How Much Coving Do I Need?
Quick Answer
A typical 4m × 3m room needs ~14m of coving plus adhesive
Based on: room perimeter of 14m, standard 127mm polystyrene or plaster coving, sold in 2m or 3m lengths
How We Calculated This
Coving runs around the perimeter of the room where the walls meet the ceiling:
- Perimeter: (4m + 3m) × 2 = 14m
- Coving lengths: 14 ÷ 2 (2m lengths) = 7 lengths, or 14 ÷ 3 (3m lengths) = 5 lengths
- Add 5–10% for cutting waste at corners
- Adhesive: ~1 tube of coving adhesive per 3–4m of coving
Common UK Coving Sizes
- 90mm: Small, subtle profile — suits modern rooms
- 100mm: Standard size for most homes
- 127mm (5″): Most popular size in the UK
- 150mm+: Large, decorative — suits period properties
Material Options
- Polystyrene coving: Cheapest, lightest, easy to cut with a craft knife
- Plaster coving: Traditional, heavy, needs a mitre box and fine-tooth saw
- Polyurethane coving: Lightweight but looks like plaster, good middle ground
- Duropolymer: Moisture-resistant, suitable for bathrooms and kitchens
Adhesive Requirements
Most coving adhesive comes in cartridge tubes (310ml) or tubs. One cartridge typically covers 3–4 metres of coving. For a 14m room, budget for 4–5 cartridges. Use a dedicated coving adhesive — not general-purpose grab adhesive.
Tips
Always start from the corner furthest from the door for the best visual finish. Cut internal corners with the coving upside down in a mitre box. Use masking tape to hold the coving in place while the adhesive sets, and fill any gaps with caulk before painting.