When considering installing a shimmer wall in your home or business, one of the most important factors is determining how many panels you need. The number of panels required depends on the size of the wall you want to cover and the dimensions of the individual panels. In this article, we’ll discuss the key considerations for calculating your shimmer wall panel needs.
Measure the Wall Area
The first step is to precisely measure the wall space you want to fill with shimmer wall panels. Make sure to measure the width and height in inches or feet. Multiply the width by the height to get the total wall area. Be sure to account for doors, windows, or any other obstructions that will reduce the available shimmer wall space. Having accurate measurements of the target wall area will allow you to determine how many panels are required.
Determine the Panel Dimensions
Next, you’ll need to know the dimensions of the individual shimmer wall panels you plan to install. Standard panel sizes are usually 2×2 feet, 2×4 feet or 4×4 feet, but other custom sizes are also available. The most common shimmer wall panel size is 2×4 feet. Measure the width and height of one panel in inches so you can use it in your calculations. Keep in mind that the panels should cover the wall from floor to ceiling for best visual effect.
Calculate Panels Needed
To determine the number of panels required, divide the total wall area by the area of one panel. This will tell you roughly how many panels you need to cover the wall space.
For example:
| Total wall area: | 120 sq ft (10 ft width x 12 ft height) |
| Panel dimensions: | 2 ft x 4 ft (8 sq ft) |
| Number of panels needed: | 120 sq ft / 8 sq ft = 15 panels |
When doing your calculations, be sure to round up to the nearest whole number of panels. It’s better to have a couple extras than to come up short in coverage.
Account for Gaps and Overlap
When installing shimmer wall panels, you need to account for small gaps between the panels and any overlapping edges. Typically, panels are spaced about 1 inch apart. You’ll also lose a few inches where the panels overlap each other or meet the wall edges. For a more seamless look, some overlap is preferred.
To account for these gaps and overlaps, add an extra 10-15% to your panel quantity estimate. So if your initial calculations show you need 15 panels, increase that by 10-15% to allow for 16-17 panels. This will provide full coverage with minimal seams or empty spaces.
Consider Ceiling Height
Most shimmer wall panels are 8 feet tall to cover a standard ceiling height. But if your ceilings are higher than 8 feet, you may need to adjust the number of panels accordingly. For example, with 12 foot ceilings you would stack the panels vertically, requiring 50% more panels than a space with 8 foot ceilings. Make sure to measure the ceiling height and factor that into your total panels needed.
Order Extra Panels
It’s always smart to order a few extra shimmer wall panels beyond what your calculations show. Having spare panels on hand allows you to replace any that get damaged without having to place another order. Extras are also useful if you later decide to expand your shimmer wall installation into other areas.
A good rule of thumb is to order 5-10% more panels than you think you need. If your estimate is 20 panels, then get 21-22 to have as spares. The extras won’t go to waste if properly stored.
Mock Up Your Layout
Doing a mock layout before installing your shimmer wall panels can confirm how many you actually need. Lay the panels out on the floor in the planned arrangement and formation. This will show you how they fit together and if your estimate was accurate. Make any adjustments to your order before proceeding with permanent installation on the wall.
Consider Hiring a Professional
Determining panel quantities and layouts can get tricky, especially on larger or complex wall installations. In those cases, it’s advisable to have a professional shimmer wall installer assess your space and make panel recommendations. They have the experience to determine optimal panel sizes and configurations.
Hiring a pro to handle the installation also ensures proper techniques are used for attaching the panels to the wall securely. Their expertise can save you time and hassle in getting a beautiful, long-lasting shimmer wall.
Start with a Small Area First
If this will be your first shimmer wall project, consider starting with a smaller wall space. This allows you to get comfortable with measuring, ordering, and installing the panels. You’ll learn the process on a smaller scale before expanding the shimmer wall to other areas of your home or business. Slowly adding to your installation over time can be a cost-effective approach as well.
Conclusion
Determining the number of shimmer wall panels needed takes careful measurement, planning, and calculating. Measure the total wall area, know the panel dimensions, account for gaps and overlaps, factor in ceiling height, and order a few extras. Doing a mock layout, hiring a pro, or starting small can also help ensure you get the right panel quantity. With some preparation, you can find the perfect amount of shimmer wall panels to create a striking feature in any space.
