Wainscoting Material

Fratantoni Luxury Estates • June 23, 2017

Non-Wood Wainscoting Material

Though wood is the traditional wainscoting material, not all wainscoting is wood. Try these durable, non-traditional materials for longlasting style.

PVC plastic

Smooth and paintable, extruded PVC beadboard may be too perfect for those wanting even a hint of woodgrain or sharp profiles, but it will never warp or rot.

Embossed Metal

For something completely different, the stamped tin we’re used to seeing on ceilings can also be fastened to walls. To make it less susceptible to dents, butter the back with plaster or joint compound before mounting the tile on a 3/8-inch plywood substrate.

Ceramic tile

Four-inch ceramic tile is almost as traditional for wainscoting as wood, especially in bathrooms. Many tilemakers offer profiles that can be used as cap and base moldings. Newer is tile “beadboard,” which combines a classic look with the durability and water resistance of tile

Embossed MDF

A 5/8-inch-thick, 32-by-48-inch sheet with the contours of three raised panels pressed into the surface. Gets fastened to the wall above base molding and capped with a chair rail. Lacks the shadow lines created by stiles, rails, and panels, and panel widths can’t be adjusted for specific wall lengths.

Shaped MDF

Covered with a hardwood veneer or factory-primed and ready for paint, MDF is used for beadboard, panels, stiles, rails, and moldings. More stable than solid wood, it eliminates problems caused by expansion and contraction.

Embossed drywall

A 5/8-inch-thick, 32-by-48-inch gypsum board with raised-panel shapes pressed into the face. In addition to sacrificing verisimilitude, you also must be willing to forgo any of wainscoting’s protective power.

 

The post Wainscoting Material appeared first on Fratantoni Luxury Estates.

By Angelo Fratantoni April 29, 2026
True elegance leaves no trace. The modern definition of wealth no longer centers simply on scale or opulence but on harmony with the natural world. Building a residence that embraces environmental responsibility without compromising on aesthetic perfection is the ultimate expression of modern living. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates , we view sustainability as an elevated standard of building. Our clients demand the extraordinary and we deliver homes that perform as flawlessly as they look. Seamless integration of green technology requires a masterful approach from the ground up.
By Vince Fratantoni April 23, 2026
An extraordinary property does not simply end at the glass doors. Elite homeowners expect their exterior grounds to rival the sophistication of their interior sanctuaries. Creating a seamless transition between indoor comfort and alfresco grandeur requires absolute mastery in both design and physical execution.
By Angelo Fratantoni April 16, 2026
Building a luxury custom home in Scottsdale requires more than selecting a beautiful design and securing the right homesite. It requires a thoughtful approach to architecture, construction, interior design, and lifestyle planning from the very beginning. In a market known for its high end communities, elevated design standards, and one of a kind residences, the process behind the home matters just as much as the finished result. For homeowners building in Scottsdale, every decision carries weight. The lot, the views, the architectural style, the level of finish, and the way the home is meant to live all need to work together. This is especially true in prestigious communities like Silverleaf and DC Ranch, where luxury homes are expected to feel highly tailored, cohesive, and timeless.  At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we believe the best Scottsdale custom homes begin with a more integrated process. Through our close collaboration with Fratantoni Design and Fratantoni Interior Designers, our clients benefit from a more seamless experience from concept to completion.
By Vince Fratantoni April 9, 2026
When most people think about building a luxury custom home, they picture the architectural plans, the groundbreaking, and the finished residence. What often gets overlooked is one of the most important phases of the entire process: preconstruction. Preconstruction is where a luxury custom home begins to take real shape before construction is ever underway. It is the phase where the vision is clarified, important decisions are addressed early, the team aligns, and the project is positioned for a smoother build. In a high end custom home, where the level of detail, personalization, and coordination is much greater, this phase carries even more weight.  At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we believe a successful build starts long before the first stage of construction. Through our close collaboration with Fratantoni Design and Fratantoni Interior Designers, our clients benefit from a more seamless preconstruction process that brings architecture, interior design, and building insight together from the beginning.
By Angelo Fratantoni April 2, 2026
Building a luxury custom home is a deeply personal process, and the experience behind it matters just as much as the finished result. While many homeowners focus on floor plans, materials, and aesthetics, the structure of the team guiding the project can make an enormous difference in how smoothly everything comes together. That is why working with a luxury home builder that also offers in house architecture and full service interior design creates a more seamless experience. Instead of navigating separate firms with separate priorities, homeowners benefit from a more unified process where design, planning, and construction are aligned from the beginning. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, our clients benefit from the close collaboration between Fratantoni Luxury Estates, Fratantoni Design , and Fratantoni Interior Designers . Because our in house firms work together, we are able to create a more cohesive custom home experience from concept to completion.
By Vince Fratantoni March 26, 2026
When building a custom luxury home, what happens behind the walls is just as important as what you see. MEP systems, which include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, are essential to how your home performs every day. For luxury homeowners in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and across Arizona and nationwide, understanding these systems is key to achieving a high performance custom residence.  At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, our integrated design build approach ensures that MEP systems are carefully coordinated alongside architecture by Fratantoni Design and interiors by Fratantoni Interior Designers. This level of collaboration allows every element of the home to function seamlessly while supporting the overall design vision.
Cost to Build a Luxury Custom Home
By Angelo Fratantoni March 20, 2026
Wondering what it costs to build a luxury custom home in Arizona? Discover the key factors that shape your budget and why no two builds are priced alike.
Top Luxury Custom Home Builder
By Vince Fratantoni March 9, 2026
Searching for Arizona's top luxury custom home builder? Learn why discerning homeowners consistently choose Fratantoni Luxury Estates for their dream home.
Custom Home Builder Contracts
By Angelo Fratantoni March 4, 2026
Before signing a luxury home building contract, know what every clause means. Learn how to protect your investment and avoid costly surprises in the future.
Build a High-End Custom Home
By Vince Fratantoni February 23, 2026
Building a luxury custom home takes time—but how much? Explore typical timelines, key milestones, and the factors may affect your luxury home build schedule.