What height should a dado rail be?

The standard dado rail height is 900mm (approximately 3 feet) from the finished floor level. This is roughly one-third of the way up a standard 2.4m wall. In rooms with higher ceilings, you may raise the rail slightly — a common rule is to set the dado rail at one-third of the wall height. The rail historically marked the top of the dado (the lower section of the wall) and protected walls from chair backs.

How do I cut internal mitre joints for dado rail?

Internal corners are best cut as a cope joint rather than a mitre, especially on older walls that aren't perfectly square. Cut the first piece square into the corner. On the second piece, cut a 45-degree internal mitre, then use a coping saw to cut along the profile line left by the mitre. This coped joint fits tightly against the profile of the first piece. For a quick job, a 45-degree mitre on both pieces works if the corner is true.

What adhesive should I use for dado rail?

Use a grab adhesive such as No More Nails, Gripfill or similar PU-based panel adhesive. Apply a zigzag bead along the back of the rail. Pin nails (lost-head or panel pins) hold the rail in place while the adhesive cures. On painted surfaces, lightly sand the wall first for a better bond.

What is the difference between ogee, torus and pencil round profiles?

Ogee is a traditional S-curve profile with a concave and convex section — the most popular for period properties. Torus is a simple half-round (semicircle) profile, common in Victorian and Edwardian homes. Pencil round is the simplest, with just a small rounded edge — modern and clean-looking. All three are widely available from Wickes, B&Q and timber merchants in standard 2.4m and 3.0m lengths.

Do I need dado rail in every room?

Dado rail is purely decorative in modern homes — it's not a Building Regulations requirement. It adds character and can break up a large wall for two-tone paint schemes or wallpaper above and paint below. It's most commonly fitted in hallways, dining rooms and living rooms. Kitchens and bathrooms rarely have dado rail due to tiling and moisture.

How do I fix dado rail to dot and dab walls?

On dot and dab walls, the plasterboard is bonded to the masonry with dabs of adhesive, leaving a gap behind. Use long screws (90-100mm) that pass through the plasterboard and into the masonry, with wall plugs in the masonry. Alternatively, use grab adhesive combined with spring toggle fixings. Always check for pipes and cables before drilling.

Dado Rail Calculator — How Much Dado Rail and How Many Mitre Joints Do I Need?

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines the total length of dado rail needed, the number of standard lengths to buy, mitre joint count, adhesive and pin nails for your room.

Rail length

Total rail = Room perimeter - Door openings. Each standard UK door opening is 762mm wide. The rail stops at the edge of the door architrave on each side.

Lengths to buy

Lengths = ceil(Total rail / Standard length). Standard dado rail comes in 2.4m or 3.0m lengths. Allow extra for mitre cuts at corners, as each mitre wastes a small amount.

Mitre joints

Each internal and external corner requires a mitre joint (two angled cuts meeting at the corner). Internal corners can be coped for a tighter fit on older walls. External corners must always be mitred.

Adhesive and fixings

Grab adhesive: ~1 tube per 8m of rail
Pin nails: 1 per 300mm to hold rail while adhesive cures

Standard height

Dado rail is traditionally fixed at 900mm from the finished floor level, approximately one-third of the wall height in a standard 2.4m room.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.