What does Chair Rail Mean?
Definition of Chair Rail in Construction
A chair rail is a projected piece of mill work that is located at approximately 34 inches above the finish floor. Originally intended to protect the walls from the back of chairs, however chair rail has become an architectural detail in colonial homes and not necessarily a functional requirement.
It can be a piece of wood, metal, tile, stone that is located at the height of the top of a chair, and would provide protection to the wall, if the chair were to impact the wall surface. The term is used very loosely as an architectural feature, and can identify a host of architectural features within the interior and exterior of a structure. However, the term evolved from the need to protect the interior walls from the impact of chairs constantly slamming against the wall and damaging the surface.
Pictures of Chair Rails
