We're upgrading the 50's pink plastic tile (floor to ceiling) in our Chicago bungalow bathroom and are interested in putting up 5'-0" stained, fir beadboard wainscott to replace it. Being a chronic worrier, I'm concerned about 1) humid environments and wood, and 2) Nailing into plaster walls (wood lathe beneath). There are lots of corners. <br> <br>Any advice regarding finishes, techniques, things to avoid are welcome. <br> <br>

Beadboard or wainscotting is fine in the bathroom and kitchen, but should be painted. This is also historically accurate as most of the time it was painted to seal out moisture from day one. Go for it. It looks fantastic and is much cheaper than tile! <br> <br>

While I can't speak to nailing into plaster walls, I can tell you I have fir beadboard in both my bathroom and kitchen. It is original to the house (1926) and has held up beautifully over the years. The bathroom wainscot and trim is the only painted trim in the house, and the kitchen wainscot is stained. Perhaps the fact it is painted has helped it over the years? I was concerned about moisture too when I was trying to decide whether to refinish the fir floor I found under layers of gross vinyl or to tile instead, but the wood floor is holding up well and I'm so glad I opted for it. I say go for the wainscot! Good luck

I'm very interested in reading the answers to this question. I'm thinking about using it in my kitchen. Would I have the same worries as in a bathroom? <br> <br> <br> <br>

We had beadboard in the kitchen of our previous bungalow. It was stained, not painted and was part of a fairly recent (and tasteful) update by the previous owner. The only problem I had with it was that it was installed by the sides of the stove and, consequently, took a beating from splatters. The unpainted wood made it harder to clean. If I had stayed in the house much longer, I probably would have painted it. All of the woodwork, cabinets and trim in the kitchen except for the beadboard, some open shelves and beams had been painted. I like the look. <br> <br>