How To Calculate Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it is durable, easy to install, and affordable. However, before you can install laminate flooring, you need to know how to calculate how much you need. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to calculate laminate flooring:

1. Measure the Length and Width of the Room

The first step is to measure the length and width of the room where you will be installing the laminate flooring. Make sure to measure in feet and inches.

2. Calculate the Square Footage of the Room

Once you have the length and width of the room, you can calculate the square footage by multiplying the two numbers together. For example, if the room is 10 feet long and 12 feet wide, the square footage would be 10 x 12 = 120 square feet.

3. Determine the Square Footage of Each Plank

Next, you need to determine the square footage of each laminate flooring plank. This information can be found on the packaging of the flooring.

4. Divide the Square Footage of the Room by the Square Footage of Each Plank

To find out how many planks you need, divide the square footage of the room by the square footage of each plank. For example, if the room is 120 square feet and each plank is 1 square foot, you will need 120 ÷ 1 = 120 planks.

5. Add 10% for Waste

When you install laminate flooring, there will always be some waste. To account for this, add 10% to the number of planks you need. For example, if you need 120 planks, you will add 10% (120 x 0.10 = 12) for a total of 132 planks.

6. Round Up to the Nearest Case

Laminate flooring is typically sold in cases. Each case contains a certain number of planks. Round up the number of planks you need to the nearest case.

7. Purchase the Flooring

Once you know how many cases of laminate flooring you need, you can purchase the flooring from a home improvement store.

Tips for Calculating Laminate Flooring

Here are some tips for calculating laminate flooring:

If the room is not a perfect rectangle, divide the room into smaller rectangles and calculate the square footage of each rectangle separately. Then, add the square footage of each rectangle to get the total square footage of the room.
When measuring the length and width of the room, be sure to include any closets or other areas that will be covered by the flooring.
If you are not sure how to calculate the square footage of a room, you can use a square footage calculator. Many online square footage calculators are available.
When ordering laminate flooring, it is always better to order a little extra than not enough. This way, you will have some extra planks on hand in case of mistakes or damage.