What additional percentage of surface area should be added to account for waste when calculating materials for gable ends?

When calculating the materials needed for gable ends in construction, it is common practice to include an additional percentage of surface area to account for potential waste. This waste can arise from various factors such as cutting, fitting, and any mistakes that may be made during the installation process.

In this context, adding 10% is a standard and widely accepted practice in carpentry and construction. This extra percentage serves as a buffer to ensure that sufficient materials are available to complete the project without interruptions due to shortages. Different projects and materials may require different waste percentages; however, 10% is a typical recommendation for many scenarios, making it a practical and safe choice for most carpenters when planning for gable ends specifically.

Other percentages, such as 5%, would likely be too low to cover potential waste effectively, while 15% or 20% could result in unnecessary excess material, leading to increased costs and storage needs. Each of these alternatives may not provide sufficient coverage for mistakes or unforeseen circumstances that often occur in carpentry projects.