When installing Decorative Ceiling Tiles, wall panels or Backsplash Tiles, getting your measurements right from the start is key to a great looking finish and an easy shopping experience.
Measuring properly not only ensures you purchase the correct quantity of product but also helps reduce waste and save money.
Whether you’re working with Tin Ceiling Tiles, Faux Concrete Wall Panels or Faux Wood Beams, these 10 essential tips will help you get accurate measurements when placing your order.
& don’t forget, if you need any more tips along the way, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team, we’re here to help!
- 1. Always measure (at least) twice
It might sound obvious, but double-checking your measurements can prevent costly errors. Use a reliable tape measure and record measurements in both inches and feet to make product selection easier.
- 2. Sketch the area first
Before ordering, draw a simple sketch of your room with all the dimensions marked. Include windows, doors, columns and any other features. This helps identify obstacles and areas where trimming will be needed.
- 3. Calculate total square footage
Multiply the length by the width of each section to get square footage. Add all sections together to get the total area. Most ceiling and wall tile product pages on the DecorativeCeilingTiles.net website include the square footage coverage per tile or panel.
Example: The Washington Square faux tin ceiling tile covers 4 square feet per tile. If your room is 120 sq ft, divide 120 by 4 to determine you need approximately 30 tiles.
- 4. Add 10-15% overage
Always order extra materials. This accounts for waste due to cutting, fitting, pattern matching and future repairs.
Rule of Thumb:
- - Add 10% for simple layouts.
- - Add 15% for more complex designs or angled cuts.
- 5. Plan for pattern matching
Many tiles and panels have repeating patterns that need to align. This is especially important for 3D designs, faux tin finishes and wainscoting panels.
Include extra material to allow proper pattern continuation, especially on wide or long surfaces.
- 6. Measure from the center out
For symmetrical designs and better balance, start your layout from the center of the ceiling or wall and work outward. This helps ensure that cut pieces are evenly distributed at the edges.
Especially helpful with ornate tiles like the Elizabethan Shield faux tin ceiling tile, where a centered installation showcases the pattern.
- 7. Use a laser level for walls and ceilings
A laser level ensures your tiles line up perfectly, especially on walls and ceilings where uneven lines are common. This avoids angled cuts and wasted product.
Pro Tip: You can also use a chalk line to lay out your grid.
- 8. Watch for drop ceilings and grid systems
If you're using ceiling tiles in a drop ceiling grid, confirm tile sizes match the grid (typically 2x2 or 2x4 feet). Also, account for any lighting or vents that will interrupt tile placement.
- 9. Break large spaces into zones
Instead of measuring one massive space, divide large rooms into sections and measure each separately. This allows for more accurate tile quantities, especially when dealing with corners or varied ceiling heights for example.
- 10. Save and store leftovers
After installation, keep any extra tiles in a clean, dry place. Leftovers are perfect for future repairs, accent projects, or replacements if any damage occurs.
Pro Tip: Label your stored extras with the product name and order date—like “DCT 01 Antique Gold, ordered June 2025.”
Real World Examples, How to Measure for Specific Projects?
Product: Beadboard - MirroFlex Faux Tin Glue Up Wainscoting Panels
Coverage: 32 sq ft per panel (4 ft × 8 ft)
Scenario: A 30 ft hallway, with wainscoting installed to 4 ft high.
Calculation:
- Wall length = 30 ft
- Wainscoting height = 4 ft
- Wall area = 30 × 4 = 120 sq ft
- Each panel covers 32 sq ft
- Add 10% overage for trimming around door frames, corners and alignment: 120 × 1.10 = 132 sq ft
- 132 ÷ 32 = 4.125 panels
Order a pack of 5 panels to ensure complete coverage and flexibility
Product: Small Slats Polystyrene Wood Slat Walls
Coverage: 93 sq ft per pack of 10 panels
Scenario: A 15 ft wide × 8 ft high bedroom wall
Calculation:
- Wall width = 15 ft
- Wall height = 8 ft
- Wall area = 15 × 8 = 120 sq ft
- Each pack covers 93 sq ft
- Add 10% overage for trimming, alignment, and installation adjustments: 120 × 1.10 = 132 sq ft
- 132 ÷ 93 = 1.42 packs
Order 2 packs to ensure full wall coverage with extra material for clean finishing and future repairs
Product: The Virginian Glue-up Styrofoam Ceiling Tile
Coverage: 2.66 sq ft per tile
Scenario: A 15 ft × 15 ft living room ceiling
Calculation:
- Ceiling length = 15 ft
- Ceiling width = 15 ft
- Ceiling area = 15 × 15 = 225 sq ft
- Each tile covers 2.66 sq ft
- Add 10% overage for edge trimming and fitting: 225 × 1.10 = 247.5 sq ft
- 247.5 ÷ 2.66 = 93.05 tiles
Order 96 packs to ensure clean coverage and layout flexibility
Wrapping up
Measuring correctly isn’t just a technical step, it’s the foundation of a successful DIY project. By following these tips, you’ll order the right quantities, minimize waste and ensure your tiles look stunning once installed.
If you're still unsure how many tiles to order, contact our team for help with measurements. We’re here to make your home transformations easy and worry-free.
