Measuring for wallpaper primarily involves calculating the total area of the walls you intend to cover, typically expressed in square footage.
Understanding Wallpaper Measurement
When preparing to order wallpaper, the most common unit of measurement you'll work with is square footage. This is because wallpaper rolls and quantities are generally sold based on the area they can cover. Calculating the total square footage of your walls ensures you purchase the correct amount of material.
According to the standard method, to determine the required wallpaper size in terms of the area to cover, you need to calculate the square footage of each individual wall.
The Measurement Method: Calculating Square Footage
The fundamental way to measure for wallpaper involves finding the area of each wall section.
You multiply the width and height of each wall to get its square footage. This calculation provides the necessary area information for ordering purposes. Calculating your wallpaper needs in square footage is crucial, since that is the way you'll be ordering it. Multiplying the measured width by the measured height for a single wall will give you that wall's specific square footage.
To get the total area, you will calculate the square footage for each wall separately and then add these amounts together.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here's a simple breakdown of the process for each wall:
- Measure Wall Width: Use a measuring tape to find the total width of the wall from one corner to the other.
- Measure Wall Height: Measure the height of the wall from the baseboard to the ceiling.
- Calculate Area (Square Footage): Multiply the width measurement by the height measurement.
This calculation gives you the square footage for that specific wall. Repeat this for every wall you plan to wallpaper.
Example Calculation
| Wall Section | Width (ft) | Height (ft) | Area (Sq Ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall 1 | 12 | 8 | 96 |
| Wall 2 | 10 | 8 | 80 |
In this example, the total minimum wall area would be 96 + 80 = 176 sq ft. You would then use this total square footage to determine how many rolls of your chosen wallpaper are needed, considering the roll's coverage area and accounting for pattern repeat and waste.
By calculating the square footage of each wall and summing them up, you arrive at the total area that needs to be covered, allowing you to accurately measure for and order your wallpaper.
