Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard can be installed on the bottom portion of a wall like wainscoting. This is particularly effective for replacing water-damaged drywall or protecting flood-prone areas.
Non-porous and antimicrobial Trusscore panels are non-porous, antimicrobial, and waterproof. They can withstand long-term exposure to flood water filled with bacteria and chemicals, and will never grow mold or mildew. After exposure to contaminants in flood water, Trusscore panels can be cleaned and disinfected with soap and water or high-strength chemical cleaners.
All Trusscore Wall&CeilingBoard panels are 16″ wide, regardless of length, to match typical framing spacing. This makes it easy to install vertically as wainscoting. However, you'll need a saw to cut panels down to your desired wainscoting height, as the shortest panel offered is 8 feet long.
Step 1: Mark the Wainscoting Height
Measure up from the floor to the intended height of your wainscoting section and mark this point on each wall every 2 feet. Using a level, draw a line across the wall to mark the top of your wainscoting section.
Step 2: Mark Stud Locations
Using a stud finder, locate and mark each stud location along the line. Then, using a level, draw a vertical line down to the floor to mark each stud location.
Step 3: Install Top J Trim
Measure and cut a length of 1/2″ J Trim, cutting it 1/2″ short in one corner only. Align the J Trim with your previously marked top line with the channel facing down towards the floor. Fasten to the wall at each stud location.
Step 4: Install Bottom J Trim
Install 1/2″ J Trim along the bottom of your wall. Wherever you cut the top trim piece short at a corner, do the same for the bottom trim piece. Install 1/2″ J Trim at any openings within your wainscoting section, such as doors.
Step 5: Install Corner Trim
In the corner where you cut the J Trim 1/2″ short, offset the vertical trim piece by 1/2″ from the corner to allow the last panel to fit behind the trim. Use either 1/2″ J Trim or Inside Cove Corner Trim for the vertical corners.
Step 6: Install First Panel
Cut the first panel to the desired wainscoting height. Starting in the corner where the J Trim was cut 1/2″ short, place the panel with the tongue side in the corner trim and the groove side facing out. Use a level to ensure it is parallel to the wall. Leave a 1/8″ gap between the tongue side and the trim. Fasten the panel every 24″ with the recommended screws.
Step 7: Allow for Expansion
Leave 1/4″ of clearance at both ends of the panels for expansion and contraction. Do not overtighten the screws.
Step 8: Install Remaining Panels
Insert the tongue of the second panel into the groove of the first panel. Press them firmly together and fasten the new panel. Repeat this process for all remaining panels.
Step 9: Check Alignment
Periodically check that panels are straight by measuring the distance from the wall to the edge of the panels at the top and bottom. Adjust if necessary.
Step 10: Trim Final Panels
Trim the last panel on each wall to fit if needed, leaving a 1/8″ gap between the edge and the wall.
Step 11: Install Next Corner Trim
Place the next vertical corner trim piece on top of the last panel you installed with the channel facing away from the panels. Push it tight to the corner and fasten it.
Step 12: Complete Remaining Walls
Repeat Steps 6-11 for each wall section until all wainscoting is installed.
Step 13: Install Final Corner Panel
When you reach the starting corner, insert the last panel behind the trim piece where you left the 1/2″ gap. Trim it if needed to fit. Slide it into place and ensure it is firmly connected to the previous panel.
Step 1: Install Top U Channel Base
Using H Channel Snap-In Trim, separate the U Channel Base from the H Channel top piece. Measure and cut the U Channel Base to fit the entire length of the wall, cutting it 1/2″ short in one corner only. Leave a 1/4″ gap from the drywall and fasten the U Channel Base to each stud along each wall.
Step 2: Install Bottom J Trim
Install 1/2″ J Trim along the bottom of each wall. Wherever you cut the top trim piece short at a corner, do the same for the bottom trim piece. Install 1/2″ J Trim at any openings within your wainscoting section, such as doors.
Step 3: Install Corner Trim
In the corner where you cut the J Trim 1/2″ short, offset the vertical trim piece by 1/2″ from the corner to allow the last panel to fit behind the trim. Use either 1/2″ J Trim or Inside Cove Corner Trim for the vertical corners.
Step 4: Install First Panel
Cut the first panel to the desired wainscoting height, ensuring there is a 1/4″ gap between the panel and the U Channel Base. Starting in the corner where you cut the trim pieces 1/2″ short, place the panel with the tongue side in the corner trim and the groove side facing out. Use a level to ensure it is parallel to the wall. Leave a 1/8″ gap between the tongue side and the trim. Fasten the panel every 24″ with the recommended screws.
Step 5: Install Remaining Panels
Insert the tongue of the second panel into the groove of the first panel. Press them firmly together and fasten the new panel. Repeat this process for all remaining panels.
Step 6: Check Alignment
Periodically check that panels are straight by measuring the distance from the wall to the edge of the panels at the top and bottom. Adjust if necessary.
Step 7: Trim Final Panels
Trim the last panel on each wall to fit if needed, leaving a 1/8″ gap between the edge and the wall.
Step 8: Install Next Corner Trim
Place the next vertical corner trim piece on top of the last panel you installed with the channel facing away from the panels. Push it tight to the corner and fasten it.
Step 9: Complete Remaining Walls
Repeat Steps 4-8 for each wall section until all wainscoting is installed.
Step 10: Install Final Corner Panel
When you reach the starting corner, insert the last panel behind the trim piece where you left the 1/2″ gap. Trim it if needed to fit. Slide it into place and ensure it is firmly connected to the previous panel.
