Use this ASCEND Material Takeoff Checklist to measure cladding, calculate carton quantities, plan waste, and identify starter strip, J-channel, corners, H-trim, finish trim, fasteners, flashing, and other accessories required for a complete order.

ASCEND Contractor Estimating Resource

ASCEND Material Takeoff Checklist

A reliable ASCEND Composite Cladding takeoff must include more than the total square footage of the house. Contractors should measure each elevation separately, identify every profile, color, texture, opening, corner, gable, termination, and transition, and then convert those measurements into complete cartons and manufactured accessory lengths.

ASCEND is available as 7-inch horizontal Plank and 12-inch vertical Board & Batten. Current manufacturer literature lists the Plank at 12 feet 3 inches long with a 7-inch exposure and 14 planks per carton. Board & Batten is listed at 12 feet long with a 12-inch exposure and eight panels per carton, providing 0.96 square—or approximately 96 square feet—of nominal coverage.¹

The checklist below is designed to help contractors build a complete order, but it does not replace the current ASCEND Installation Guide, profile-specific instructions, accessory catalog, local building code, or project-specific architectural details.

ASCEND Takeoff Checklist at a Glance

☐ Confirm the selected ASCEND profile or profiles.
☐ Confirm color and texture for every elevation.
☐ Measure each wall independently.
☐ Calculate rectangles, gables, dormers, and irregular areas separately.
☐ Record windows, doors, garage openings, and penetrations.
☐ Determine which openings create legitimate material deductions.
☐ Develop a panel layout and cut plan.
☐ Add project-specific waste.
☐ Convert adjusted quantities into full cartons.
☐ Measure starter and receiving channels.
☐ Measure every outside corner individually.
☐ Measure J-channel, H-trim, lineals, and finish trim.
☐ Count mounting blocks and utility penetrations.
☐ Calculate approved fasteners.
☐ Coordinate housewrap, flashing, and drainage materials.
☐ Confirm carton quantities, colors, availability, freight, and delivery.
☐ Add properly stored matching repair stock where appropriate.
☐ Have the installer review the order before release.

1. Record the Project Information

Begin with basic project information so every measurement, product selection, revision, and order can be traced to the correct job.

☐ Customer or project name
☐ Project address
☐ Contractor and estimator
☐ Measurement date
☐ Drawing or plan revision date
☐ New construction or remodeling project
☐ Tear-off, overlay, or partial replacement
☐ Expected installation date
☐ Delivery and staging restrictions
☐ Applicable code or design requirements

2. Confirm the ASCEND Profile

Separate horizontal Plank and vertical Board & Batten before calculating material. Although both products belong to the ASCEND system, their panel dimensions, direction, layouts, cuts, carton coverage, and accessory requirements differ.²

7-Inch Plank

☐ Horizontal application
☐ 7-inch exposure
☐ 12-foot-3-inch manufactured length
☐ 14 planks per carton
☐ Approximately one square per carton
☐ Steel starter at qualifying wall bases
☐ Manufacturer-defined field overlap

12-Inch Board & Batten

☐ Vertical application
☐ 12-inch exposure
☐ 12-foot manufactured length
☐ Eight panels per carton
☐ 0.96 square per carton
☐ Upper and lower receiving-channel details
☐ Centered and balanced panel layout

3. Confirm Color and Texture

Keep every profile, color, and texture in a separate takeoff category. Material from one combination cannot automatically cover a shortage in another.

☐ Main field color
☐ Accent color
☐ Additional gable or dormer colors
☐ Cedar Mill Grain or Matte texture
☐ Horizontal or vertical orientation
☐ Color-matched accessory selection
☐ Contrasting trim selection
☐ Physical sample approval
☐ Signed customer selection record
☐ Current product and accessory availability

The manufacturer currently presents ASCEND in two profiles, two surface appearances, and 21 colors. Accessory availability may vary, so the field color should not be approved before the required corner, channel, lineal, and trim colors are confirmed.³

4. Measure Every Elevation Separately

Do not begin by entering one total square-foot number for the entire home. Measure and label each elevation separately so the takeoff preserves the wall lengths, panel directions, openings, corners, and cuts that control actual material use.

