How do you work out wallpaper quantities with repeat pattern?

Calculating how much wallpaper you need can seem tricky, especially when it has repeating patterns. But don’t worry! At Wall Mastery, Florida’s top wallpaper installation business, we’ve got it all figured out. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring pros, it’s important to know how much wallpaper to get. This guide will help you make sure you have enough wallpaper without wasting any.

Understanding Wallpaper Repeat Patterns

Wallpaper patterns repeat at certain intervals, called repeat patterns. These can be a few inches to several feet long. Knowing the type of repeat pattern is key to calculating how much wallpaper you need. Here are the three main types:

1. Straight Match: The pattern lines up directly across each strip, making it easy to calculate.
2. Drop Match: The pattern aligns differently on every other strip, needing careful alignment and more precise calculations.
3. Random Match: No alignment needed, usually resulting in less waste.

Measuring Your Walls

Before you start, you need accurate measurements of your walls. Here’s how to do it:

1. Measure the Height and Width: Measure from the ceiling to the floor and the width of each wall. Write these down.
2. Account for Windows and Doors: Subtract the area of windows and doors. Measure their height and width, multiply these numbers to get the square footage, and subtract this from your total wall area.
3. Calculate Total Square Footage: Multiply the height by the width of each wall to get the total square footage. Add all the wall areas together for the total area to be covered.

Factoring in the Pattern Repeat

The pattern repeat affects how much extra wallpaper you need for proper alignment. Here’s how to include it in your calculations:

1. Determine the Repeat Length: Check the wallpaper roll for the repeat length.
2. Calculate Additional Length: For a straight match, add the repeat length once per roll. For a drop match, you may need to add the repeat length twice or more per roll.

Calculating Wallpaper Rolls Needed

Now that you have your measurements and understand the repeat pattern, you can figure out how many rolls you need:

1. Roll Coverage: Check the dimensions of the wallpaper roll. Standard rolls are usually 20.5 inches wide and 33 feet long, covering about 56 square feet.
2. Total Wall Coverage: Divide the total square footage of your walls by the coverage per roll. For example, if your total wall area is 500 square feet and each roll covers 56 square feet, you will need about 9 rolls.
3. Adjust for Pattern Repeat: Add extra wallpaper to account for pattern matching. For a straight match, add 1 extra roll for every 4 rolls. For a drop match, add 1 extra roll for every 3 rolls.

Example Calculation

Imagine you have a room with these dimensions:

• Total wall height: 8 feet
• Total wall width: 60 feet
• Window and door area: 40 square feet
• Wallpaper roll coverage: 56 square feet per roll
• Pattern repeat length: 12 inches (1 foot)
• Type of repeat: Drop match

1. Total Wall Area: $8\text{ feet (height)}\times 60\text{ feet (width)}=480\text{ square feet}$
2. Adjusted Wall Area: $480\text{ square feet}-40\text{ square feet (windows and doors)}=440\text{ square feet}$
3. Basic Roll Calculation: $440\text{ square feet}/56\text{ square feet per roll}=7.86\text{ rolls (round up to 8 rolls)}$
4. Adjustment for Drop Match: For every 3 rolls, add 1 extra roll for the pattern repeat. $8\text{ rolls}/3=2.67\text{ (round up to 3 extra rolls)}$

So, you’d need 11 rolls of wallpaper for this project.

Tips from Wall Mastery

At Wall Mastery, we’ve learned a lot over the years. Here are some tips:

1. Order Extra: Always get an extra roll or two. This covers mistakes and future repairs.
2. Batch Numbers: Make sure all rolls have the same batch number to avoid slight color or pattern differences.
3. Professional Help: If you’re unsure about your calculations or installation, consider hiring professionals. We at Wall Mastery provide precise measurements and flawless installation services across Florida.

Conclusion

Calculating wallpaper quantities, especially with repeat patterns, takes careful measurement and consideration. By following these steps, you can ensure you have enough wallpaper to complete your project successfully. Remember, Wall Mastery is here to help with all your wallpaper needs, from picking the perfect pattern to expert installation. Happy decorating!