Dado rails, chair rails, and surbases are all names for moulding that runs the length of a wall and provides the practical goal of preserving the wall while also serving the decorative objective of generating an aesthetically pleasing visual break for the eye.
Initial Usages
In earlier homes, dado rail pine had a more functional purpose, hiding the appearance of dampness in the walls or allowing artwork to be hung closer to the ceiling. Picture frames were also propped up by these rails. However, dado rails are used for their aesthetic value in modern and contemporary homes to enhance the existing design of the property and provide a visible divide between different materials, colours, or decorative wall patterns. The goal is to make the house seem nicer to potential buyers.
Where Installed
Whether mounted close to the ceiling or at chair height from the floor, dado rails provide a variety of functions in both settings. In previous style residences constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries, the dado rails were placed higher and below the cornice of the roof. This was done so that a picture-hanging device could be provided that wouldn’t harm the wall. Dado rails were used to guarantee that picture mountings were at a uniform height throughout the room without damaging the plasterboard or wallpaper behind them. The dado rail was added beneath the cornice in some houses at a lower height to provide a space for displaying wall art.
The best Installations
Dado rails were often used in houses with high ceilings because they served to visually break up the wall space, make the ceiling seem smaller, and make the rooms feel cosy and comfortable. Because of this, they gained a lot of attention. Chair height, often between 750 and 1500 mm from the floor, is when dado rails or chair rails are installed. Chair rails were installed in the 18th century to protect the walls from being damaged by the chair backs that were stored along the walls instead of arranged around the table.
Different Options
Chair rails, also known as wall protectors, serve the same purpose of keeping walls from being damaged by furniture. The dado rail pine, which caps the top of the wainscoting panels, provides a finishing touch to wainscoted walls. The ornateness or simplicity of this effect depends on the era and design aesthetic of the home. Wainscoting is a kind of wall panelling used for decoration. Lumber and MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) are the most used building materials for dado rails. You may use the existing mouldings in your home as a reference when deciding which materials to utilise.
