Wainscoting Repair

Tools:

workbench
circular saw
5-in-1 painter's tool
putty knife
pry bar
pencil
drill
clamps
hammer
nail set
carpenter's square
keyhole saw
gloves
safety glasses
hack saw blade
lumber for replacement boards
nails
wood putty

1. Pry off the upper trim rail (figure A).

2. Pull the nails from the boards and cut the tongue-and-groove joint on either side of the damaged board with the keyhole saw (figure B).

3. Use a pry bar and hammer to get into the joints and pry out the damaged board(s).

4. For boards nailed directly to the trim, use a hacksaw blade to saw through the nails (figure C) and then pull out the board.

5. Measure and cut the new boards to length with a circular saw.

6. Use a chisel or 5-in-1 painter's tool to remove the backside of a groove joint from one of the boards (figure D).

7. Set the boards in place according to the direction of the joinery, placing the chiseled one in last so you don't have to force the joint.

8. Position the boards and drill pilot holes at the top through to the wood behind and nail them in place (figure E).

9. Repeat this at the bottom of the boards.

10. Use a nail set to countersink the nails and cover the holes with wood putty.

11. Replace the original piece of trim at the top and secure it with nails.