How to panel stairs

You have to design your layout plan slightly differently for any flat hallway areas, versus the angled edge of your stairs.

To create layout plans for flat areas, you need to divide the total width into a number of columns or you can use our handy layout plan tool to help

We recommend the gap between each panelling strip to be as close to 50cm as possible - though it’s rare to get it exactly 50cm.

Take this total horizontal measurement and follow the same process as you did with the hallway to find the right gap between panels.

We suggest marking measurements with a pencil and then drawing on the panel lines with coloured masking tape.

As you go up the stairs measure the spacing in between each vertical line (not along the skirting).

The height of the panels may need to change as you go up the stairs, this will depend on the angle of your staircase. Play around with this until you get a height you are happy with using the masking tape.

Measure the distance you’d like the dado from the top of the skirting board and mark with a pencil. Do this every metre along your staircase.

Place a strip of dado on the wall and for horizontal sections use a spirit level to make sure it is straight. Pencil a line along the dado to join up your measurements and mark where the dado will go.

Measure the length of dado for the length of your staircase. Long staircases may need multiple strips. Mark where you need to cut with a pencil.

Using the tenon saw and the mitre box, cut the wood strips at a 90 degree angle, to the correct size. How to use a mitre box video.

To find the right diagonal cutting angle for your dado rail, grab a friend to help you.

Glue the bottom and top of panels

Glue the vertical mdf strips

Fill & caulk the gaps, then let things dry

Sand and prime for a high quality finish

Time to paint