A grid with four panel bays needs five vertical stiles. Total horizontal strip width = (columns + 1) × strip width. The remainder divides equally into panel interior widths. The same logic applies vertically for rows on flat walls.
Staircase mode uses arctan(rise ÷ going) for rail mitres. Vertical stiles stay plumb; only top and bottom rails follow the stair pitch.
A 3 000 mm × 2 400 mm hallway wall with 90 mm strips, 4 columns and 3 rows: horizontal strips = 5 × 90 = 450 mm. Remaining width = 2 550 mm → panel width = 637.5 mm. Vertical strips = 4 × 90 = 360 mm. Remaining height = 2 040 mm → panel height = 680 mm. You need 5 stiles at 2 400 mm and 16 rails at 637.5 mm.
Step-by-step guide to measuring walls, choosing MDF strip widths, calculating panel spacing, and avoiding costly cutting mistakes on shaker-style feature walls.
Learn the correct fixing sequence, adhesive technique, and when to add pin nails when installing MDF shaker strips on plasterboard walls.
How to calculate stair pitch, set your mitre saw, and keep vertical stiles plumb on sloped staircase walls.
Which MDF strip thickness suits your room? Compare shadow depth, weight, architrave fit, and when to use hardboard backing.
Shopping list, strip quantity example, and realistic UK cost ranges for a typical shaker feature wall project.
From wallpaper substrates to spot-gluing and skipped primers — the most common panelling errors and practical fixes.
I built Shaker Panel after miscutting MDF on my own hallway and staircase panelling projects. The calculator checks strip counts and panel sizes before cutting; the guides document what I learned on real UK plasterboard walls.
About Ush Rupasinghe →Measure, compare layouts, generate a cut list, estimate MDF sheets, paint, and cost — then print one project plan. Flat walls and staircase slopes.
New to panelling? Measurement guide
Enter millimetre dimensions from site. Use the smallest width reading if the wall tapers.
Opening 637.5 × 680.0 mm · 4×3 grid
Standard wall 3000 by 2400 millimetres. 4 columns and 3 rows. Panel openings 637.5 by 680.0 millimetres.