How to Do a Chair Rail Up the Stairs

A chair rail is a strip of molding placed about 32 inches from the floor, right where the back of a chair might hit the wall. Install a chair rail up a stairway wall, at an evenly measured angle, to create an eye-appealing design element. Careful measuring and marking of the chair rail placement will make this project go smoothly and allow you to finish in less time than you think possible. Adding a chair rail to a stairway wall connects the upstairs and downstairs hallways, for a complete and finished look in your home.

Measuring stick
Stud finder
Saw
Hammer
2-inch-long finishing nails
Caulk
Wood putty
Paint

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the desired height of the chair rail on each step and make a light marking on the wall. Connect each mark with a straight line to use as a guide when installing.
- 2
  Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs along the installation line on stairway wall. Mark each stud with a light pencil “x” so you know where to place the nails.
- 3
  Attach the chair rail by holding the section along the marked line and pounding a finishing nail though the chair rail and into each of the wall studs along the stairs. Continue to add chair rail sections in this manner to complete the stairway attachment at an angle.
- 4
  Seal the top edge of the chair rail, where it meets the wall, with a line of caulk. Smooth and fill in the joints between each chair rail section with wood putty. Wait for the caulk and putty to dry before painting.

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