How To Add Beadboard To A Bathroom

Grab your panels and decide the height you want for your desired area. Measuring first is really important! Do not skip this step.
Prop your beadboard up to easily cut with your cordless jig saw, table saw, or circular saw. Don’t have a way to cut? That’s okay. Check out the tip below!
If you have a window in the area where you will add the beadboard, be sure to trim it out first.
- Measure for header, accounting for ¼” reveal plus side trim width.
- Mark header for placement.
- Check level and brad nail to secure.
- Repeat for the side trim, remembering to measure, measure, measure.
- Cut and brad nail to secure.
- Be sure it is plumb to the wall.

Pay attention to all of the little cuts you need to make into your beadboard. Cabinets, sinks, mirrors, outlets, etc. Mark and measure carefully.
Remember that some spaces are not always plumb on your walls. Mark a line on your beadboard and follow it with the jigsaw to ensure your connections are nice and plumb to the wall.
This part is a process, but worth it.
If you have to paint your beadboard before you add it to the wall, then do it. I have some tight spots, so this was necessary for me.
Once all cuts are made, place them on the wall, being sure it is level. Next, nail to the wall.
If by chance your nail doesn’t go all the way, don’t stress. Check out this Nail Punch to help you correct that problem with ease.
Add wood filler where 2 panels meet up. I like this brand a lot.

Once added, to create a seamless finish, use your Detail Sander and simply rub over any excess. You will paint the area again.
To help with spacing electrical outlets away from the wall to sit on the beadboard panels, use these spacers. You might need longer screws as well. I got lucky and didn’t have to but if you do, here is how to solve that problem!
Wood fill all of your nail holes and paint, touching up any additional areas.
Select a pretty trim to add to the edges to complete your DIY transformation.
I added trim to all areas with the beadboard and caulked where needed. Next I painted to match the beadboard.
I chose to paint all trim including my window trim with the exception of the door and its trim so that it would keep the cohesive look with the rest of my house.

How High Should Your Beadboard Go?

This is a question that does not have an exact answer. There are many factors to consider. Depending on the space, the overall aesthetic of the room, and your tools, your height can be any different size and still look great. For this bathroom, I went 2/3 of my wall height – about 64.5 inches because my walls are 8 feet high. So I needed to trim off a bit of the 8 foot panels. For a taller beadboard wainscoting like this that doesn’t extend the entire height of the wall 2/3 of the wall’s height is typically a good visually-pleasing height.

How To Cut Beadboard Accurately

Ha! I don’t have all the answers but one trick I love is turning my outlet cover over and painting the back outline. Then I press the panel against, it and then I have a cut line to follow. It doesn’t always work though in tight spots. So take the measurement from the edges where the panel will go to the actual square cut out. Then just transfer those measurements to your panel. Use a drill bit to drill holes through so that you can fit your jigsaw blade in and cut it out.

Other Options If You Do Not Have The Tools To Cut Yourself

Great news! Typically Lowes and Home Depot offer this service. I have used those guys several times and am always pleased with the result. The benefits of them doing it for me include speed. Their vertical saw goes pretty quickly! And, I love that I don’t have to worry about hauling away any excess! It really does save me so much time!

Why Use a Trim Guard?

These are genius friends. If you do not have one, go get one now! It is a handy little paint tool to have on hand. I love how inexpensive and sturdy they are. The thin stainless steel blade allows you to stick it right underneath your baseboard to protect your floors. This trick helps you look like your DIY was definitely done by a professional! So, go get one and you can thank me later.

Phew! Finally done, but so glad I did it. I love this bathroom so much more with every project I complete in there. Be sure to check out my video tutorial on the entire process. And be sure to tag me on Instagram in your finished projects so I can see how amazing they are! #howwedoandyoucantoo

In case you missed it, I also did this Zellige Tile Accent Wall in this bathroom! And I installed the cutest bathroom accessory! 😉

DIY Beadboard Bathroom Tutorial

Supplies for Beadboard Bathroom DIY