☐ Front elevation
☐ Rear elevation
☐ Left elevation
☐ Right elevation
☐ Garage projections
☐ Porch walls
☐ Dormers
☐ Gables
☐ Chimney chases
☐ Bay or bow window projections
☐ Additions and bump-outs
☐ Upper-story wall sections

5. Calculate the Gross Wall Area

Rectangle: Width × Height
Triangle: Base × Height ÷ 2
Trapezoid: Average of parallel sides × Height

Break irregular elevations into smaller measurable shapes. Label every calculation so the estimator or installer can audit it later.

☐ Record wall width.
☐ Record wall height.
☐ Separate triangular gable area.
☐ Separate dormers and projections.
☐ Record areas using a different profile.
☐ Record areas using a different color or texture.
☐ Confirm measurements against plans when available.

6. Evaluate Window and Door Deductions

Openings reduce covered wall area but also create cuts. Do not automatically subtract every window and door at its full square footage.

Large garage doors, patio doors, and broad window groups may justify substantial deductions. Small openings may save little usable material after cuts above, below, and beside the opening are considered.

☐ Record each window width and height.
☐ Record each exterior door width and height.
☐ Record garage-door dimensions.
☐ Identify grouped or mulled openings.
☐ Determine whether offcuts are reusable.
☐ Record openings requiring additional trim or finish trim.
☐ Deduct only the area that creates meaningful material savings.

7. Measure Gables Independently

Calculate each gable’s triangular area, but do not stop at square footage. Roof pitch, panel orientation, centerline layout, angle cuts, and offcut reuse determine the actual material quantity.

☐ Measure gable-base width.
☐ Measure vertical height from base to peak.
☐ Record roof pitch or slope.
☐ Record windows or vents inside the gable.
☐ Determine Plank course layout.
☐ Determine Board & Batten centerline.
☐ Evaluate opposite-slope offcut reuse.
☐ Add an allowance for unusable angle cuts.
☐ Measure both rake edges for receiving channel.

ASCEND’s full installation guide includes separate gable procedures for horizontal Plank and vertical Board & Batten. The profiles should not be estimated from the same generic gable assumption.⁴

8. Build the 7-Inch Plank Layout

For horizontal Plank elevations, record the wall lengths, number of courses, likely joint locations, and field overlaps. Do not treat the full manufactured plank length as unrestricted end-to-end coverage.

☐ Confirm the starter elevation.
☐ Calculate the approximate number of courses.
☐ Record each wall’s horizontal run.
☐ Plan plank overlap locations.
☐ Stagger visible joints.
☐ Account for field-cut under-planks.
☐ Identify short returns.
☐ Identify final courses beneath soffits.
☐ Assign usable offcuts to specific locations.
☐ Confirm finish-trim requirements.

9. Build the Board & Batten Layout

Board & Batten should be estimated by physical panel position as well as square footage. Each panel has a 12-inch exposure, so one panel position covers approximately one linear foot of wall width before rip cuts and layout adjustments are considered.

☐ Record exact accent or wall width.
☐ Record maximum panel height.
☐ Establish the architectural centerline.
☐ Decide whether a board or batten is centered.
☐ Lay out 12-inch panel modules.
☐ Balance left and right end pieces.
☐ Record the physical panel count.
☐ Identify every vertical rip cut.
☐ Identify finish-trim requirements.
☐ Evaluate 12-foot-panel offcut reuse.
☐ Resolve walls taller than the manufactured panel length.

The Board & Batten quick-start and full installation guides provide profile-specific requirements for panel layout, receiving channels, rip cuts, finish trim, clearances, and gable installations.⁵

10. Estimate Waste from the Layout

ASCEND does not publish one universal waste percentage for every building. Waste should be based on wall geometry, profile direction, panel dimensions, openings, gables, overlaps, balanced layouts, colors, textures, and realistic offcut reuse.

☐ Account for Plank field overlaps.
☐ Account for gable-angle cuts.
☐ Account for Board & Batten end rip cuts.
☐ Account for window and door cuts.
☐ Account for short walls and returns.
☐ Account for profile and color transitions.
☐ Identify which offcuts can truly be reused.
☐ Add contingency for damaged or unusable pieces.
☐ Add matching repair stock where appropriate.
☐ Round every product combination to full cartons.

