Carpentry and Woodworking - Chair rail backing - worth doing after chair rail already in?

My wife and I were discussing the possibility of adding the chair rail backing(ie a piece of moulding that goes between the chair rail itself and the wall and slightly wider than the chair rail).

I know its a DIY forum, but I was wondering if its worth pursuing someone to install professionally, and how much would be a good price? Is it something too invasive and not really worth the trouble?

Thanks,
Ming

Costs for labor vary widely throughout the country. You would be paying for removing the old, replacing whatever of it did not survive removal, and installing all of the trim. In order to get a feel for the cost, call some professionals for estimates.

You could do it yourself, but like chfite says, you will have to deal with removing the old and taking a chance of damaging it. If what you have installed now is level (check it), you could remove it, and use the top or bottom paint line as a guide, install the backer, and then reinstall the chair rail, prime and paint. You will need the ablity and knowledge and tools to cut miter joints and cope the joints where they meet the walls. Need more info, post back and we'll try further. Good luck.