How To Figure Square Footage For Wood Flooring

Figuring out the square footage of a room is essential for accurate planning and accurate material purchasing. When it comes to installing new wood flooring, the square footage of the room will determine how much flooring you need to purchase. Here's a quick guide to help you accurately measure the square footage of your room for wood flooring installation.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You'll need a measuring tape, a pencil, and a calculator for this project. Make sure your measuring tape is long enough to stretch the entire length and width of the room.

Step 2: Measure the Length and Width

Start by measuring the length of the room. Hold the measuring tape at one end of the room and extend it to the opposite end. Record the measurement in feet and inches.

Next, measure the width of the room. Again, hold the measuring tape at one end of the room and extend it to the opposite end. Record the measurement in feet and inches.

Step 3: Multiply the Length and Width

To calculate the square footage, multiply the length by the width. For example, if the length is 12 feet and the width is 10 feet, the square footage would be 12 x 10 = 120 square feet.

Step 4: Add Irregular Areas

If your room has any irregular areas, such as closets, alcoves, or bay windows, you'll need to measure and add those areas separately. To do this, divide the irregular area into smaller rectangles or squares and calculate the square footage of each shape. Then, add the square footage of all the irregular areas to the total square footage of the room.

Step 5: Calculate the Waste Factor

When you purchase wood flooring, it's important to factor in a waste factor. This is because some of the flooring will be lost to cuts, waste, and damaged pieces. A typical waste factor for wood flooring is 10%. So, if you have a room that measures 120 square feet, you would need to purchase 120 x 1.10 = 132 square feet of flooring.

By following these steps, you can accurately measure the square footage of your room for wood flooring installation. This will help you purchase the correct amount of flooring and ensure a successful installation.