Dado

The lower part of a wall, below the dado rail and above the skirting board. This area is traditionally given a different decorative treatment to the upper part of the wall; for example panelling, wainscoting or lincrusta.

The name derives from the architectural term for the part of a pedestal between the base and the cornice.

In woodworking, a dado refers to a groove perpendicular to the length of a board.