Tech Tip #6 - Installing Molding squares on the back of islands.

Have you ever looked at a series of decorative doors on an island that look built together into a panel? That's called Wainscot.

Wainscot can be very expensive and an alternative to get that same type of decorative look at a fraction of the cost is to use finish panels, molding squares, and furniture base as you see in the picture below. We'll be showing you how to calculate the spacing and size of each square based on how many the designer has requested for each section, and how to cover up any seams in the back panels.

Before you start cutting your material, you should make sure that your outlets and switches or any other mechanicals that will be cut into your back panel(s) are not going to interfere with the design of your squares. This is the time to move them because once you cut them into the back panels it's too late. The first thing you must do is figure out the size and location of each square, then you can put marks on the wall to make sure that none of the outlets are going to be in the way.

First let's start with the formula for figuring out the size of your squares:

Since there is one more space than there is square you have to add 1 to the number of squares that you plan to use before you subtract the spaces from the total width of your panel for instance if you have 5 squares and three inch spacing which is typical then you would multiply 3 x 6 which is the spacing width (3”) times the number of spaces (6) which is 18”. Then subtract that number from the total width of the back panel(s) that you're adding to the wall. If the panels are 123” then subtract 18”(total spacing) to have 105” inches left for the squares. Then divide 105” by the 5 squares you plan to use for a total width of 21” for each square.

Calculating the height of each square is much simpler, just subtract the height of your furniture base and two spaces from the total height of your back panel as you can see in the example below.

Now that you have calculated the sizes and locations of your squares, mark them on the wall with a pencil to make sure that the outlets are not going to interfere with them. As you can see in the picture below the existing unit had an outlet and the design had multiple angles and squares. By first calculating their sizes and locations, then marking them on the wall, the installer knew the outlet was not going to interfere with the squares.

Most back panels are 96 inches wide and many island walls are wider which will require a seam where the two panels meet. This can be minimized by strategically cutting the panels, so the seam is located behind one of the molding squares. Just measure and mark for your longest panel so that it will be located behind the molding square which is furthest from the length of the panel not exceeding 96 inches. If you marked the locations of your squares while checking the outlets, this will be easy to find. Put a mark in the center of the square location then measure from there to the end of the wall. This is the width of the second panel. Below is the formula along with an example from a prior job. Feel free to use this as a guide for your next install.

As always, the battle is won in the planning. Before you make any cuts, you must know what you're measuring. If the designer puts detailed notes in the installation package, then great, but if not then take a few minutes to do a little math and it will turn a massive headache into an easy installation and a beautiful detail for the kitchen you're working on.

As always, keep building,

The Cabinet Talk Team