A percentage can be useful as a preliminary budgeting tool. The final order should be supported by an actual panel layout or cut map. A theoretical square-foot surplus is worthless when none of the remaining pieces fit the unfinished wall.

11. Convert the Adjusted Area into Cartons

Profile	Packaging	Nominal Carton Coverage
7-Inch Plank	14 planks per carton	Approximately 100 square feet
12-Inch Board & Batten	Eight panels per carton	96 square feet, or 0.96 square

Cartons required = adjusted square footage ÷ published carton coverage

Round every result up to the next full carton unless the distributor has confirmed that individual pieces are available.

12. Measure Starter and Lower Receiving Channels

Measure the actual wall bases where cladding begins. Do not automatically apply the same starter quantity to both profiles.

☐ 7-inch Plank steel starter runs
☐ Board & Batten lower receiving channels
☐ Gable bases
☐ Upper-story wall starts
☐ Walls above stone or masonry
☐ Walls above porch or roof transitions
☐ Horizontal profile-change locations
☐ Waste for cuts and short runs

Current accessory literature lists the ASCEND steel starter strip in 10-foot lengths. The installation instructions govern its layout, fastening, and spacing between adjoining sections.⁶

13. Measure Outside Corners Individually

Record every corner’s individual height. Do not divide the combined corner footage by the manufactured post length without checking whether the resulting pieces can serve each corner.

☐ Number of outside corners
☐ Individual height of each corner
☐ 3.5-inch or 5.5-inch profile selection
☐ Color selection
☐ Corners continuing into gables
☐ Tall corners requiring more than one post
☐ Approved overlap locations
☐ Additional piece for damage or repair

Current ASCEND accessory literature lists 3.5-inch and 5.5-inch composite outside corner posts in 12-foot lengths with 3/4-inch receiving pockets.⁷

14. Measure J-Channel

Measure J-channel from the actual planned receiving details—not from a generic percentage of the field cladding.

☐ Window jambs
☐ Window heads
☐ Window sills where the detail requires channel
☐ Exterior doors
☐ Garage-door openings
☐ Soffit and eave terminations
☐ Gable-rake edges
☐ Mounting blocks
☐ Vents and penetrations
☐ Roof-to-wall terminations
☐ Masonry and cladding transitions
☐ Waste for tabs, miters, laps, and short cuts

The current accessory catalog lists ASCEND J-channel in 12-foot lengths with a 3/4-inch channel pocket.⁷

15. Measure H-Trim and Architectural Transitions

☐ Plank-to-Board & Batten transitions
☐ Vertical wall breaks
☐ Color transitions
☐ Texture transitions
☐ Addition or architectural separation lines
☐ Cladding-to-cladding transitions
☐ Individual transition height
☐ Required joint or continuation details

Current manufacturer literature lists the 5.5-inch ASCEND Composite H-Trim in 16-foot lengths with a 3/4-inch channel pocket.⁷

16. Measure Window and Door Surrounds

Determine whether each opening will use standard ASCEND J-channel, 3.5-inch trim, 5.5-inch trim, another approved lineal system, or a compatible third-party surround.

☐ Window jamb lengths
☐ Window-head lengths
☐ Window-sill details
☐ Door jambs and heads
☐ Garage-door trim
☐ Miter or square-cut design
☐ Factory-end requirements
☐ Color and texture
☐ Backing or build-out requirements
☐ Additional material for visually continuous pieces

Current accessory literature lists 3.5-inch and 5.5-inch ASCEND Composite Trim in 16-foot lengths. Published colors and local availability should be confirmed before the customer approves the trim package.⁷

17. Identify Finish-Trim Locations

Finish trim should be calculated from actual cut-panel conditions. It is not automatically required everywhere J-channel is installed.

