How many wainscoting panels do I need?
Cut each 4 × 8 ft panel across into strips the height of the wainscot; each strip is 4 ft wide, so wall length ÷ 4 gives the strips and strips ÷ strips per panel gives the panels. The vertical grooves on beadboard stay vertical when you cut this way.
| Wainscot height | Strips per panel | Wall per panel |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 4 | 16 ft |
| 30 in | 3 | 12 ft |
| 32 in | 3 | 12 ft |
| 36 in | 2 | 8 ft |
| 42 in | 2 | 8 ft |
| 48 in | 2 | 8 ft |
Heights that divide 96 in evenly (24, 32 or 48 in) waste the least panel.
Tongue-and-groove boards
For individual boards, divide the wall length by the face width each board shows (the width less the tongue) and add waste. Boards are cut to the wainscot height from longer stock, so an 8 ft board yields two 42 in pieces or three 32 in pieces.
Cap rail, base and corners
- Cap or chair rail runs along the top: one wall length.
- Baseboard at the bottom: the same length; see the baseboard calculator.
- Glue panels and nail into studs; mark them with the stud calculator. For full-height boards on the whole wall, the shiplap calculator is the better fit.
Frequently asked questions
How much wainscoting do I need?
Measure the walls to cover, subtract doorways, and divide by 4 ft per strip; at 36 in high, each 4 × 8 panel covers 8 ft of wall.
How many beadboard panels for a bathroom?
A 5 × 8 ft bathroom has about 26 ft of wall less a 3 ft door: 23 ft. At 36 in high that is 6 strips, 3 panels, or 4 with waste.
What height should wainscoting be?
It is a design choice; heights that divide a 96 in panel evenly, such as 32 or 48 in, cut with the least waste.