Toilet Renovation Vol.12: Wainscot Panel Making Pt.3

u270fufe0f Originally published: January 13, 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. ^ ^
It’s suddenly gotten very cold lately u2014 feels like we’re right in the depths of winter.
Make sure you don’t catch a cold!

Continuing on with the 1st-floor toilet renovation. Now that the surface prep on the wainscot panels is done, it’s time to paint. I’m using oil stain.

Oil stain has a pretty strong smell, so I painted outside. It’s that aromatic solvent smell u2014 what people typically describe as “smelling like thinner.” I laid a blue tarp in the garden and spread the panels out to paint. That way each one dries as soon as I finish it. The early morning sunlight was lovely. ^ ^

u2191 Painting in progress.

u2191 Painting in progress.

u2191 Painting in progress. Working away in the sun u2014 still plenty of unpainted boards left to go. ^^;

u2191 Unpainted boards. Oil stain gives a beautiful result like this, letting the wood grain really shine through. ^ ^

u2191 Before and during painting. Pushing right along!

u2191 Painting in progress. The end is in sight! ^ ^ First coat is done. (^_^)v Now to let it dry.

u2191 Drying. That’s all for today! (^^)/~~~

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