Wall Covering Calculator
Estimate Wallpaper, Paint, or Tiles needed.
Transforming a plain drywall or exterior facade into a stunning feature often involves “cladding”—covering the surface with material like stacked stone veneer, vinyl siding, cedar shiplap, or brick slips. Unlike simple painting, purchasing cladding material is a significant investment. Sold in boxes with fixed coverage (e.g., 10 sq ft/box), over-ordering by just a few boxes can waste hundreds of dollars, while under-ordering stalls the project.
The Wall Cladding Calculator is designed to separate the “Flats” (surface area) from the “Corners” (linear vertical edge), ensuring you order the exact bill of materials required for a professional installation.
How to Use This Calculator
Accurate estimating requires breaking the wall down into its components. Here is the Step-by-Step process:
1. Measure Total Wall Dimensions
Measure the gross height and width of the wall you intend to cover.
- Height: Measure from the floor (or starter strip) to the ceiling/soffit.
- Width: Measure the total horizontal span.
- Gables: If the wall has a triangular peak (gable), measure the base and height of that triangle separately.
2. Subtract Openings
You don’t clad over windows or doors. Measure them and enter their count.
- Standard Door: ~21 sq ft (3′ x 7′).
- Standard Window: ~12 sq ft (3′ x 4′).
- Custom Openings: Enter the square footage of any fireplaces, electrical panels, or large vents that must be cut around.
3. Measure Outside Corners (For Stone/Brick)
This is crucial for Stone Veneer. Corner pieces are special L-shaped stones sold by the Linear Foot, not the square foot. Measure the vertical height of every outside corner.
- Why? One linear foot of corner stone usually covers about 0.75 sq ft of wall area. The calculator automatically subtracts this area from the “Flats” total to prevent double-counting.
Understanding Material Types
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Sold in two formats:
1. Flats: Sold in boxes covering 8-12 sq ft. These go in the middle of the wall.
2. Corners: Sold in boxes covering 6-8 linear feet. These wrap around 90-degree edges.
Tip: Always mix stones from different boxes during installation to blend slight color variations.
Vinyl & Hardie Siding
Sold in “Squares.” One Square = 100 sq ft. Siding requires specific “J-channel” trim around windows and “Corner Posts” at edges. While this calculator gives you the net area, always check the manufacturer’s spec for trim requirements.
Shiplap & Tongue-and-Groove
Sold by the board or by square foot coverage. Note that a “6-inch” board might only have a “5-inch” exposure (face width) because of the overlap. Our calculator assumes “Net Exposure Area,” so ensure you calculate your board coverage based on the exposure, not the full board width.
Installation & Ordering Tips
The Waste Factor
Never order the exact net number. You need extra for cutting, breakage, and mistakes.
- Simple Walls: Add 5-7% waste.
- Complex Walls (Many windows, gables): Add 10-15% waste.
- Patterned Tile: Add 15-20% to account for pattern matching cuts.
Surface Preparation
Cladding adds weight. Ensure your wall framing can support it. For exterior stone, you need a moisture barrier (house wrap) and metal lath (wire mesh) before applying the scratch coat of mortar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “Lft”?
Lft stands for Linear Feet. It is a 1-dimensional measurement of length. If you have a 10-foot tall corner, you need 10 Linear Feet of corner stones.
Do I subtract grout lines?
For “Dry Stack” stone (no visible mortar), calculate based on full coverage. For brick or stone with grout joints, the grout takes up space (usually 10-15% of the area). However, most sold coverage estimates *include* a standard mortar joint allowance. Check the box label: “Covers 10 sq ft assuming 1/2 inch joint.”
How do I handle a fireplace chase?
A fireplace chase usually has 3 sides (Front, Left, Right). Calculate the area of all three sides. The two front edges are “Outside Corners,” so measure their height for corner pieces. The back edges usually die into the wall and do not need corner pieces.
Final Words
A beautiful wall begins with a solid plan. The Wall Cladding Calculator gives you the confidence to order usually expensive materials without fear. By accounting for corners, windows, and waste factors up front, you ensure your project finishes as strong as it starts.
