How to Measure

 We have included two methods of calculation suggestions. We use method #1. The chart is created by the manufacturer if you prefer this method. Calculations can be affected by many factors and are provided to help you estimate. You may wish to hire a professional to calculate your rollage.
Calculating your wallpaper order.

Method 1:
Determine the total square footage of the area and divide by 27.
(You get approximately 27sq ft from a single roll of wallpaper)

Wallpapering Tools for Measuring & Installion

  • Pencil
  • Steel Tape Measure
  • Large Clean Sponge
  • Bucket
  • Ladders
  • Clean Work Surface
  • Plastic Sheet for surface/floor protection
  • Wallpaper Smoothing Brush
  • Seam Roller
  • Razor Knife with extra sharp blades
  • Wallpaper Adhesive (if needed)
1.Determine the total square footage Measure the width of each wall and round up to the nearest foot. Measure the height of the ceiling or the height of the area that will be covered (for example 4ft high if doing only the top or bottom half of the wall).Round up to the nearest foot. Multiply the total width of the room or area, times the height to get the total square footage. Divide this number by 27 to get the number of single rolls.
2. Adjust by any major openings Normally we don't deduct for a single, normal size door or window, but if you have a large closet door or window or other opening, you can deduct the square footage of this from the above total. (for example if you had a large closet door that measured 6 feet high by 5 feet wide, deduct 30sq ft.
3. Divide that number by 27 You get about 27 square feet from a single roll of paper - which is why you divide the total square footage by 27.  This will give you the number of single rolls you need.  wallpaper is packaged in double roll bolts so you will need to round up to the nearest even number. Please note that in rare cases, wallpaper may be packaged in triple rolls so you will need to adjust your quantity to this type of packaging.

Method 2: Use this handy chart

Measure the distance around your room and your ceiling height. Refer to the table below to find the number of single rolls you will need. Deduct one single roll for each two openings like doors or windows of ordinary size.

Ceiling Height 8 Feet 9 Feet 10 Feet 12 Feet Single Rolls

Needed

for ceiling

Distance Around Room in Feet

Single Rolls
36 12 14 16 20 4
40 14 16 18 22 4
44 16 16 20 24 6
48 16 20 22 26 8
52 18 20 24 28 8
56 20 22 24 30 8
60 20 24 26 32 10
64 22 24 28 34 10
68 24 26 28 36 12
72 24 28 30 40 14
Materials for Wall Preparation
  • Spackle
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Primer/Sealer

Removing Old Wallpaper?
Wallpaper can generally be classified as:

  • Peelable: vinyl cover will remove separate from the paper backing
  • Strippable: Vinyl cover & backing will remove as one piece
  • Dry-Strippable: newer papers guaranteed to remove without solutions or tools, in one piece
Materials for removing peelable & strippable wallcovering products:
  • Sponge & soapy warm water
  • Stiff steel brush or scoring tool
  • Stripper solution like Zinsser's DIF

Calculating Border Quantities

Most borders come packaged in 5 yard spools (15 feet)
This is to acomodate the average wall without a seam. To make your job quick and easy, order a spool of border for each wall, otherwise calculate the total linear feet of the walls to be decorated with border and divide by 15.  You will need to adjust this upward to accomodate pattern repeat (for instance, with a swag border you will certainly want to start the pattern at the beginning of the swag pattern)

If you are planning to install a border around the windows and doors, allow yourself at least 2 feet extra for each door and 4 feet extra for each window to allow for mitreing the corners. 

* Shipping: Free shipping on product orders over $100.00, $7.99 shipping for orders under $100.00. Valid for Continental (contiguous 48) US only. Samples are $2.00 each with free shipping within the US. * Returns: All Returns are subject to a restocking fee and require a return authorization number. Contact our service department before making returns. Please see our Order & Privacy page for our complete return & order policy. Contact: 1-800-646-4750, 406-541-2091
E-mail: sales@wallpaperstore.com
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