Learning estimate wallboard materials usually only requires basic skills, such as reading a tape measure and doing simple arithmetic. Once you factor in a bit of overage for waste and other supplies, you'll have a good idea of how much you'll need for your next project.
Instructions
Estimate a Wallboard Job
1. Use a tape measure to determine the length and height of each wall in the room where the wallboard will be installed. Multiply the height measurement by the length measurement to get the square footage of the area to be covered. For example, a wall that is 12 feet long and 8 feet high totals 96 square feet. Do not measure around doors and windows to exclude these areas from the estimate---measure as if these areas were covered.
2. Measure the length of the ceiling and the width of the ceiling, just as you did for the walls. Multiply the length measurement by the width measurement to get the total square footage of ceiling area to be covered. For example, a ceiling that is 10 feet long and 10 feet wide has a total of 100 square feet.
3. Add the square footage for both the walls and ceilings together. Divide this number by the square footage of the wallboard panel size that you intend on using to get the preliminary number of panels you will need. For example, a 4 foot by 12 foot panel has 48 square feet, so if you have 1200 square feet of area to cover, you will need at least 25 wallboard panels (1200/48 = 25).
4. Take the preliminary number of panels calculated above and increase that number by at least 10 percent to account for anticipated waste. For jobs that are more intricate or have odd areas to cover, consider upping this percentage to 20 percent. For example, if your job requires 30 sheets of wallboard, order three sheets more for a total number of 33 panels (30 x 10 = 3; 30 + 3 = 33).
5. Multiply the total number of panels by 35 (for 8' panels) or 50 (for 12' panels) to get an approximate idea of how many screws you will need for the job. If the job is small, you may consider using nails; if so, multiply your panel count by 49 (8' panels) or 63 (12' panels), respectively. Increase this estimate by 10 percent as well.
6. Count how many "outside" corners you have. You will need at least one full piece of corner bead for each outside corner. Corner beads are usually sold in 8- and 10-foot lengths. Base your estimate on installing only full-length corner beads. Do not plan to use short or "waste" pieces. Add a couple extra pieces to the total just in case you cut a piece incorrectly.
7. Divide the total amount of square footage (both wall and ceiling area) to be covered by 1000. Then multiply by 380 to estimate how much drywall tape you will need. Again, do not plan to use short or "waste" pieces. Be sure to increase this number by at least ten percent to account for waste.
8. Compile your totals for the wallboard, nails or screws, outside corners, and tape and use this information to order your materials. Be sure to have your dimensions on hand when ordering to be able to answer any questions your supplier may have.
Related posts
Estimate Drywall CostWhen you are remodeling your home, you might find it necessary to add walls or redo existing ones. In order to do this, you will need drywall. Drywall, or gypsum board, came i...
Estimate Suspended CeilingsSuspended ceilings, also known as drop or grid ceilings, are composed of metal frames and gypsum tiles. They are one of the most affordable and easy-to-install options f...
Ceiling grids are normally found in older homes and in basements. They are a popular alternative to drywall and offer a much more unique look to any ceiling. Typically these ceiling grids come in...
For most drywall contractors, installing drywall is the easy part. In fact, most drywall contractors got their start by installing, and over the years moved up the ladder until they were able to s...
Estimate for Drywall MudMany home repairs may call for putting up new drywall. Typically, these sheets come in standard 4-by-8-foot sizes, so most often it's not too tough to estimate how much you...
