Why Use a 14-Inch Roller Instead of a 9" or 18"?

May 20

When it comes to painting walls, choosing the right roller size can make a huge difference in how fast, clean, and easy the job goes. Most DIYers automatically reach for a 9-inch roller, while some professionals use 18-inch rollers for large-scale work. But there’s one size that often gets overlooked — and it might just be the best of both worlds: the 14-inch roller.

Here’s why the 14" roller is becoming the go-to for painters who want speed, precision, and control.

🎯 1. The Perfect Middle Ground

9-inch rollers are easy to handle and great for tight spaces — but they’re slower and need more dipping.
18-inch rollers cover a lot of area fast — but they’re heavy and harder to control.

The 14-inch roller sits right in the middle:

Wider than 9" – faster coverage and fewer roller lines
Lighter than 18" – easier to manage for ceilings, poles, or detail work

🕒 2. You Paint Faster Without the Bulk

The 14" roller covers about 50% more wall than a 9", helping you finish jobs faster with fewer passes. You also reload less often thanks to its larger paint capacity — but without the wrist strain of an 18".

🧽 3. Better Coverage, Fewer Lap Marks

Smoother application with fewer visible roller lines
Ideal for medium-to-large rooms where you want a clean, pro-level finish
Easier to control than an 18", especially near trim and corners

🧰 4. Easy to Find at Major Paint Stores

You can pick up a 14-inch roller at most major paint retailers:

Sherwin-Williams
Benjamin Moore
Many local paint stores

Need a 14-inch paint bucket? You can find those at:

Home Hardware Website
Other online retailers like Amazon or specialty paint supply shops

Just make sure to get the right tray or bucket grid to fit the roller size!

🧠 When Is a 14" Roller the Best Choice?

✅ Medium to large rooms
✅ Hallways, living rooms, ceilings
✅ Projects where you want to move fast without losing control
✅ Perfect for solo painters or pros looking to save time

⚠️ Things to Consider

You’ll need a 14" roller frame and tray, which are sold separately (not part of most DIY kits).
It’s still too big for tight spaces or behind trim — so keep a smaller roller or brush handy for edges.

Final Thoughts

If you want a smoother, faster painting experience without wrestling with a bulky roller, the 14-inch roller is the perfect in-between. It saves you time, gives better coverage, and is easier to control — especially for everyday painting jobs.

At Brushix Painting, we rely on 14" rollers to deliver high-quality results quickly and cleanly. If you're in Coquitlam or the Tri-Cities and want a beautifully painted home without the effort, reach out for a free quote — we’ll handle the rest.

Ian Tsai