When determining the quantity of floor planks needed for a project, the primary measurement involves calculating the total area of the space you intend to cover. This process focuses on the room's dimensions, not the individual planks themselves, to ensure you purchase sufficient material.
How Do You Measure a Room for Floor Planks?
Measuring a room for floor planks primarily involves calculating the total square footage of the area you intend to cover. This calculation provides the foundation for purchasing the correct amount of flooring material.
The Basics of Measuring for Flooring
To determine the square footage needed for your floor planks, you will use a tape measure to determine the room's length and width. Once you have these two measurements, multiply the length by the width to get your square footage. For instance, if a room is 12 feet wide and 12 feet long, you will need enough flooring for 144 square feet (12×12=144).
Step-by-Step Guide to Accurate Room Measurement
Achieving precise measurements is crucial to avoid under-ordering or over-ordering flooring materials. Follow these steps for an accurate assessment:
1. Gather Your Tools
- Tape Measure: A standard retractable tape measure is essential.
- Paper and Pencil/Calculator: For jotting down measurements and performing calculations.
- Helper (Optional but Recommended): An extra set of hands can make measuring large rooms easier and more accurate.
2. Measure Rectangular or Square Rooms
For rooms with a simple rectangular or square shape, the process is straightforward:
- Measure the length of the room from wall to wall.
- Measure the width of the room from wall to wall.
- Multiply the length by the width to find the square footage.
Formula: Length (feet) × Width (feet) = Square Footage (sq ft)
3. Tackle Irregularly Shaped Rooms
Many rooms are not perfect rectangles. For L-shaped rooms, rooms with alcoves, or other irregular shapes:
- Divide and Conquer: Break the room down into smaller, simpler rectangular or square sections.
- Measure Each Section: Calculate the square footage for each individual section.
- Sum the Areas: Add the square footage of all sections together to get the total area of the room.
4. Account for Waste
It's vital to factor in extra material for cuts, potential mistakes, and future repairs. This is commonly referred to as "waste."
- Standard Waste Factor: Typically, add 5-10% to your total square footage for rectangular rooms.
- Complex Layouts: For rooms with many angles, curves, or when using planks that require specific patterns (like herringbone), consider adding 10-15% extra. Always round up your final number.
5. Include Doorways and Closets
If these areas will also be covered with the new flooring, make sure to measure and include their square footage in your total calculation.
6. Double-Check Your Measurements
Always measure each dimension at least twice to ensure accuracy. Small errors can lead to significant material shortages or surpluses.
Example Calculation Table
Here’s an example demonstrating how to calculate the total flooring needed for a room with an alcove:
| Room Section | Length (ft) | Width (ft) | Area (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Area | 15 | 10 | 150 |
| Alcove | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| Total Room Area | 162 | ||
| Add 10% for Waste | 16.2 | ||
| Total Flooring Needed | 178.2 |
It's advisable to round up the final quantity to the nearest full box or unit of flooring sold by the retailer.
Important Considerations
- Plank Dimensions: While you're measuring the room's area, remember that floor planks themselves come in various lengths, widths, and thicknesses. The retailer will use the total square footage you provide to determine how many boxes of planks you need based on the coverage per box.
- Subfloor Condition: Before installing, ensure your subfloor is level and prepared, as this can impact installation and material waste.
- Professional Measurement: If you're unsure about measuring, especially for very large or complex spaces, consider hiring a professional. Many flooring retailers offer this service.
For more detailed guides on measuring and installing various types of flooring, you can consult resources from reputable home improvement stores like The Home Depot or Lowe's.
