7 Wall Hanging Project Intro: Estimation

We arrive at the shop, ready to make our Wall Hanging Projects!

This project is recommended with cedar, but you may choose any wood of your liking. The project can be stained or painted – make it your own!

We must first know how many shelves we need, based on the number of students in the class. Then, estimate the number of shelves we can get out of one slab of cedar, to figure out how many slabs of cedar we need to purchase.

Class and cedar plank sizes will vary, but this is a mock-up estimation activity for the Wall Hanging Project. You are welcome to decide on the measurements below, even make them up as you please. Wood slabs are typically sold in lengths of 6 ft to 20 ft and in thicknesses between 1 to 1 ¾ inches. It is mostly important to make sure the math is correct, and that you understand the concept of estimation for ordering materials.

Identify Measurements and Number of Students

First, we will take a look at the measurements on our Wall Hanging Project Blueprint:

• Length of shelf:
• Width of shelf:

Now we will measure out the cedar slabs we have in the shop:

• Length of cedar slabs:
• Width of cedar slabs:

How many students are making the Wall Hanging Project?

• A = Number of students =

Calculate

Now we need to figure out how many shelves we can get out of one piece of cedar.

• B = Length of cedar slab ÷ Length of shelf (from blueprint) =
• C = Width of cedar slab ÷ Width of shelf (on blueprint) =

This number is the number of shelves you will get out of one cedar slab:

• D = B × C =
• E = A ÷ D =
• E = The amount of cedar slabs needed for your class!