Removing a chair rail in your dining room can be a challenging DIY project, irrespective of the reason. Whether you’re seeking a more modern and minimalistic look or the existing chair rail doesn’t go well with your new decor, there are certain things you need to start how to remove chair rail. In this regard, it is essential to understand the right techniques and tools required for the job.
But don’t stress! With some basic tools, a little patience, and by following these steps, you can remove the chair rail without damaging your walls. I’ll walk you through the entire process from start to finish.
What is chair rail?
Chair rail is that decorative wood trim you often see in traditional dining rooms. Usually installed about 30 inches up from the floor, it was originally designed to prevent chair backs from rubbing against and damaging plaster walls.
Today, chair rail is purely decorative. And while it adds a nice classic touch to some rooms, it can also make a space feel overly formal or outdated.
If that’s the case in your home, then you might be ready to take it down. Just make sure you remove it properly so you don’t wind up with torn up walls or chunks missing from your drywall.
Ready to get started? Here’s everything you need to know how to remove chair rail successfully.
What You’ll Need
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Putty knife
- Painter’s tape
- Drywall mud
- Sandpaper
- Paint
- Stud finder (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Before you start prying and pulling at those boards, take a few minutes to prepare the workspace. This will make the job much smoother.
Clear the area around the chair rail so you have plenty of room to work. Move any furniture, rugs, or decorative items a safe distance away.
Cover nearby surfaces (like the floor or furniture) with drop cloths to catch any dust, debris, or paint drips.
Have a vacuum handy to clean up dust and wood pieces as you work.
Reasons to add an occasional chair to your home decor include enhancing your room’s style and providing a cozy spot to relax. It’s also a smart idea to turn off the power in the room when arranging furniture, ensuring there are no ugly surprises from exposed wires or outlets as you work!
Step 2: Remove any Mounting Hardware
Take a close look at how the chair rail is installed. Most chair rails are nailed into decorative blocks attached to the wall studs.
You’ll need to remove any nails, screws, or other hardware that’s holding the chair rail in place before you can take down the boards.
Use a pry bar and hammer to gently pull the nails out of the wood. Take care not to damage the surrounding wall as you pry.
For screw or bolt mounted chair rails, unscrew any brackets or blocks attached to the studs. Again, be gentle, so you don’t take chunks of drywall with them!
Use a stud finder to locate any hidden brackets or blocks behind the chair rail. Removing all the hardware now makes taking down the boards much easier.
Step 3: Detach the Boards
Now comes the fun part—taking down the actual boards! Work slowly and carefully here to get clean removal with minimal wall damage.
Start by gently prying up one end of a chair rail board with your pry bar. Work your way down, leveraging the board away from the wall as you go.
If the board feels stuck in places, don’t force it! Stop prying and use a hammer to tap nails back into place. This helps detach the board without ripping up drywall.
Once the entire board is freed, pull it off the wall. Use your pry bar as needed to work it loose, but avoid using too much force.
Repeat this process to remove each subsequent chair rail board. Take your time and be patient! Rushing this step can cause unnecessary damage.
Step 4: Remove any Adhesive Residue
With the chair rail boards removed, you may see some leftover adhesive or drywall damage. Don’t panic! This is totally fixable.
Use a putty knife to gently scrape off any remaining adhesive or old caulk. Go slowly to avoid gouging the wall.
For small holes, dents, or damaged drywall, use drywall mud to fill and smooth the areas. Allow mud to dry completely before sanding smooth.
Sand any rough patches with fine grit sandpaper until the wall is totally smooth and even. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth when finished.
Step 5: Prep and Paint Walls
Now that the chair rail is down and any wall damage is patched up, it’s time to refinish your walls!
Start by using painter’s tape to mask off any nearby baseboards, ceilings, or floors. This keeps paint only on the walls and makes for easier clean up.
Apply a coat of high quality primer to the walls where the chair rail was removed. Let dry completely.
Finish with two coats of interior wall paint in the color of your choice. Allow proper dry time between coats.
Remove the masking tape and enjoy your smooth, chair rail-free walls! No one will ever know it was there.
Chair Rail Removal Tips & Tricks
Removing chair rail yourself may seem daunting, but these pro tips will help ensure success:
- Go slow! Rushing through steps can lead to damaging walls or leaving adhesive behind. Take your time.
- Use painter’s tape for clean lines. Taping off nearby floors, ceilings, and trim keeps paint where it should be.
- Fill holes properly. Don’t just slap paint over wall damage. Use drywall mud to fill holes and dents for a seamless look.
- Watch for wiring. Be very careful if removing the chair rail near the electrical. Accidentally exposing wires is dangerous.
- Consider hiring a pro for plaster walls. Removing chair rails from fragile plaster requires expertise to avoid crumbling.
- Have a vacuum ready. Vacuuming up dust and debris during the job keeps the workspace clean.
- Dispose of debris correctly. Never just leave wood pieces, nails, etc behind walls. Remove and dispose of properly.
- Prime before painting. Quality primer helps the paint adhere where the chair rail was removed for a flawless finish.
Final Verdict
With the right tools and materials, you can minimize any damage and have a chair rail-free wall that’s ready for a fresh coat of modern paint in no time. It’s important to take your time and be patient, but with some effort and attention to detail, you can achieve a satisfying result.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I damage my walls if I remove chair rail myself?
Removing chair rail does require care to avoid wall damage, but it can be done safely by a careful DIYer. Go slowly, use proper tools, and repair any minor drywall damage that occurs. Avoid ripping the boards off forcefully, as this can take chunks of drywall with it.
- What’s the easiest way to remove chair rail?
The easiest method is to gently pry up one end of the board with a pry bar, then work your way down by leveraging it off the wall bit by bit. Tap nails back in with a hammer rather than ripping the board off to minimize drywall damage.
- How do I detach chair rail that’s nailed on?
Use a pry bar and hammer to remove nails attaching chair rail boards to the wall. Gently pull the nails free from the wood rather than hammering them through, which can damage drywall. Go slowly and be patient.
- Should I repair drywall damage before painting?
Yes, any holes, gouges or irregular areas on your drywall should be repaired with drywall mud or spackle and sanded smooth before painting. This gives walls a flawless, uniform finish.
- What’s the best way to paint after removing chair rail?
Proper prep is key for a great painted finish. Fill any drywall damage, then apply painter’s tape around baseboards and ceilings. Prime walls before painting, then use two coats of interior paint in the color of your choice.
