Total Square Footage Needed: 0 sq ft
Calculate your room's total area by multiplying length by width. When installing hardwood, laminate, or vinyl planks, significant material is lost during cuts at walls and corners.
Straight-plank layouts in any material generally need a 10% waste allowance for end cuts along walls. Diagonal and herringbone patterns increase waste to 15% because more angled cuts are required. Vinyl plank tends to have the least waste since it can often be scored and snapped rather than sawn, while solid hardwood may need slightly more buffer for boards with natural grain defects.
A: Yes. Measure closets and small alcoves separately and add them to your total square footage, since these areas are easy to overlook but still require material and cutting.
A: Most hardwood and laminate manufacturers recommend 48 to 72 hours in the room at normal living temperature and humidity before installing, so the material can expand or contract before it's locked in place.