How do I calculate how much stone I need?
It is important to note at the beginning of estimating the need for your stone application that there are several elements to be considered so you don't find yourself short when you the stone has been delivered and you are ready to install.
Estimating how much Flat stone I need?
First of course is the stone veneer which we will call the flat stone (which is the stone covering the wall). This stone will be measured in square footage. To determine the total square footage, simply multiply the length (in feet) of the wall times the height (in feet) of the wall. For example, if the area you are looking to cover with the flat stone on a wall is 20 feet in length and 10 feet in height (20 x10 = 200), you would need to order 200 sq feet of flat stone for that wall.
Subtracting windows, doors or other openings out of the flat stone estimate
Now you would want to do the same by calculating the square footage of any doors or windows in that wall, so you can subtract that footage from the total square feet you have previously calculated. So for example, if you had one door and one window on that wall you would want to figure out the sq ft of the two then subtract from the total footage. So if you have a door that is 7 x 3 = 21 sq ft and a window being 5 x 6 =30 on that wall you would subtract 51 sq ft from the 200 sq ft, which you mean that you really need a total of 149 square feet for that wall. It is wise to always add approximately 5 to 10% so if you happened to make a mistake you have yourself covered, it is also desirable to have an extra quantity for cutting and trimming your stone, as well to ensure you have what you need for the best fit.
Please note: If you are calculating the square footage for an interior feature wall and it might have features like book shelves make sure you add more stone for the inside of your book shelves or whatever feature you might incorporate.
Estimating the Corner pieces needed
The corner pieces are calculated in linear footage instead of square footage. Therefore, simply measure all outside corners from bottom to the top; including any doorways and/or windows that will have corners, this will give you the total corner linear footage needed.
Note; consider using corner stone’s around your door and window openings. This will provide more depth and dimension to your project and it will enhance the finished design.
Estimating Trim Stones and Window sills.Trim Stones
There are several sizes of trim stones available for around your windows, doors or other openings. Some have used the Old World Cobble Stone as a trim stone for a very rustic application. This measurement will be a linear measurement as well. You need to determine whether you are going to apply your trip stone vertically or horizontally around your opens. In order to calculate the linear footage you will need to have any idea as to the dimensions of the trim stone you desire for your application.
Window sills
Measuring for the window sills is easy to do, just a matter of measuring the horizontal dimension of each window then added it up for the total linear footage needed. Even though it is an easy thing to do, it is just one of those things you do not want to forget.
Keystones
You need to determine the appeal you desire around your doors and windows, as to whether you want a keystone at the top. If so, remember to place them on your order.
It is important to note at the beginning of estimating the need for your stone application that there are several elements to be considered so you don't find yourself short when you the stone has been delivered and you are ready to install.
Estimating how much Flat stone I need?
First of course is the stone veneer which we will call the flat stone (which is the stone covering the wall). This stone will be measured in square footage. To determine the total square footage, simply multiply the length (in feet) of the wall times the height (in feet) of the wall. For example, if the area you are looking to cover with the flat stone on a wall is 20 feet in length and 10 feet in height (20 x10 = 200), you would need to order 200 sq feet of flat stone for that wall.
Subtracting windows, doors or other openings out of the flat stone estimate
Now you would want to do the same by calculating the square footage of any doors or windows in that wall, so you can subtract that footage from the total square feet you have previously calculated. So for example, if you had one door and one window on that wall you would want to figure out the sq ft of the two then subtract from the total footage. So if you have a door that is 7 x 3 = 21 sq ft and a window being 5 x 6 =30 on that wall you would subtract 51 sq ft from the 200 sq ft, which you mean that you really need a total of 149 square feet for that wall. It is wise to always add approximately 5 to 10% so if you happened to make a mistake you have yourself covered, it is also desirable to have an extra quantity for cutting and trimming your stone, as well to ensure you have what you need for the best fit.
Please note: If you are calculating the square footage for an interior feature wall and it might have features like book shelves make sure you add more stone for the inside of your book shelves or whatever feature you might incorporate.
Estimating the Corner pieces needed
The corner pieces are calculated in linear footage instead of square footage. Therefore, simply measure all outside corners from bottom to the top; including any doorways and/or windows that will have corners, this will give you the total corner linear footage needed.
Note; consider using corner stone’s around your door and window openings. This will provide more depth and dimension to your project and it will enhance the finished design.
Estimating Trim Stones and Window sills.Trim Stones
There are several sizes of trim stones available for around your windows, doors or other openings. Some have used the Old World Cobble Stone as a trim stone for a very rustic application. This measurement will be a linear measurement as well. You need to determine whether you are going to apply your trip stone vertically or horizontally around your opens. In order to calculate the linear footage you will need to have any idea as to the dimensions of the trim stone you desire for your application.
Window sills
Measuring for the window sills is easy to do, just a matter of measuring the horizontal dimension of each window then added it up for the total linear footage needed. Even though it is an easy thing to do, it is just one of those things you do not want to forget.
Keystones
You need to determine the appeal you desire around your doors and windows, as to whether you want a keystone at the top. If so, remember to place them on your order.