How did wainscoting get its name?

About WainscotingWainscoting has always referred to decorative materials applied to the lower part of interior walls and capped with chair rail mouldings. Typically consisting of solid wood panels and trim, installation of traditional wainscoting requires special skills, tools and attention to detail. History of WainscotingDating back to 16th century England, wainscoting was originally used to protect delicate plaster or stucco, provide insulation and cover water damage caused by poor construction practices. Traditional wainscoting was constructed of custom milled solid wood beadboard panels and trim. Wainscoting was brought to the United States by early English settlers. As they founded communities across North America, the name took on various other spellings and pronunciations, such as;

· Wainscoat

· Wanescote

· Wanescott

· Wainscott

· Wanescoat