How To Calculate How Much Composite Cladding Material You Need
When it comes to installing panel cladding or slatted cladding, often the first and hardest step is figuring out exactly the quantities of each component you need. We’re here to make this job easier with this handy guide!
You can either use detailed plans to calculate how much material you’ll need, or you can use the following steps and equations to find your final figures.
Step 1: Measure the Length of Trims
The first step is to work out which type of trims you require and how many metres of each you will need. We can supply two trim styles – end trims and corner trims, both of which are 3.6m long.
To calculate the number of trims needed, divide the total length of the surfaces where trims will be installed by 3.6, which is the length of one trim. If the result is not a whole number, round it up to the nearest whole number - this is the amount of trims you will need!
If you're using non-Ecoscape products with a different length, the equation to follow would be:
length of area requiring trims [m] ÷ length of 1 trim = number of trims required (rounded up to nearest whole number)
For example, if the total length required for corner trims is 50m and for end trims 14m, the equations will look like the following:
50/3.6 = 13.8 (rounded up to 14) corner trims required.
14/3.6 = 3.8 (rounded up to 4) end trims needed.
Step 2: Measure the m2 Area of Boards
To work out how many total cladding boards you need, you’ll need to measure in m2 the total area to be covered, and multiply this by 8.93. Then all you have to do is divide this number by 3.6, which is the length of one cladding board in metres - again, if your result is not a whole number, round it up!
If you're using non-Ecoscape products with a different length, the equation to follow would be:
(area [m2] x 8.93) ÷ length of 1 cladding board = number of cladding boards required (rounded up to nearest whole number)
For example, if your total area is 55m2, your equation would look like the following:
55 (area) x 8.93 = 491.15
491.15 / 3.6 (length of 1 cladding board) = 136.43 = round up to 137 boards
Total Materials
Using the measurements above, the total cladding materials needed would be:
- 137 Cladding Boards
- 14 Corner Trim Boards
- 4 End Trim Boards
This isn’t the extent of the equipment you will need for fitting cladding boards, however; you will also need to consider cladding clips and screws and the tools you will need. To find out more about the tools and fixings you need in your kit, take a look at this handy guide.
It is also worth noting that if you are laying your boards vertically, there may be additional waste depending on the wall height. You can use any offcuts above or below windows and above doors to minimise waste.
For more information or help with installing composite cladding, our friendly team are always on hand to help.