How much laminate flooring do i need?

In this post, we’ll look at the amount of square footage that needs laminate flooring for a variety of rooms.

# It’s all about the square footage

It’s important to know the square footage of your room before you buy laminate flooring. This ensures that you get the amount of laminate flooring that you need for your room. The amount of laminate flooring that you need is based on the size of the room and not the size of the rolls. This may be different if your room is oddly shaped or with obstructions and awkward gaps.

To know the amount of laminate floor that you need, measure the length and width of your walls using a tape measure. Next, multiply them together to get the square footage. For example, if your room is 12 feet in length and 10 feet in width, you’ll get a total of 120 square feet. Remember to measure the entire room walls so that you don’t forget an area or two. 

You can also use a laminate flooring calculator for your convenience.

# How to measure square footage for different rooms?

If you have an area that is at least 50 square feet but less than 550 square feet, it should be pretty easy to find something suitable for this space. 

If you have a 50 to 550 square feet space, you have quite a few options. You can buy the same size roll of laminate flooring or two smaller rolls of laminate flooring; this will depend on how much money you want to spend.

If your room is larger than 550 square feet, it’s safe to say that you need more than one roll of laminate flooring; unless, of course, your room is oddly shaped and would not allow for using more than one roll.

# How do you measure how much laminate flooring do I have when the room is oddly shaped?

Most rooms may have spaces under stairs and other gaps. This may result in boxes of flooring or a large roll of flooring that is either too long or not wide enough to fit the length of the room. If you purchase a large roll, you will have a lot of leftover laminate flooring.

If your room is oddly shaped, it’s best to measure the exact size of the area that you need laminate flooring for. Then calculate how much laminate flooring you will need by dividing the room by squares and rectangles. When there’s an obstruction, measure the space next to it into a square/rectangle. Do the same for the center of the room and other spaces next to an obstruction. 

The next thing to do is find the total square meter for each square by multiplying the length by the width. Then take those totals and add them together to get the total amount of flooring and how many packs of laminate you will need. 

But wait… 

You will also need extra flooring to make room for errors when cutting. As a rule of thumb, you need to add between 5 – 10% of the total square footage for the laminate flooring waste factor. 

# What is the laminate flooring waste factor?

Waste factor refers to the estimated amount of discarded parts of the laminate during the installation (improper cuts, damage, etc), especially ones that cannot be reused. Most flooring manufacturers typically set a broader waste factor of up to 20%. 

Calculating this extra laminate flooring for its waste factor is simple. Just use the following equation below:

• Calculate for 5% Waste
• Total Room SQFT x 0.05 = Waste amount
• Total Room SQFT + Waste amount = Final Square Footage
• Calculate for 10% Waste
• Total Room SQFT x 0.10 = Waste Amount
• Total Room SQFT + Waste Amount = Final Square Footage

# How expensive is laminate flooring?

The average cost per square foot for laminate flooring varies between $0.70 – $2.00. This will depend on the type of laminate and the finish. The overall cost is based on the flooring area and the complexity of cutting, trimming and laying. The more complex the pattern the higher the price, especially for small rooms. 

# Which types of laminate flooring are the most expensive?

For laminate flooring price, the maple, red oak, and white oak at $0.70. Hickory is the most expensive at $2.00. On the other hand acacia, cherry and beech cost about $1.00 per square foot which are mid-range varieties.

The hardwood flooring alternative has multiple layers of synthetic materials such as particle boards and natural wood which keeps the costs lower than solid wood flooring.

# How much does a box of laminate flooring weigh?

Usually, boxes of laminate have about 18 – 30 square feet, with laminate flooring weighing 1 to 1.5 pounds per square foot. And each box of laminate flooring weighs around 30 to 35 pounds. 

# How many boxes of laminate flooring do I need?

That depends on how much you calculate the room to be covered and the square foot of the boxes of flooring you have since they differ in square foot. 

For example, in a 200 square foot room, you calculate by dividing the final square footage of the room by the square footage in the box. 

Example: 

200 sq. ft. (room) / 25 sq. ft (box content) = 8 boxes

# When is the best time to buy laminate flooring?

Prices for laminate flooring fluctuate seasonally. Winter is usually the best time to buy laminate flooring. This is when manufacturers are trying to reach their stock goals and sell ahead of the next season. Most flooring brands will have sales during the winter months when they bring out their new laminate flooring lines.

# Where can I buy laminate flooring?

Buying laminate flooring online allows you to purchase different styles of laminate flooring for a discounted price. Online stores will send you free samples of their products so you can check out the different types, colors, and finishes before buying everything from them.

# How much do I charge to install laminate flooring?

The average flooring price ranges between $6 and $14 per square foot for the installation including labor and materials. For a 200 square foot room, the laminate installation cost between $1,217.00 (12mm thickness) to $2,207.00 (7mm thickness). On average, prepare to pay around $1,500.00 to $3,500.00.

To determine how much laminate flooring you need and how much it will cost you, use a laminate flooring calculator online. It will help you determine how many packs of flooring you will need. Or simply let the professional installer do the measuring and installing.