How to measure a shaker wall panelling layout

By Measure & Make · Updated 15 October 2026

Define the panelling area

Measure the width of the area to be panelled and its height, in millimetres. The base of the panelling may sit above existing skirting; it does not have to be the floor. Use that same bottom-left corner as the reference point for every opening. Measure the actual wall and check more than one height if its sides are not square.

Choose the grid before buying strips

The planner creates a flat strip grid with a frame around all four sides. Columns and rows describe the clear rectangular spaces, not the number of strips. Top and bottom rails span the wall; vertical strips fit between them. Internal horizontal rails fit into the clear widths between the vertical strips.

Worked example: four columns

A 3,000 mm wide by 1,200 mm high area, using 80 mm strips, four columns and one row, has 650 mm clear panel widths and 1,040 mm clear height. With no openings, it needs two 3,000 mm rails and five 1,040 mm verticals. When using 2,440 mm stock, the long rails need joins. Consider longer stock if you want to avoid those joins.

Add doors and windows

1. Measure the opening’s left edge from the bottom-left of the panelling area.
2. Measure the opening’s bottom edge from the same reference. A door usually starts at zero within that area.
3. Enter the width and height of the portion within the panelling area. Include trim that you want to keep clear.
4. Check the visual layout, especially where a strip meets the edge of an opening.

When an opening crosses the complete width of a strip, the calculator removes the affected length. If an opening only overlaps part of a strip’s width, the material list keeps the full length for cutting or notching on site. The opening footprint in the drawing is not a detailed joinery instruction.

Read the cutting list

The suggested stock allocation sorts pieces longest first and reserves a saw-cut allowance. It is a practical plan, not a guarantee of minimum waste. Add appropriate allowance for your real joints and damaged ends. Backing sheets, profiled moulding mitres, skirting, adhesive, caulk and finish are not included; enter their costs separately if needed.