Beginning in the mid-1800s, bead board has been used as wainscoting mainly in rural farm homes, but also in vacation and beach cottages too. Its purpose was to protect the lower portions of the walls from dings and scrapes. Today, it is also being used in urban settings to create a relaxed feel in upscale homes. It can be dressed up or down, and is nowadays considered the “blue jean of the lumberyard”. The look and practicality of bead board is something you don’t want to overlook when considering your next home project, no matter your style.
Looking down on a stairway wrapped in bead board. Schafer, The Great American House, pg 241
Traditional wood bead board is installed strip by strip. It has a ridge, or tongue, which sticks out on one side, and an indent, or groove, on the opposite side. The tongue and groove fit tightly together. A bead running the length of both sides meets when planks are interlocked, disguising the seam. Real bead board, installed in this manner, results in a look with lots of character, depth, and authenticity.
Traditional tongue and groove bead board made from pine.
Installed tongue and groove beaded board.
Application for bead board varies widely, so let’s look at some examples.
This old greenhouse has tongue and groove beaded board walls which looks as good today as it would have 100 years ago.
Wide plank bead board walls are painted an off-white color in a hallway of this traditional home.
Here is a traditional bead board wainscoting with statement wall paper above.
Notice bead board goes about 2/3 of the way up the walls of this vintage bathroom.
In this expansive master bath, bead board runs floor to ceiling along the wall.
In a modern styled home, bead board wainscoting looks great and serves its purpose of protecting the lower portion of the hallway.
In the renovation of this New York farmhouse, a wide plank bead board was used in the family room…
…and also in their kitchen as a back-splash.
Below, a traditional farmhouse in New Hampshire was renovated and notice that bead board was used in the kitchen as the back-splash.
Floor to ceiling tongue and groove beaded board is found throughout this historic Tybee Island, Georgia beach house.
Here is a close up view of the bead board walls and petite shaving sink.
Bead board installed with the coffered ceiling looks especially nice in this upstate New York home.
Notice the bead board on the back of these kitchen shelves.
It’s also ideal for a utilitarian space such as a pantry.
Traditional tongue and groove bead board ceiling.
Original tongue and groove beaded boards with a fresh coat of paint looks timeless on the ceiling of this rustic potting room.
Below, the use of bead board is found in the third story dormers of a historic home.
Though it is commonly seen painted, bead board can look just as nice left unpainted.
Stained and sealed wooden bead board in this example is found in a mountain cabin.
A pine bead board ceiling looks pretty here with a coat of clear poly (no stain).
The bottom half of the walls in this newly built stable are lined in wood bead board. And they will only look better with time.
For a more modern, manufactured, and uniform look, bead board is also available in panel form. It’s a cost effective option, which can also look nice in the right application.
Paneled bead board is sold in large sheets like this.
Real wood bead board stands up to hard nicks and scratches, but can be susceptible to warping in very high moisture areas, such as a porch or high-traffic bathroom. This is something to beware of when deciding whether to use the old-school wooden strips, or a non-wood modern version.
This newly renovated stairway features paneled bead board.
If you go for the panel option rather than traditional wood strips, a deep V groove on a panel will look most believable. For wet areas, panels with high moisture resistance such as PVC or exterior-grade fiberboard is recommended.
Charming porch with a blue bead board ceiling.
Exterior grade bead board on the porch of a Z.S. HAWK project.
Notice the painted bead board ceiling on this front porch also.
Additionally, cabinet doors can be adorned with bead board for a boost of cottage style. With the right hardware, fixtures, and design, this look is nice for certain kitchens.
For your luxurious new build, historic renovation, cozy cottage, lake house, or whatever your project may be, remember that bead board goes with just about anything and we’d be pleased to incorporate it into your design. It’s timeless and arguably only looks better with a little wear and tear over time.
