How to calculate wallpaper needed
Introduction:
Whether you’re redecorating a room or tackling a new home project, calculating the amount of wallpaper needed is an essential step to ensure you don’t run out of material before finishing your task. Fortunately, this process is straightforward and only requires a few simple measurements and calculations. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to correctly estimate the wallpaper needed for your space.
Step 1: Measure your walls
First, you need to take accurate measurements of the total wall area that needs to be covered with wallpaper. Use a tape measure to measure the width and height of each wall (in feet or meters) and note these down separately. If dealing with an irregularly shaped room, divide the room into sections and measure each part individually.
Step 2: Calculate total surface area
Next, using your measurements, calculate the total surface area that needs to be covered with wallpaper. Multiply the width by the height of each wall and sum these numbers together. Remember to subtract any openings like windows or doors from your calculation.
Total Surface Area = (Width1 x Height1) + (Width2 x Height2) + … – (Window and Door Areas)
Step 3: Account for pattern repeat
If your chosen wallpaper has a repeating pattern, you need to consider this factor when estimating required materials. Pattern repeat refers to how often the design repeats within a vertical roll of wallpaper. Check the label or product description for this information.
To account for pattern repeat, calculate how many repeats are needed to cover each wall section using the following formula:
Pattern Repeat Ratio = Height of Wall / Pattern Repeat Length
Round up this number and multiply it by the pattern repeat length to find out the adjusted height of each section.
Adjusted Height = Rounded Pattern Repeat Ratio x Pattern Repeat Length
Step 4: Determine number of rolls needed
Now that you have obtained the adjusted height, you can determine the number of wallpaper rolls needed. Check the label or product description for the coverage per roll, which is usually expressed in square feet or square meters. Divide the total surface area (calculated in step 2) by the coverage of one roll to find out how many rolls you need.
Number of Rolls = Total Surface Area / Coverage per Roll
Always round up the number of rolls to ensure there’s enough material to cover any discrepancies or potential mistakes during installation.
Step 5: Add extra for contingencies
As a rule of thumb, add 10-15% more wallpaper than what you’ve calculated to account for potential errors or issues that may arise during installation. This will save you time and effort in case you need additional material.
Conclusion:
Calculating wallpaper needed for your project doesn’t have to be daunting. By following this simple guide and taking accurate measurements, you’ll ensure that you have sufficient material for your renovation project and avoid running out before it’s completed. Good luck and happy decorating!