Are you planning on wallpapering a room in your home? One of the most important steps in the process is calculating how much wallpaper you will need. This can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily determine the amount of wallpaper yardage needed for your project.
Step 1: Measure the Walls
The first step in calculating wallpaper yardage is to measure the walls of the room you plan to wallpaper. Use a tape measure to measure the length and height of each wall to be covered. Write down each measurement as you go.
Step 2: Calculate the Square Footage
Once you have measured all of the walls, it’s time to calculate the square footage of the room. To do this, simply multiply the length of each wall by its height. Add the square footage of each wall together to get the total square footage of the room.
Step 3: Determine the Wallpaper Repeat
Before you purchase your wallpaper, you will need to determine the wallpaper repeat. This refers to the distance between the beginning of one pattern to the beginning of the next pattern. This measurement will help you determine how much wallpaper you will need to cover your walls.
Step 4: Calculate the Wallpaper Yardage
Now that you have the total square footage of the room and the wallpaper repeat, you can calculate the amount of wallpaper yardage needed. Divide the square footage of the room by the wallpaper repeat. Round up to the nearest whole number to ensure you have enough wallpaper to cover the room.
Step 5: Add Extra for Waste
It’s always a good idea to add a little extra to your wallpaper yardage calculation to account for waste. This will ensure you have enough wallpaper to cover any mistakes or unexpected issues that may arise. Adding 10% to your total yardage should be sufficient.
FAQ
What if my wallpaper has a large pattern repeat?
If your wallpaper has a large pattern repeat, you may need to order extra yardage to ensure you have enough to match the patterns. Consult with a professional or the manufacturer for guidance.
Can I use leftover wallpaper for touch-ups?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to save any leftover wallpaper for future touch-ups or small projects.
What if I have windows or doors in the room?
Simply subtract the square footage of any windows or doors from your total square footage before calculating the wallpaper yardage.
Can I return unused wallpaper?
This will vary depending on the manufacturer and retailer. Be sure to check their return policy before making your purchase.
What if I have a sloped ceiling?
You will need to measure the height of the slope at its highest point and the width of the wall at that same point. Then, calculate the square footage as you would for a regular wall.
How do I know how much wallpaper comes on a roll?
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for each roll to determine how much yardage is included.
Can I wallpaper over existing wallpaper?
It’s not recommended to wallpaper over existing wallpaper as it can cause issues with adhesion and create a lumpy, uneven surface.
How long does it take to wallpaper a room?
The time it takes to wallpaper a room will depend on the size of the room, the complexity of the wallpaper pattern, and your level of experience. It’s best to allow ample time for the project and to work at a comfortable pace.
Pros
Calculating wallpaper yardage before beginning your project can help ensure you purchase the correct amount of wallpaper, saving you time and money in the long run.
Tips
Always measure twice to ensure accuracy, and don’t forget to add extra yardage for waste and mistakes.
Summary
Calculating wallpaper yardage is a crucial step in any wallpapering project. Measure your walls, calculate the square footage, determine the wallpaper repeat, and add extra for waste. With these simple steps, you can ensure you have enough wallpaper to complete your project with ease.
