Step 1: my design
The first step is deciding exactly what pattern you want on your wall. Think carefully about your desired layout: do you want one or several panels? A sleek frame or playful shapes such as arches? What fits visually with the rest of your interior? Applications such as a wainscoting look are also popular here. Your design ultimately determines how many metres you need, so give it proper thought.
Because the design possibilities are endless, we will cover exactly how to create a design in an upcoming blog. Nowadays this is very easy with AI.
Step 2: measuring is knowing
In the second step we measure the width of the wall where you want to place a moulding. Let's use an example.
In this example we assume a wall 4.80 m wide and 2.50 m high for placing mouldings. On this wall we will apply three moulding frames: two narrow frames at the sides and a wider one in the middle. We will use this layout to calculate exactly how many metres of moulding are needed.
Step 3: dividing up the wall
Let's take a logical design based on the wall. In general, people leave about 10 to 15 centimetres of space between frames. This creates a calm look on the wall. You can of course choose more space in between, depending on your taste and interior.
Now it is important to get the dimensions clear:
|
Element
|
Width (cm)
|
|
Left spacing (wall)
|
30
|
|
Narrow frame left
|
90
|
|
Spacing left/middle
|
15
|
|
Middle frame
|
200
|
|
Spacing middle/right
|
15
|
|
Narrow frame right
|
90
|
|
Right spacing (wall)
|
30
|
|
Total
|
480 cm
|
Based on the design, we divide the 4.80 metre wall into separate parts. We keep 30 cm of space at the sides and 15 cm between the frames, so the whole stays airy and symmetrical.
The total adds up to exactly 480 cm, the full width of the wall. This layout forms the basis of your final calculation.
Step 4: the height of the frames
Now that we have determined the width layout, let's look at the height of the frames.
A commonly used rule of thumb is to keep 65 to 75% of the wall height. That leaves enough space above and below, which creates calm in the overall picture.
That gives a frame height of 190 cm, with 30 cm of space above and below (for skirting and ceiling).
Step 5: calculating
Now it is time to calculate how many metres of flex moulding you need in total.
Based on our design with three frames, we calculate below exactly how many metres of moulding you need. The width and height measurements per frame lead to the following total calculation:
|
Frame position
|
Width (cm)
|
Height (cm)
|
Horizontal (2×)
|
Vertical (2×)
|
Total per frame
|
|
Left (narrow)
|
90
|
190
|
1.80 m
|
3.80 m
|
5.60 m
|
|
Middle (wide)
|
200
|
190
|
4.00 m
|
3.80 m
|
7.80 m
|
|
Right (narrow)
|
90
|
190
|
1.80 m
|
3.80 m
|
5.60 m
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
|
|
|
19.00 m
|
|
+ 10% cutting loss
|
|
|
|
|
+1.90 m
|
|
Total needed
|
|
|
|
|
20.90 m
|
As you can see, the total required length comes to 19.00 metres. But we are not there yet, because you always have to deal with cutting loss. When cutting mouldings to size you always lose a small part. Think of corners that were not cut straight, small corrections or cutting mistakes.
To be sure you have enough, we recommend always adding 10% extra on top of the total. Example: Do you need 19 metres? Then order about 20.90 metres including cutting loss.
Cutting loss is not waste, but a safety margin that prevents frustration and ensures a professional end result.
Ready to get started?
As you have seen, calculating the right amount of moulding is mainly a matter of good preparation. By first getting your design clear and then measuring and calculating smartly, you avoid surprises during installation. And with 10% cutting loss as a buffer, you are always safe.
Whether you choose a sleek frame, several panels or something more creative, you now have everything you need to get started with confidence.
Show us your result
Have you installed your mouldings? Then we are very curious about the end result! Send your photo to info@velida.nl or tag us on Instagram via @velida.nl. You will have a chance to be featured on our page!