Calculator
Estimate tack strip pieces for garden rooms, sheds, and greenhouse workspaces.
Example data table
| Units | Areas | Length | Width | Doorways | Door width | Waste | Piece length | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ft | 1 | 12 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 10% | 4 | 11 |
| m | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0.9 | 12% | 1.22 | 15 |
These examples assume you subtract strips at door thresholds.
Formula used
- Perimeter (one area) = 2 × (Length + Width) + Extra perimeter
- Door subtraction (one area) = Door count × Door width (only if enabled)
- Net perimeter (total) = (Perimeter − Door subtraction) × Areas
- Tack strip needed = Net perimeter × (1 + Waste% / 100)
- Pieces to buy = Ceiling(Tack strip needed ÷ Piece length)
Unit conversion is automatic. Calculations run in feet internally, then convert back to your selection.
How to use this calculator
- Select feet or meters to match your tape measure.
- Enter the room length and width for your garden workspace.
- Add extra perimeter for alcoves, closets, or bench cut-ins.
- Enter doorway count and width, then choose whether to subtract them.
- Set waste allowance and the tack strip piece length you will buy.
- Press Calculate to see required length and piece count.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to save the inputs and results.
Perimeter planning for garden workspaces
Carpet in potting sheds, greenhouse offices, and tool rooms benefits from a firm edge. Tack strip length is driven by perimeter, not floor area, so measuring each wall run prevents underbuying. For L-shaped layouts, break the space into rectangles and add their perimeters, or record extra runs as “extra perimeter.” This calculator converts your dimensions to a consistent unit, adds optional alcove perimeter, and reports a net perimeter you can trust for ordering.
Doorway decisions and safe transitions
Many garden rooms have thresholds that see carts, watering cans, and muddy boots. Subtracting doorway widths reduces strip at openings where you may prefer a metal transition, a ramp, or an easy-clean mat. If you plan a continuous strip across an opening, disable doorway subtraction so the estimate matches your installation approach.
Waste allowance and piece efficiency
Tack strips are commonly sold in fixed lengths, so the number of pieces matters more than the raw total. A small waste percentage covers crooked walls, damaged sections, and corner offcuts. The calculator applies waste after net perimeter, then rounds up to whole pieces using your chosen strip length, showing both required and purchased totals.
Moisture, temperature, and substrate factors
Garden structures often swing in humidity and temperature. Stable subfloors and dry perimeters help strips hold nails and reduce squeaks. In damp zones, focus on vapor control, base trim clearance, and keeping strips slightly back from wet-prone edges. Accurate strip planning supports cleaner layouts and fewer late adjustments. Ventilation and sealed edges also reduce odor and mold risk.
Ordering checklist for a smooth install
Confirm each room’s length and width, note any bench cut-ins, and count doorways you will skip. Choose a waste rate that matches complexity, then select the piece length available locally. If you have multiple identical bays, enter the count once to scale the total quickly. Use the results to buy the correct number of pieces, plus fasteners and transitions, and keep your garden workspace project moving.
FAQs
1) Should I install tack strips at exterior shed doors?
Often no. Exterior thresholds collect moisture and grit, so many installers stop strips short and use a transition or mat. If you want strips there, disable doorway subtraction and plan for extra protection at the edge.
2) What waste percentage is reasonable?
Use 5–10% for simple rectangles. Choose 10–15% for many corners, alcoves, or uneven walls. Higher waste can be useful if strips are fragile, storage is limited, or you expect layout changes.
3) How do I handle an L-shaped room?
Measure each wall run and add them, or split the room into rectangles and sum their perimeters. Enter any additional wall runs as extra perimeter so the estimate reflects the real outline.
4) Does subfloor type change the calculation?
The length stays the same, but fastening can vary. Concrete may require adhesive or masonry fasteners, while plywood accepts nails easily. In humid garden spaces, ensure the substrate is dry and stable before installation.
5) What piece length should I enter?
Use the length sold in your area. Common pieces are about 4 ft (1.22 m), but some suppliers vary. The calculator rounds up to whole pieces, so entering the correct piece length improves the purchase count.
6) Can I use this for multiple identical rooms?
Yes. Enter one room’s dimensions and set the number of identical areas. The tool scales net perimeter and waste across all rooms, then rounds to pieces, making bulk purchasing easier.