I have a couple of questions about putting chair rails in my dining room. First, is glue necessary for the installation? I've seen some videos that skip it altogether. If glue is recommended, should I use wood glue or another type? Secondly, is a brad nailer sufficient for the job, or do I need something more powerful? What nail size should I use, and would you recommend an electric or pneumatic nailer? I don't own a nailer yet but I'm considering getting an electric one for future projects. Any recommendations would be appreciated!
3 Answers
I just finished installing wainscoting and chair rail in my son's place. Here are a few tips: make sure you're aware that nothing is perfect; you might hit spots that aren’t flat. It’s good to dry fit everything before nailing. Decide whether you’ll flex the molding or use caulk for gaps, and check that any patterns are aligned. Painting the chair rail before putting it up can help give it a professional touch. And don’t stress over little imperfections; they’re usually not noticeable!
You really don't need glue unless you're hitting studs perfectly with your nails. A brad nailer would work just fine, and I’d definitely recommend going for an electric one over pneumatic. It’s super convenient and worth the investment!
No glue required! If you decide to use it, construction adhesive is pretty common. For the brad nailer, I'd suggest using 2" brads. A battery-operated 18-gauge nailer is ideal—just make sure it fits with any batteries you already have. If you're starting fresh, Ryobi tools offer great value.