Choosing the Right Flooring
The right flooring transforms your space and adds value to your home. This calculator helps you determine how many boxes of flooring you need, accounting for waste from cuts and fitting.
Before you buy:
- Measure accurately: Measure length and width at the longest/widest points
- Check subfloor: Ensure it's level, dry, and structurally sound
- Match lot numbers: Buy all boxes from same dye lot for consistent color
- Acclimate materials: Let flooring sit in the room 48-72 hours before install
- Plan your layout: Start from the longest, most visible wall
Flooring Types Comparison
| Type | Cost/sq ft | Lifespan | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $1-5 | 15-25 yrs | ✅ Easy |
| LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) | $2-7 | 20-25 yrs | ✅ Easy |
| Engineered Hardwood | $4-10 | 25-30 yrs | ⚠️ Medium |
| Solid Hardwood | $6-15 | 50+ yrs | ⚠️ Medium |
| Tile (Ceramic/Porcelain) | $2-15 | 50+ yrs | ❌ Hard |
Waste Factor Guide
5-7%
Simple rectangular rooms
10%
Standard rooms (recommended)
15%
Rooms with many angles/closets
20%
Diagonal patterns/complex layouts
How to Calculate Flooring Needs
1. Room Area = Length × Width (in sq ft)
2. Total Needed = Room Area × (1 + Waste %)
3. Boxes = Total Needed ÷ Box Coverage (round up)
Pro tips:
- Always round UP to the next full box
- Keep 1-2 extra boxes for future repairs
- Don't forget underlayment if not pre-attached
Example: 15×20 ft Living Room
Scenario: Installing LVP in a 15×20 ft living room. Each box covers 20 sq ft.
- Room area: 15 × 20 = 300 sq ft
- Add 10% waste: 300 × 1.10 = 330 sq ft needed
- Boxes: 330 ÷ 20 = 16.5 → 17 boxes
- At $45/box: 17 × $45 = $765
Result: Buy 17 boxes (340 sq ft actual coverage). Add underlayment rolls if needed.