How Much Extra Laminate Flooring Should I Buy? A Guide to Avoiding Shortages

Have you ever started a home renovation project, only to find yourself staring at a half-finished room, desperate for more flooring? It’s a frustrating experience, and one you can avoid with a bit of planning. Knowing how much extra laminate flooring to buy isn’t just about avoiding frustration; it’s about ensuring a seamless project with minimal waste and maximum peace of mind.

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Laminate flooring is a popular choice for its durability, affordability, and stylish designs. But the installation process can be a bit tricky. Miscalculating your flooring needs can lead to costly mistakes, like running out of material mid-project, having to reorder (which can mean delays and color variations), and even ending up with extra boxes of flooring you have to store or try to sell. This guide will provide you with the information you need to calculate your laminate flooring needs accurately.

Understanding Your Flooring Needs

The first step is to determine how much flooring you actually need. This seems simple enough, but it’s important to factor in some key elements to ensure you have enough and don’t end up with leftover material.

• Measure accurately. Use a tape measure to find the exact length and width of the area you’re going to cover. Be sure to measure into any alcoves, closets, or odd-shaped spaces.

• Account for waste. Whenever you’re working with flooring, you’ll have some waste. This is due to cuts, fitting around obstacles, and even damaged pieces. A good rule of thumb is to add 10% to your base measurement to account for waste.

• Plan for expansions and repairs. You’ll likely need to have some extra flooring available for future expansions or repairs. Most flooring manufacturers recommend adding a 5% to 10% buffer for these scenarios.

Let’s break down a simple example:

Let’s say you have a room that measures 10 feet by 12 feet.

• Square footage: You would multiply 10 feet by 12 feet to get 120 square feet.

• Waste: Adding 10% for waste would mean adding 12 square feet (120 x 0.10 = 12). This brings your total to 132 square feet of flooring needed.

• Future needs: Adding another 5% for future needs would mean adding 6.6 square feet (132 x 0.05 = 6.6). Your final total would be 138.6 square feet.

Factors Influencing Extra Flooring Needs

There are several factors to consider when deciding how much extra flooring to buy. While the general 10% waste rule is a good starting point, some situations require more planning.

• Room shape and layout: Rooms with lots of angles, corners, or curves will require more cuts, resulting in more waste.
• Flooring pattern: Some laminate flooring patterns require specific installation techniques that can increase waste. Incorporating patterns, especially those with intricate designs, will generally result in more waste due to the need for precise cuts and matching.
• Difficulty of installation: If you’re not very experienced with installing laminate flooring, it’s wise to err on the side of caution and purchase more than you think you need.
• Availability of flooring: If you’re using a discontinued or limited-edition flooring, you’ll want to ensure you have enough for the entire project plus any potential future needs.
• Personal preferences: Some people simply prefer to have extra material on hand, just in case.

Expert Insights and Actionable Tips

Experienced flooring installers and home renovation professionals often recommend the following when it comes to purchasing extra laminate flooring:

• Plan for the unexpected. Measure twice, cut once. It’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra flooring, just in case something unforeseen happens.

• Talk to your flooring supplier. They can provide valuable insights based on your specific flooring needs and the room’s dimensions.

• Consider purchasing a “floor plan” or “extra box.” Many retailers offer this option. A floor plan includes a predetermined amount of extra flooring, while an extra box usually contains enough for an additional 10% to 15%.

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How Much Extra Laminate Flooring Should I Buy

Conclusion

Calculating how much extra laminate flooring to buy is an important step in any home renovation project. By considering all the factors involved, you can ensure you have enough flooring to complete the project without running into any shortages. Remember, it’s better to have a bit extra than to be caught short. With careful planning and a bit of foresight, you can avoid the frustration of running out of flooring mid-project and ensure a smooth, enjoyable process.

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from professionals or research your flooring type’s specific needs. Now, go forth and create the beautiful and durable laminate floor you’ve always dreamed of, with confidence!