How much flooring to order
Measure the room, add a little for cuts, then add a spare box for the future. Here is how to get the number right the first time.
Step 1: measure the room
Measure the length and width of the floor in feet and multiply them. A room that is 12 feet by 15 feet is 180 square feet. For an L-shaped room or one with an alcove, split it into rectangles, measure each, and add them together.
Measure every room that gets the same floor, including closets and hallways, so everything comes from one order.
Step 2: add for cuts and waste
No room is a perfect fit. Planks and tiles get cut at the walls, around doorways and corners, and the offcuts often cannot be reused. Add extra to cover that.
About 10%Straight layout, simple room
Most vinyl plank, laminate and standard tile jobs.
About 15%Diagonal layout, or many corners and cutouts
More cuts means more offcuts that cannot be reused.
15% to 20%Herringbone, chevron or a mixed pattern
Patterns use up more material at every edge.
These are general rules of thumb. Your installer may want a little more or a little less, so ask them if you are unsure.
Step 3: buy an extra box or two
This is separate from the waste. The waste number covers the cuts during installation, and it gets used up. On top of that, it is always a good idea to buy an extra box or two for future repairs. You will likely have a little bit left over after installation anyway, but a full spare box is the safer bet for repairs.
A spare box matters because floors get damaged. A dropped pan, a gouge from moved furniture or a water leak can ruin a few planks or tiles. Colors and patterns get discontinued, and a later batch can look different from the one you installed, so the spare box you kept may be the only way to get an exact match. Store it somewhere dry and flat, such as a closet or the garage.
Boxes to order calculator
Enter your rooms and the square feet per box, which is on the product listing. The calculator adds the waste and the spare box for you.
1. Measure your rooms
2. Pick your layout
3. Box coverage
Enter your room size and the square feet per box to see how many boxes to order.
Questions people ask
- How much extra flooring should I buy?
- A good rule of thumb is about 10% extra for a straight layout in a simple room, 15% for a diagonal layout or a room with lots of corners, and 15% to 20% for herringbone or other patterns. Then add an extra box or two on top for future repairs.
- Why buy an extra box or two on top of the waste?
- The waste percentage covers the cuts made during installation. A spare box is a separate thing: it is for repairs years from now. If a plank or tile is damaged later, you can swap it. Flooring colors and patterns get discontinued, and a later batch can look different from the one you installed, so a spare box in the closet may be the only way to get a perfect match.
- Should I buy all the flooring at once?
- Yes. Flooring is made in batches, and color can vary a little from one batch to the next. Buying everything for the job together gives you the best chance that every box matches.
- Do I measure under cabinets and in closets?
- Measure the open floor and every closet. You do not need to cover the floor under kitchen cabinets or built-ins, but do include any area that will be visible, such as a pantry or an island footprint you will leave open.
- What if the answer comes out between two box counts?
- Always round up to the next full box. Flooring is sold by the box, and you cannot install a fraction of one.
Have your number? Find your floor
9206 United Dr, Austin, TX 78758. Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 512-339-4145