How Much Dado Rail Do I Need?
Quick Answer
Approximately 12.5 metres for a 4m × 3m room
Based on: room perimeter minus one door opening (~800mm). Fitted at approximately 900mm above finished floor level.
How We Calculated This
- Room perimeter: (4 + 3) × 2 = 14m
- Deduct for door opening: ~800mm (standard internal door)
- Net dado rail: approximately 13.2m
- Deduct any other breaks (built-ins, fireplace): say 12.5m
- Add 10% for cutting waste
Where to Fit Dado Rail
Dado rail sits at approximately one-third of the wall height, traditionally where chair backs would scuff the wall. Standard heights:
- Standard 2.4m ceiling: 850–900mm above floor
- Higher ceilings (2.7m+): 900–1,000mm above floor
- Victorian/period: Often aligned with window sill height
Profiles and Materials
- Ogee: Classic moulded profile
- Torus: Half-round (bullnose) profile
- Chamfered: Simple angled edge for contemporary rooms
- Materials: Softwood, MDF, or hardwood in 2.4m, 3m, or 4.2m lengths
Tips
Fix at consistent height using a laser level. Scribe to uneven walls rather than leaving gaps. Use mitre joints at corners and scarf joints on long runs. Prime before fitting and caulk joints before final painting.
Last updated: April 2026. Buy 10% extra for mitre cuts and waste.