| # | Length (ft) | Height (ft) | Notes |
|---|
| # | Width (ft) | Height (ft) | Type |
|---|
| # | Area (sq ft) | Courses / Boards | Studs | Fasteners |
|---|
Exposed face width = board_width − overlap + gap.
Coverage per board = exposed_face_width × board_length.
Net area = Σ(wall_length × wall_height) − Σ(opening_width × opening_height).
Boards required ≈ ⌈(net_area ÷ coverage_per_board) × (1 + waste%)⌉.
Horizontal: courses_per_wall ≈ ⌈wall_height ÷ exposed_face_width⌉.
Vertical: boards_across_width ≈ ⌈wall_length ÷ exposed_face_width⌉.
Fasteners (horizontal) ≈ Σ(courses_per_wall × studs_per_wall × fasteners_per_stud).
Fasteners (vertical) ≈ Σ(boards_across_width × rows_along_height × fasteners_per_stud).
Studs_per_wall ≈ ⌊wall_length ÷ stud_spacing⌋ + 1; rows_along_height ≈ ⌊wall_height ÷ stud_spacing⌋ + 1.
- Select units and orientation.
- Enter board profile: width, length, overlap, and gap.
- Add each wall’s length and height; add windows and doors.
- Adjust waste, stud spacing, and fasteners per stud as needed.
- Optionally enter cost per board or per area for estimates.
- Click Calculate to see totals and per-wall details.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF to export.
| Scenario | Walls (L×H) | Openings | Board (W×L) | Overlap/Gaps | Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical living room feature wall | 12 ft × 8 ft (one wall) | 1 window 3 ft × 4 ft | 5.5 in × 96 in | 0.5 in overlap, 0 in gap | 10% |
Quick reference for common nominal board sizes with a 0.5 in overlap and default 96 in length. Coverage assumes no decorative gap.
| Nominal size | Board width (in) | Overlap (in) | Gap (in) | Exposed face (in) | Length (in) | Coverage / board (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1×6 | 5.5 | 0.5 | 0 | 5.0 | 96 | 3.33 |
| 1×8 | 7.25 | 0.5 | 0 | 6.75 | 96 | 4.50 |
| 1×4 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 0 | 3.0 | 96 | 2.00 |
Use the calculator for exact values when you change length, overlap, or add a decorative gap.
Guidelines vary by material, climate, and quality goals. Adjust to match your supplier recommendations and site conditions.
| Scenario | Suggested gap | Typical finish | Typical waste % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint‑grade interior | 0–1/16 in | Primer + paint | 10–12% | Minimal gap hides seams; caulk corners and trims. |
| Stain‑grade interior | 1/16–1/8 in | Clear or polyurethane | 12–15% | Increase waste for color/figure matching. |
| Exterior protected wall | ~1/8 in | Exterior paint/seal | 15–18% | Account for end sealing and weather‑exposed cuts. |
| Feature patterns (chevron/diagonal) | 1/16 in | Paint or stain | 18–22% | Extra offcuts from angle joints and staggering. |
For hardwoods or humid environments, acclimate boards and consider larger gaps to accommodate movement.