How Do You Measure Square Feet For Laminate Flooring

How Do You Measure Square Feet for Laminate Flooring?

When it comes to installing new laminate flooring, accurate measurements are crucial. Knowing how to measure square feet will ensure you purchase the correct amount of flooring and avoid costly mistakes.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you measure square feet:

Step 1: Determine the Area to Be Floored

Start by calculating the length and width of the room. Measure the longest and widest points within the room, even if they don't form perfect rectangles.

Step 2: Convert Length and Width to Feet

If your measurements are in inches, convert them to feet by dividing by 12. For example, if you measured 120 inches, you would divide by 12 to get 10 feet.

Step 3: Calculate the Square Footage

Once you have the length and width in feet, multiply them to find the square footage. For instance, if the room measures 10 feet long and 12 feet wide, the square footage would be 10 x 12 = 120 square feet.

Step 4: Add 10% for Waste

To account for cuts, errors, and transitions, add approximately 10% to the square footage you calculated. So, for a room with 120 square feet, you would add 12 square feet for a total of 132 square feet.

Step 5: Round Up to the Nearest Box

Laminate flooring is typically sold in boxes containing 20-25 square feet. Round up your total square footage to the nearest box size. In our example, since we calculated 132 square feet, we would need to purchase 6 boxes (150 square feet).

Additional Tips:

Use a measuring tape specifically designed for flooring.
Measure the room multiple times to ensure accuracy.
Consider any obstacles or fixtures that may affect your measurements.
Allow for extra flooring if you plan to install intricate patterns or borders.

By following these steps carefully, you can accurately measure the square footage needed for your laminate flooring project and ensure a successful installation.