Beadboard Calculator

Beadboard comes as full sheets or as individual planks. Enter the wall and the height. You see both counts, so you can compare before you buy.

Your shopping list

4Beadboard sheets to buy
55Planks to buy
4Cap rail pieces to buy
  • Area to cover81 sq ft
  • Planks across the wall100
  • Sheet pieces to cutEach piece is 48 in wide7

Pick sheets or planks, not both. Pieces include 10% extra. Baseboard, adhesive and paint are not counted.

How to use the Beadboard Wainscoting Calculator

  1. Measure the total wall length and take out the doors.
  2. Enter the height you want. 32 to 42 in is common.
  3. Enter the plank cover width from the package, and pick the sheet and plank sizes.
  4. Choose sheets or planks, and use the cap rail count for the top.

The math behind it

Planks across = wall run (in) / plank cover width, rounded up
Sheets = wall run (in) / 48 / pieces per sheet, plus extra
Cap rail pieces = wall run / board length, plus extra

A worked example

What we typed in

  • Total wall length to cover: 44 ft
  • Wainscoting height: 42 in
  • Doors and openings (total width): 6 ft
  • Panel sheet size: 4 x 8 ft sheet
  • Plank cover width: 3.25 in
  • Plank length you buy: 8 ft
  • Length of cap rail boards: 8 ft
  • Extra for mistakes and cuts: 10%

What we got

  • Beadboard sheets to buy: 6
  • Planks to buy: 78
  • Cap rail pieces to buy: 6
  • Area to cover: 133 sq ft
  • Planks across the wall: 141
  • Sheet pieces to cut: 10

For a related part of your project, use the Rigid Foam Board Insulation Calculator.

Tips from the job site

  • Let the beadboard sit in the room for 48 hours before you install it.
  • Check the cover width on the package. It is smaller than the board width.
  • Leave a small gap at the floor and cover it with the baseboard.

Common questions

Is beadboard cheaper in sheets or planks?

Sheets are cheaper and faster. Planks look more like real wood and are easier to handle in tight rooms.

How tall is beadboard wainscoting?

32 to 42 in is common. Many people pick 36 in.

What is the cover width of a plank?

It is the width that shows once the boards are joined. It is smaller than the width of the board. Check the package.

See all Wall Calculators.

Last checked: (worked example and form display).