Wall Panelling Calculator
Calculate panels, spacing, and materials for your panelling project
Panel Calculator
Calculate sheet panels needed
Batten Spacing
Calculate spacing for shaker style
Panel Quantity Calculator
Wall Measurements
Obstructions (Optional)
This is the minimum number of panels needed to cover your wall area. Order additional panels to account for cutting mistakes and future repairs.
Batten Spacing Calculator
Calculate even spacing for shaker-style wall panelling with vertical battens.
This is the precise spacing needed between each batten to create evenly distributed panels across your wall width. Mark these measurements carefully before installation.
How to Measure for Wall Panelling
Accurate measurements are critical for a successful panelling project. Take your time with this stage, as errors here will affect material costs and installation quality.
Essential Tools
- Tape measure (minimum 5m length recommended)
- Spirit level for checking vertical and horizontal alignment
- Pencil and notepad for recording measurements
- Ladder or step stool for high walls
- Calculator for working out panel requirements
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide
Measure Wall Height
Measure from floor to ceiling, or from skirting board to ceiling if keeping existing skirting. Properties built before 1980 often have uneven walls, so take measurements at multiple points (left side, centre, right side) and use the largest measurement.
Measure Wall Width
Measure the complete width from corner to corner, or between adjacent walls. Take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom of the wall. Older properties may not have perfectly square walls, so always use the widest measurement to prevent material shortages.
Record Obstructions
Measure the height and width of doors, windows, radiators, electrical sockets, and built-in furniture. Note the position of each obstruction from the corner and from floor level. These areas won’t require panelling, reducing your material needs.
Common Measurement Mistakes
- Not accounting for skirting boards or coving when measuring height
- Forgetting to measure at multiple points on uneven walls
- Failing to record obstruction positions accurately
- Measuring in different units (mixing centimetres and millimetres)
- Not adding extra material for cutting and wastage
Types of Wall Panelling
MDF Panels
Medium-density fibreboard panels offer a smooth, paintable surface. Cost-effective and consistent in quality, MDF is ideal for painted finishes in dry areas. Requires priming and painting after installation.
PVC Panels
Waterproof plastic panels perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. Available in various finishes including tile, marble, and wood effects. Wipe-clean surface requires minimal maintenance.
Timber Panels
Natural wood panels bring warmth and character. Options include pine, oak, and walnut. More expensive than MDF but offers authentic wood grain. Requires treatment for moisture protection in wet areas.
3D Textured Panels
Decorative panels with raised patterns add depth and visual interest. Popular for feature walls in living rooms and bedrooms. Some varieties offer acoustic properties for noise reduction.
Installation Planning
Before You Start
Proper preparation prevents installation problems. Allow panels to acclimatise in the room for 48 hours before installation. This lets the material adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity, preventing expansion or contraction after fitting.
Layout Planning
- Begin installation on the most visible wall in the room
- Plan cuts to minimise waste and offcut sizes
- For patterned panels, start from the room’s focal point
- Mark stud locations on the wall for secure fixing
- Sketch your layout on paper before cutting any material
Fixing Methods
Panels can be fixed to walls in several ways. Adhesive alone works for lightweight panels on flat, sound walls. Mechanical fixings (screws or nails) provide extra security for heavier panels. Batten frameworks create a level surface on uneven walls and allow space for insulation or cable routing.
Adhesive Application
Apply panel adhesive in vertical strips approximately 300mm apart. Use continuous beads around the panel edges. Press firmly and use temporary supports whilst adhesive cures.
Mechanical Fixing
Pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting. Fix into wall studs or use appropriate wall plugs for solid walls. Countersink screws and fill holes before decorating.
Batten Framework
Fix horizontal battens at 400-600mm centres. Check with a spirit level. This method works well on uneven walls and provides ventilation behind panels.
Cutting Panels
Use a fine-tooth saw or jigsaw for clean cuts. Mark cutting lines clearly on the rear face of panels. Cut slightly oversize and trim to exact fit. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask when cutting MDF. For neat holes around electrical fittings, drill pilot holes at corners and use a jigsaw to connect them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra material should I order?
Order 5-10% more panels than your calculation indicates. This surplus covers cutting mistakes, damaged panels, and future repairs. For patterned panels requiring alignment, increase this to 10-15% as wastage from pattern matching can be higher.
Can I panel directly onto wallpaper?
No. Remove all wallpaper before panelling. Adhesive won’t bond properly to wallpaper, and panels may detach over time. Strip wallpaper completely, repair any wall damage, and allow walls to dry thoroughly before installation.
What adhesive should I use?
Use panel-specific adhesive appropriate for your panel type. Solvent-free grab adhesives work well for most panels. For PVC panels in wet areas, use moisture-resistant adhesive. Check manufacturer recommendations, as some panels require specific adhesive formulations.
How do I handle corners?
Internal corners can be butted together or covered with trim. External corners require careful mitring or corner trim pieces. Measure and cut accurately, as gaps in corners are highly visible. Flexible trim covers minor gaps and gives a professional finish.
Should panels go behind or in front of skirting boards?
This depends on personal preference and panel thickness. Installing behind skirting (removing and refitting it) gives a neater finish but requires more work. Installing above skirting is quicker but may need trim to cover the join. Full-height panels typically replace skirting entirely.
How do I work around electrical sockets?
Turn off power at the consumer unit first. Remove socket faceplates. Cut holes in panels to fit around back boxes, allowing slight clearance. Refit faceplates over panelling. Never install panels over live electrical connections without proper preparation.
What spacing is correct for shaker-style panelling?
There’s no single correct spacing. Generally, panels between 300-600mm wide look balanced. Use our batten spacing calculator to achieve even distribution across your wall width. Narrower panels suit smaller walls; wider panels work better on large walls.
Can I panel a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes, but use appropriate materials. PVC panels are ideal for wet areas as they’re fully waterproof. Treated timber or moisture-resistant MDF can work in kitchens with adequate sealing. Avoid standard MDF in wet areas as it swells and deteriorates when exposed to moisture.
How long does panel installation take?
Time varies based on room size and experience level. A single wall might take 4-6 hours for a DIYer, including preparation. Complete rooms typically require 2-3 days. Pattern matching and working around obstructions adds time. Professional installers work faster but charge accordingly.
Do panels need finishing after installation?
This depends on panel type. Pre-finished PVC and some timber panels require no further treatment. MDF panels need priming and painting. Fill any fixing holes or gaps with appropriate filler before decorating. Sand lightly between coats for the best finish.