Step 11: Install H Channel Top Piece
Finally, measure and cut the H Channel top piece. Align the teeth with the grooves on the U Channel Base and press to firmly snap in place and cover all gaps.
Trusscore panels are available in 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 16-, and 20-foot lengths. We recommend choosing a panel the same length or longer than your wall if possible to minimize offcuts. If your wall is longer than available panel lengths, connect panels using H Channel Snap-In Kit Trim.
Since panels are 16″ wide, you'll need to install them 2-3 panels high depending on your desired wainscoting height.
Step 1: Mark the Wainscoting Height
Measure up from the floor to the intended height of your wainscoting section and mark this point on each wall every 2 feet. Using a level, draw a line across the wall to mark the top of your wainscoting section.
Step 2: Mark Stud Locations
Using a stud finder, locate and mark each stud location along the line. Then, using a level, draw a vertical line down to the floor to mark each stud location.
Step 3: Install Top J Trim
Measure and cut a length of 1/2″ J Trim. Align the J Trim with your previously marked top line with the channel facing down towards the floor. Fasten to the wall at each stud location.
Step 4: Install Bottom and Perimeter J Trim
Install 1/2″ J Trim around the perimeter of the room along the bottom of each wall. Install 1/2″ J Trim at any openings within your wainscoting section, such as doors.
Step 5: Install First Panel
Cut the first panel to the appropriate length. Starting from the bottom, position the panel with the screw flange pointing away from the floor. Use a level to ensure the panel is properly aligned. Leave a 1/8″ gap between the tongue side of the panel and the adjoining trim. Fasten the panel at each stud location with the recommended screws.
Step 6: Allow for Expansion
Leave 1/4″ clearance at each end of the panels to allow for expansion and contraction. Do not overtighten the screws.
Step 7: Join Long Panels if Necessary
If your wall is longer than the panel lengths, join the panels using an H Channel Snap-In Trim Kit. Refer to the Joining Panels section of your Trim Applications documentation for detailed instructions.
Step 8: Install Second Row
With the first row of panels installed, continue with the next row above it. Insert the tongue of the second panel into the groove of the first panel. Press the panels firmly together to ensure a proper connection. Once they are securely interconnected, fasten the new panel.
Step 9: Trim Top Row if Necessary
The top row of panels may need to be trimmed to fit the desired wainscoting height. Refer to the Ripping Panels section for detailed instructions. Leave a 1/8″ gap between the ripped edge of the panel and the top trim.
Step 10: Insert Top Panel
Use a putty knife to bend the top trim to allow the top panel to be inserted.
Step 11: Install Corner Trim
After installing the panels up to the desired wainscoting height, place J Trim or Inside Cove Corner trim in each corner. Position the trim against the panel with the channel facing away. Push it tight to the corner and fasten it to the wall.
Step 12: Complete Opposite Wall
Move to the opposite wall and install the trim and panels in the same manner as the first wall.
Step 13: Install Remaining Walls
For the remaining walls, insert each panel end into the vertical trim pieces and slide down into the bottom trim piece first, then interlock the tongue and groove for each subsequent panel.
Step 1: Install Top U Channel Base
Using H Channel Snap-In Trim, separate the U Channel Base from the H Channel top piece. Measure and cut the U Channel Base to fit the entire length of the wall. Leave a 1/4″ gap from the drywall and fasten the U Channel Base to each stud along each wall.
Step 2: Install Bottom and Perimeter J Trim
Install 1/2″ J Trim along the bottom of each wall and at any openings within your wainscoting section, such as doors.
Step 3: Install First Panel
Cut the first panel to the appropriate length. Starting from the bottom, position the panel with the screw flange pointing away from the floor. Use a level to ensure the panel is properly aligned. Leave a 1/8″ gap between the tongue side of the panel and the adjoining trim. Fasten the panel at each stud location with the recommended screws.
Step 4: Allow for Expansion
Leave 1/4″ clearance at each end of the panels to allow for expansion and contraction. Do not overtighten the screws.
Step 5: Join Long Panels if Necessary
If your wall is longer than the panel lengths, join the panels using an H Channel Snap-In Trim Kit. Refer to the Joining Panels section of your Trim Applications documentation for detailed instructions.
Step 6: Install Second Row
With the first row of panels installed, continue with the next row above it. Insert the tongue of the second panel into the groove of the first panel. Press the panels firmly together to ensure a proper connection. Once they are securely interconnected, fasten the new panel.
Step 7: Trim Top Row if Necessary
The top row of panels may need to be trimmed to fit the desired wainscoting height. Refer to the Ripping Panels section for detailed instructions. Leave a 1/4″ gap between the ripped edge of the panel and the U Channel Base.
Step 8: Install Corner Trim
After installing the panels up to the desired wainscoting height, place J Trim or Inside Cove Corner trim in each corner. Position the trim against the panel with the channel facing away. Push it tight to the corner and fasten it to the wall.
Step 9: Complete Opposite Wall
Move to the opposite wall and install the trim and panels in the same manner as the first wall.
Step 10: Install Remaining Walls
For the remaining walls, insert each panel end into the vertical trim pieces and slide down into the bottom trim piece first, then interlock the tongue and groove for each subsequent panel.
Step 11: Install H Channel Top Piece
Finally, measure and cut the H Channel top piece. Align the teeth with the grooves on the U Channel Base and press to firmly snap in place and cover all gaps.
