall/floor

Tools

Circular saw (for straight cuts), finish nailer (pneumatic tool), caulking gun

Wainscot Installation Steps

1. Decide the panel height (DIY Dad went with 900 mm)
2. Mark a horizontal level line on the wall (a laser level is a huge help here)
3. Cut the MDF panels to height
4. Apply wood glue and press panels against the wall
5. Secure with finish nails (to hold while glue dries)
6. Attach cap molding (baseboard trim) at top and bottom edges
7. Apply caulk to all gaps
8. Paint with white water-based paint

A laser level lets you strike a perfectly horizontal line in seconds, keeping all the panels at a uniform height. Without it, this would have been a real struggle. m(_ _)m

The Hardest Part of the Wainscot DIY

The trickiest step was cutting the MDF panels to fit around the toilet bowl and tank. You have to cut around complex curves and shapes. The reliable method is to make a cardboard template, trace the shape, and then cut along the line with a jigsaw.

Caulking takes practice too. As soon as you apply the caulk, smooth it immediately with a damp finger. If you wait for it to dry before trying to clean up the excess, it crumbles and makes a mess. (Lol) u0669( u141b )u0648

As a Landlord: The Wainscot Became a Real Differentiator

This toilet wainscot made a big difference in setting the property apart. The “stylish atmosphere” you don’t find in competing rentals nearby left a strong impression on everyone who came to view it.

Total material cost: around u00a530,000. A contractor would charge u00a5150,000u2013200,000 for the same work. DIY Dad still recommends this wainscot project as the best bang-for-your-buck renovation you can do. ^ ^

ud83dudebd For Anyone Considering a Toilet Renovation

Even just replacing the toilet bowl can dramatically change the feel of your bathroom. DIY Dad has installed washlet-equipped toilets in every one of his rental properties. ^ ^

24-Hour Emergency Plumbing Service u2014 Toilet & Water Trouble u00bb

Marutoku Shop | Order Wainscot Panels & Lumber by the Piece u00bb

Hi there, it’s DIY Dad. ^ ^
I heard from a childhood friend today u2014 apparently they’ve recovered and are feeling better. ^ ^ Time to start planning that new year get-together again!

Continuing on with the 1st-floor toilet renovation. When working with rough-textured lumber, you need to treat the surface first u2014 that means sanding. Since sanding smooth brings the material up to the quality of pre-finished premium boards (or close enough!), I used my orbital sander to work through them all.

u2191 The orbital sander. On a tight budget, DIY Dad substitutes time for money! I sanded away night after night until every board was silky smooth.

Once the surfaces were smooth, it was time to apply the oil stain. If I were doing this today, I’d probably use a roller or spray gun to knock it out quickly.

u2191 A paint roller.

u2191 A spray gun. But back then, every step was new to me u2014 I was feeling my way through. Afraid to make mistakes, I carefully brushed each board one by one. It took a very long time. ^^;

u2191 A paintbrush. Somehow this post ended up as a tool showcase without ever getting to the actual painting! ^^; That’s all for today! (^^)/~~~

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