How to Calculate the Number of Wallpaper Bolts Needed
When it comes to wallpapering a room, knowing how many bolts you need is essential to avoid extra trips to the store and ensure a smooth installation process. Here's a comprehensive guide on calculating the number of wallpaper bolts required.
Understanding Wallpaper Bolts
A wallpaper bolt is typically available in various sizes, but most standard bolts will cover approximately 28 to 30 square feet. Before you begin measuring, familiarize yourself with the terminology like "repeat" (the distance between patterns) and "width" (the width of the bolt). Understanding these will help you make accurate calculations.
Steps to Calculate Your Wallpaper Needs
- Measure Your Walls: Start by measuring the height and width of each wall. Don’t forget to account for windows and doors, as these areas will not need wallpaper.
- Calculate Total Wall Area: Multiply the height by the width for each wall and add them together to get the total square footage.
- Consider the Wallpaper Coverage: Divide your total wall area by the coverage area of one bolt (usually 28-30 square feet) to get the number of bolts needed.
Example Calculation
Suppose you have a room where the walls measure:
- Wall 1: 10ft x 8ft
- Wall 2: 10ft x 8ft
- Wall 3: 12ft x 8ft
- Wall 4: 12ft x 8ft
The total square footage would be:
(10ft x 8ft) + (10ft x 8ft) + (12ft x 8ft) + (12ft x 8ft) = 80 + 80 + 96 + 96 = 352 square feet.
If one bolt covers 30 square feet, you would need roughly:
352 ÷ 30 = 11.73 bolts, which means you should purchase 12 bolts to ensure complete coverage.
Tips for Successful Wallpapering
- Order extra wallpaper to cover mistakes and future repairs.
- Consider the pattern repeat when measuring to ensure design alignment.
- Factor in how the light in the room can affect the look of the wallpaper.
Glossary of Terms
- Repeat: The distance between where the pattern starts to repeat again.
- Cut-in: The process of cutting wallpaper at edges, corners, and around fixtures.
Pro Tips
- Use a laser level for straight lines when applying wallpaper.
- Prepare walls thoroughly by cleaning and repairing any damages.
- Allow all wallpaper to acclimate to room temperature before installation.