☐ Final Plank courses beneath soffits
☐ Qualifying horizontal cuts above windows
☐ Qualifying horizontal cuts below windows
☐ Wide obstacles and mounting blocks
☐ Board & Batten vertical rip cuts
☐ Conditions where normal panel support is removed
☐ Manufacturer-required support locations

Current ASCEND accessory literature lists universal finish trim in 12-foot-6-inch lengths. Profile-specific installation instructions determine where it is required.⁸

18. Count Mounting Blocks and Penetrations

☐ Exterior lights
☐ Electrical receptacles
☐ Hose bibs
☐ Dryer vents
☐ Bath and kitchen exhaust vents
☐ HVAC penetrations
☐ Utility meters
☐ Cable and communication boxes
☐ Downspout attachments
☐ House numbers and exterior fixtures
☐ Cameras, alarms, and doorbells

The selected mounting system must accommodate ASCEND’s approximately 3/4-inch projection, preserve required panel clearance, and integrate with the water-management system.

19. Calculate Fasteners

Select fasteners from the current installation instructions, substrate, wall construction, profile, and required wind design. Do not choose fastener length from the cladding thickness alone.

☐ Approved fastener material
☐ Required corrosion resistance
☐ Required head diameter
☐ Required shank diameter
☐ Required substrate penetration
☐ Sheathing or framing attachment
☐ Standard fastening spacing
☐ High-wind fastening spacing
☐ Starter and accessory fasteners
☐ Special fasteners for designated details
☐ Additional fasteners for waste or loss

ASCEND’s installation instructions control fastener type, spacing, placement in the slots, penetration, and clearance beneath the fastener head. Those requirements may vary by profile and project condition.⁹

20. Coordinate the Weather-Barrier and Flashing Package

ASCEND is a supplemental rainscreen, not the primary weather-resistant barrier. A complete project takeoff must include or coordinate the code-required weather barrier and flashing system.¹⁰

☐ Housewrap or building paper
☐ Approved weather-barrier fasteners
☐ Seam tape where required
☐ Window sill flashing
☐ Window jamb flashing
☐ Window and door head flashing
☐ Door sill-pan materials
☐ Roof-to-wall flashing
☐ Kickout flashing
☐ Deck-ledger flashing
☐ Masonry and cladding transitions
☐ Penetration flashing
☐ Compatible primers and sealants

21. Include Trim Coil and Metalwork

The visible ASCEND accessory system may not address every fascia, rake, window, door, or custom transition. Record the aluminum coil and custom-fabricated metal needed to complete the exterior.

☐ Window and door wrap
☐ Fascia cover
☐ Rake trim
☐ Frieze boards
☐ Beam and post wraps
☐ Custom head flashing
☐ Masonry transitions
☐ Roofline transitions
☐ Color-matched coil selection
☐ Waste for bends and short pieces

The current ASCEND trim and accessories catalog includes several color-coordinated aluminum trim-coil options. Confirm the selected coating, color, gauge, roll size, and local availability.⁷

22. Plan for Delivery, Storage, and Handling

A material takeoff is incomplete when the product cannot be delivered, unloaded, supported, or stored correctly.

☐ Confirm truck and trailer access.
☐ Confirm forklift or unloading requirements.
☐ Identify a flat, fully supporting storage area.
☐ Keep 7-inch Plank cartons flat.
☐ Keep Board & Batten cartons on their wide side.
☐ Support cartons along their full length.
☐ Protect material from heat and direct sunlight.
☐ Protect cartons from construction traffic.
☐ Keep unused accessories flat and supported.
☐ Preserve carton labels and product information.

ASCEND’s installation guide includes specific storage, stacking, temperature, transportation, carton-opening, and material-handling requirements. Improper storage or handling can damage material before installation begins.¹¹

23. Confirm Packaging and Order Units

Distinguish between the calculated quantity, recommended quantity, and actual quantity that must be purchased.

☐ Calculated field-cladding pieces
☐ Recommended field-cladding pieces with waste
☐ Full cartons required
☐ Calculated accessory pieces
☐ Recommended accessory pieces with waste
☐ Full accessory cartons required
☐ Distributor break-carton policy
☐ Return and restocking policy
☐ Special-order or nonreturnable items
☐ Freight and minimum-order charges

24. Verify the Complete Order by Elevation

Review each elevation and prove how the cladding begins, stops, turns, drains, and transitions.

