How To Measure A Room For Hardwood Flooring

How to Measure a Room for Hardwood Flooring

Measuring a room for hardwood flooring is a crucial step to ensure you order the correct amount of materials and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you're a professional installer or a DIY enthusiast, accurate measurements are essential.

Materials Needed:

Measuring tape
Notebook and pen

Measuring Instructions:

To measure a room for hardwood flooring, follow these steps:

Clear the Room: Remove any furniture or obstacles from the room to provide unobstructed access.
Measure Length and Width: Using the measuring tape, measure the length of the longest wall in the room and the width of the widest wall. Record these measurements in your notebook.
Multiply Length and Width: Multiply the length and width measurements to calculate the area of the room in square feet (multiply feet by feet).
Measure Irregularities: If the room has any irregularities, such as closets or bay windows, measure the area of these sections separately and subtract it from the total floor area.
Allow for Overhang: Hardwood flooring planks typically overhang walls by 1/2 inch on all sides. Add 1 inch (2 x 1/2 inch) to the total length and width when calculating the amount of flooring needed.

Example Calculation:

Suppose you measure a room with a length of 15 feet and a width of 12 feet. The calculation would be:

Area = Length x Width
Area = 15 feet x 12 feet
Area = 180 square feet

With a 1-inch allowance for overhang:

Total Length = 15 feet + 1 inch
Total Width = 12 feet + 1 inch

Additional Tips:

Round up your measurements to the nearest whole number.
Measure the room in multiple places to ensure accuracy.
If you're installing prefinished hardwood flooring, consider the tongue-and-groove edges when calculating the total area.
Consult with a flooring professional if you're unsure about any measurements or have a complex room shape.

By following these instructions and tips, you can confidently measure a room for hardwood flooring and ensure that you have the appropriate amount of materials for a successful installation.