Flooring guide
Plan your flooring project
How to measure a floor
Measure the longest length and width of the room in feet, wall to wall. Measure into doorways to the point where the new floor will stop, usually the middle of the door when the door is closed.
For an L-shaped room, split it into two rectangles, work out each area and add them. Include closets if the floor runs into them.
From square feet to boxes
Flooring is sold by the box, and the coverage per box changes from product to product. Laminate and vinyl plank boxes often hold around 15 to 25 sq ft, but always use the figure on the box or product page.
Round the box count up. Most stores accept returns of unopened boxes, and a spare box from the same lot is the easiest way to repair a damaged plank later.
Tile is counted differently
For tile, the size of each piece matters. A 12 × 12 in tile covers 1 sq ft, so an 80 sq ft floor needs 80 tiles before waste. Larger tiles leave bigger offcuts at the walls, and diagonal layouts waste more at every edge.
Waste allowance by layout
| Layout | Typical extra | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Straight lay, plain rectangle | 5–10% | Cuts only at the walls |
| Rooms with closets or angles | 10–15% | More short cuts that cannot be reused |
| Tile, straight grid | About 10% | Edge cuts plus breakage |
| Diagonal layout | About 15% | Every edge piece is cut at an angle |
| Herringbone or chevron | 15–20% | Pattern cuts at every wall |
Common mistakes
- Measuring only to the baseboard and forgetting closets or doorways.
- Using a generic box size instead of the one on the label.
- Skipping the waste allowance on a diagonal or herringbone layout.
- Buying a second batch later from a different production lot.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra flooring should I buy?
About 10% for a straight layout in a simple room, around 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with many angles, and up to 20% for herringbone or chevron patterns.
How many boxes of flooring for a 12 × 12 room?
A 12 × 12 ft room is 144 sq ft. With 10% waste you need about 159 sq ft. At 20 sq ft per box that is 7.9, so buy 8 boxes.
How many tiles do I need for a 10 × 8 floor?
An 80 sq ft floor with 12 × 12 in tiles needs 80 tiles, plus 10% waste, which is 88 tiles. At 10 sq ft per box, buy 9 boxes.
Should I include the closet?
Yes, if the new floor continues into the closet. Measure it as a separate small rectangle and add its area to the room.
Sources
- Flooring Clarity, How Much Extra Flooring To Buy
- Flooring Clarity, How Much Extra Tile to Buy for a Project