An Expert's Guide to Dado Rails
Dado rails, also known as chair rails, are a decorative wooden moulding that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. These rails have been used for centuries to create a classic and timeless charm in homes. At Wooduchoose, we offer a wide range of dado rails in various styles and materials, including traditional hardwood and softwood options. The beauty of our system is that you can customise in the wood of your choice (the wood you choose).
In this guide, we will explore the different types of dado rails available, and explain why they are the perfect way to bring character and charm to your home or building.
What is a Dado Rail?
A dado rail, also known as a chair rail, is a type of moulding that is installed along the lower part of a wall. It is typically placed between 1/3 and 2/3 of the way up the wall and can be used to create a visual break between different sections of the wall.
It is the moulding or profile that you see above the skirting or base board and below any picture rail or the ceiling or coving. It is sometimes called a chair rail as it can be used to stop chairs from marking walls, when it is situated at the height of the back of chairs in a room.
Traditiionally, though, dado rails have been used as a decorative moulding to 'break up' the expanse of a wall with a high ceilling or create a break between different finishes. It can be seen with panelling below or as a freeze above wall paper to allow a alternative finish above.
Wooden dado rail can be ornate and there are different and specific styles to suit architectural periods. Such as Vicorian or Regency dado rails.
Choices of Dado Rails
Dado rails come in a variety of styles and materials. This size of a dado is typically 3-6 inches or 70-100mm high. Other popular types include: Large dado rail, high dado rail. In the UK you can source dado rail through companies like; Homebase and Howdens dado rail, these are great but will be standard in style, shape and material. If you are looking for something specific or to match an existing dado rail moulding you will need a custom or made to measure service. We affer the ability to choose dado in the material of your choice (the wood-you-choose), such as; Maple dado rails, hardwood dado rail, meranti dado rail, oak or walnut and more.
Modern dado rail are often square or simple. But period dado rails could be Ogee dado rail, Georgian, Edwardian or Victorian dado rails. We also offer solutionsn in Tulipwood, plus torus dado rail, dado with ovolo moul, rebated dado rail and rebated with bullnose.
We can help you source; extra wide dado rail, astragal dado rail and any made to measure dado rail. Replica or copy mouldings are our speciality so if you need to match a dado rail profile, try our made to match service. Ideal for restoration projects, historical buildings or just making dado to a design.
The Different Types of Dado Rails
There are a variety of different dado rail styles and variations, each one offering a unique look and feel to a room. Some of the most popular types of dado rails include:
Georgian Dado Rail
The Georgian dado rail is a classic and traditional style that is characterized by its simple and elegant design. It typically features a flat top rail and a simple square profile.
Edwardian Dado Rail
The Edwardian dado rail is similar in design to the Georgian dado rail, but with a slightly more ornate and decorative appearance. It often features a curved or scalloped top rail and a more detailed profile.
Ogee Dado Rail
The ogee dado rail is a more decorative and ornate option, featuring a curved or "S" shaped profile. It is often used in more formal or traditional settings.
Contemporary Dado Rail
Contemporary dado rails are a more modern option, and can be found in a variety of materials such as metal and MDF. They often feature clean lines and simple designs, and are a great choice for a more modern or minimalist aesthetic.
Why Use a Dado Rail in Your Home?
Dado rails are a great way to add character and charm to your home. They can be used to create a sense of elegance and sophistication, and can be a great way to add a touch of classic charm to your home.
They can also be used to add visual interest to your walls and to create a visual break between different sections of wall. Additionally, dado rails can be used to protect your walls from scuffs and scrapes, particularly in high traffic areas such as hallways and staircases. Overall, dado rails are a versatile and elegant addition to any home, and can be used to enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.
Whether you are looking for a classic and traditional look, or something more modern and contemporary, there is a dado rail that will suit your needs and style.
Try our unique, innovative service for custom dado rails. Get instant prices and then we connect you to the best dado rail manufacturers and millworkers in the country. One click and we shop around so you don't have too.