Wainscoting vs BeadBoard

Well Joanna’s new show has inspired the MountainBilly Mercantile's second blog! However, I didn’t think it would become quite as challenging as it has proven!

Wainscot vs beadboard – what the heck is the difference?

(Image courtesy of Litte Red Brick House)

Wainscot (as per Merriam-Webster):

noun  wain·scot  \ ˈwān-skət , -ˌskōt , -ˌskät \

1British : a fine grade of oak imported for woodwork

2a (1) : a usually paneled wooden lining of an interior wall 

(2) : a lining of an interior wall irrespective of material

b : the lower three or four feet (about one meter) of an interior wall when finished differently from the remainder of the wall

(Image courtesy of The Created Home)

Ok, that makes sense.

Now Beadboard (also per Merriam-Webster):

noun  bead·board  \ ˈbēd-ˌbȯrd \

: paneling that features decorative beading (see beading 1a) and that is used typically on walls (as for wainscoting) and ceilings

Ummm…huh??!

(Image courtesy of A Burst of Beautiful)

So after much googling, I have come to the conclusion that wainscoting is a technique which CAN use the product of beadboard, in addition to just about any material that you desire from plywood to plastic.

Beadboard is a row of narrow wood planks lined up vertically. In between each wood plank is an indentation or ridge, which is known as a "bead". Beadboard can come in sheets in all kinds of materials from MDF (medium-density fiberboard) to PVC (polyvinyl chloride or synthetic plastic).

(Image courtesy of Home Made Lovely)

Wainscoting is a kind of framed panel. It is used as a decorative accent, for insulation, and/or to prevent (and cover up) damage on walls. The key elements of wainscoting are the panel and the frame around that panel. This frame comprises four pieces: the top and bottom rails and the two side pieces or stiles.

(Image courtesy of Architectural Depot)

There are five different types of Wainscot Panels:

• Raised
• Flat
• Beaded
• Overlay
• Board and Batten

(Image courtesy of Elite Trim Works)

(Image courtesy of  Wainscoting America)

I will discuss all of this in more detail in a not-so-distant future blog.

So there you have it - wainscot vs beadboard -- but just when you think you've got it all figured out, Google throws the term "boiserie" out at you!?!?

(Image courtesy of Architonic)

Who knew that asking the simple question of "What is wainscoting?" would open this excessively large can of worms?! Until next time, continue following the MountainBilly Mercantile and Billy's MBM blog to learn all you'll ever need to know about wainscoting (& boiserie!)!

(For an excellent Wainscot DIY tutorial check out https://thecreatedhome.com/diy-wainscoting/)