Ordering too few panels means a second delivery and a delayed project. Ordering too many wastes money. Here's the exact method our team uses to calculate panel quantities for any bathroom.
Step 1: Measure Your Wall Area
Measure the height and width of each wall you intend to panel. Multiply height by width to get the area in square metres for each wall. Add the areas together for your total wall area.
**Example:**
- Wall A: 2.4m × 2.1m = 5.04m²
- Wall B: 1.8m × 2.4m = 4.32m²
- Total: 9.36m²
Step 2: Subtract Openings
Subtract the area of any windows, doors, or other openings that won't be panelled.
**Example:**
- Window: 0.9m × 1.2m = 1.08m²
- Adjusted total: 9.36 - 1.08 = 8.28m²
Step 3: Calculate Panel Coverage
Check the coverage area of your chosen panel. Most standard PVC wall panels are 2.6m × 0.25m, giving a coverage of 0.65m² per panel.
Divide your adjusted total area by the coverage per panel:
8.28 ÷ 0.65 = 12.7 panels
Round up to the nearest whole number: **13 panels**.
Step 4: Add Wastage
Always add a wastage allowance to account for cuts, offcuts, and any panels damaged during installation.
- Standard rooms: add 10%
- Rooms with many cuts (alcoves, around windows): add 15%
- Complex layouts: add 20%
**Example (10% wastage):**
13 × 1.10 = 14.3 → round up to **15 panels**
Step 5: Don't Forget Trims
Trims are often overlooked but are essential for a professional finish. You'll typically need:
- **Internal corner trims** for inside corners
- **External corner trims** for outside corners
- **End caps** for exposed panel edges
- **Starter trims** for the bottom edge if not going to the floor
Measure the linear metres of each trim type required and order accordingly.
Our Panel Calculator
Our product pages include a built-in panel calculator — enter your wall dimensions and it will calculate the number of panels required, including a recommended wastage allowance.
If you're unsure, our team will calculate quantities for you during your confirmation call. We'd rather spend five minutes getting the numbers right than have you short on panels mid-project.
Tags