☐ Field panels
☐ Starter or lower channel
☐ Upper channel
☐ Left-side termination
☐ Right-side termination
☐ Outside and inside corners
☐ Window and door trim
☐ Gable-rake channel
☐ Soffit termination
☐ Profile transitions
☐ Mounting blocks
☐ Finish trim
☐ Fasteners
☐ Flashing and drainage materials

25. Complete the Final Preorder Review

Final Approval Checklist

☐ Measurements have been checked.
☐ Profiles are separated.
☐ Colors and textures are separated.
☐ Customer selections are signed.
☐ Waste is based on a cut plan.
☐ Cartons have been rounded correctly.
☐ Starter and channels have been measured.
☐ Corners have been measured individually.
☐ Openings and gables have complete trim packages.
☐ Finish-trim conditions have been identified.
☐ Mounting blocks have been counted.
☐ Fasteners match the substrate and design.
☐ Weather-barrier and flashing materials are included.
☐ Accessory colors and availability are confirmed.
☐ Freight and delivery requirements are confirmed.
☐ Repair stock has been considered.
☐ The installation crew has reviewed the order.
☐ Current manufacturer documents are attached to the job file.

Suggested Takeoff Worksheet

Elevation	Profile	Color / Texture	Gross Area	Deductions	Net Area	Waste	Adjusted Area	Cartons
Front
Rear
Left
Right

Suggested Accessory Worksheet

Accessory	Measured Feet	Piece Length	Base Pieces	Waste	Final Pieces	Order Units
Steel starter		10 ft.
J-channel		12 ft.
Outside corners		12 ft.
H-trim		16 ft.
Composite trim		16 ft.
Finish trim		12 ft. 6 in.

Common ASCEND Takeoff Mistakes

Estimating the entire home from one total square-foot number
Combining Plank and Board & Batten quantities
Combining colors or textures before carton rounding
Subtracting every opening at its full area
Ignoring the Plank field overlap
Estimating Board & Batten by area without a panel count
Failing to center Board & Batten accents and gables
Assuming every offcut can be reused
Using one generic waste percentage without a cut plan
Forgetting gable-rake J-channel
Forgetting upper Board & Batten receiving channels
Dividing combined corner footage without checking individual heights
Ordering finish trim for every foot of J-channel
Missing mounting blocks and utility penetrations
Using fasteners that do not reach the approved substrate
Assuming ASCEND replaces the weather-resistant barrier
Approving a field color before checking accessory availability
Ignoring full-carton purchasing requirements
Failing to include delivery, storage, and handling requirements
Releasing the order without installer review

A Clear Contractor Standard

“We estimate ASCEND by elevation, profile, color, texture, panel layout, and accessory detail. We calculate the wall area, but we also prove how the individual panels, corners, channels, trims, fasteners, flashing, and mounting blocks will complete the building. The final order is based on the installed system—not merely the number of siding squares.”

The Bottom Line

A complete ASCEND material takeoff begins with accurate elevation measurements and ends with a verified installation package. Separate Plank and Board & Batten, calculate each color and texture independently, develop a realistic cut plan, include project-specific waste, and round the final quantities to complete cartons.

Measure starter, receiving channels, outside corners, J-channel, H-trim, composite trim, and finish trim in linear feet. Count mounting blocks and penetrations individually. Select fasteners from the actual substrate and installation requirements, and coordinate the weather-resistant barrier and flashing materials separately.

The disciplined takeoff rule is simple: every edge needs an answer. Before ordering, prove how each elevation starts, stops, turns, drains, fastens, and transitions. Anything less is not a complete material takeoff.

Build a Complete ASCEND Order with Suburban Wholesale & Supply

Suburban Wholesale & Supply supports contractors, builders, and remodelers throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois with ASCEND Plank, Board & Batten, color-matched accessories, technical resources, material takeoffs, availability guidance, and jobsite delivery.

Our team can help review elevation measurements, separate profile and color quantities, calculate cartons, coordinate starter and trim, confirm current accessory packaging, and prepare a complete project order before installation begins.

How Suburban Wholesale & Supply Supports Contractors

ASCEND material-takeoff assistance
Plank and Board & Batten calculations
Starter, trim, and accessory coordination
Current manufacturer literature
Color and product-availability guidance
Carton and piece-quantity support
Competitive contractor material pricing
Jobsite delivery across Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

ASCEND Material Takeoff Checklist | Suburban Wholesale & Supply