How to Measure for Self-Adhesive Vinyl: Complete Guide

This guide helps you calculate m² (square meters) and choose the right size of self-adhesive vinyl for floors, walls, and furniture. It includes quick formulas and examples with doors/windows, bathroom fixtures, pillars, and edges to be wrapped.

How to Measure the Floor for Self-Adhesive Vinyl [m², Plan, and Obstacles]

Whether you’re applying a single sheet or covering the entire floor, create a simple plan of the space:

1. Measure the width of each wall and sketch the floor plan.
2. Mark projections, pillars, irregular corners, wall breaks, bathroom fixtures, and fixed kitchen units.
3. Divide the plan into rectangles/triangles and calculate the square meters for each section.
4. Add all areas together and include a 10–15% margin for cuts and adjustments.

Floor formulas:

Rectangle: m² = length × width

Triangle: m² = (base × height) / 2

Tip: Using a laser measurer and tape measure reduces errors. If there are columns, measure their footprint and subtract it from the total.

How to Measure a Wall for Vinyl [Height × Width, Subtract Doors and Windows]

Measuring a wall is straightforward: height × width. When there are fixed elements, calculate the usable canvas (what you will actually cover).

Steps:

• Take total height and width.
• Measure doors, windows, upper cabinets, base units (in kitchens), and baseboards if they affect the area.
• Apply: wall m² = (height × width) − (area of openings).
• If you are only covering a kitchen backsplash (between countertop and wall cabinets), measure that specific band.

Quick example: wall 2.50 m × 3.00 m = 7.50 m². Window 1.20 m × 1.00 m = 1.20 m² → usable canvas = 6.30 m².

How to Measure Furniture for Vinyl [Faces, Edges, and Curved Borders]

• For tables, doors, drawers, and sides: measure width × height of each face.
• If you will wrap the edges, add the edge thickness (in mm) on the sides you want to cover.
• For curved borders (bathroom/kitchen), measure the continuous length of the curve (radius/arc) and add it to the height or width as appropriate.

How to Measure Multiple Surfaces in a Kitchen or Bathroom [Template and Numbering]

When there are several pieces (doors, faces, sides):

• Number each piece (1, 2, 3…).
• Record width × height and, if needed, the edges to be wrapped.
• Note distances between drawers/doors if there is visible spacing (to maintain design continuity).

Tip: Create a template with columns: piece # · width · height · edges · notes.

Covering With a Single Piece (Full Sheet)

If the set measures, for example, 174 × 60 cm, a size L from Lokoloko lets you cover all front faces with one piece. You keep the pattern continuous, but you won’t have margin to work the edges.

Applying One Full Sheet on Fronts Without Wrapping Edges [Quick Method]

Yes, you can apply the entire sheet directly onto the furniture: it’s quick and keeps the pattern aligned. Block drawers/doors during installation so they don’t open and create tension.

How Do I Calculate How Much Vinyl I Need?

Lokoloko has 4 standard sizes. Make sure the chosen size covers your total m² with a 10–15% margin.

• If your surface exceeds one size, use two copies or plan seams in discreet areas.
• For continuous fronts (kitchens), prioritize sizes that avoid visible joints.

Quick Checklist (Measure and Save Time)

1. You’ll need: tape measure/laser measurer, pencil and paper (or a floor-plan app).
2. Record height × width and subtract openings (doors/windows).
3. Sketch the floor plan including pillars/fixtures.
4. For furniture, decide on flush edge or wrapped edge and measure thickness.
5. Add a +10–15% margin and choose the size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Much Waste Should I Consider?

Between 10% and 15%, depending on complexity (more curves = more margin).

How Do I Keep Design Continuity on Furniture?

Use a full sheet or plan cuts along natural lines of the furniture.

What About Textured Walls (Gotelé) or Tiles?

On textured walls, adhesion isn’t optimal; on tiles, measure the usable front and clean the joints thoroughly before installation.