Installing laminate flooring can transform the look and feel of a room. Laminate is durable, easy to install, and available in a wide variety of styles. But before starting your laminate flooring project, it’s important to figure out how much flooring you need to purchase.
Calculate the Square Footage of the Room
The first step is to measure the room to determine the total square footage of the floor space. Here’s how:
- Measure the length and width of the room in feet, rounding up to the nearest foot.
- Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage.
- If the room has alcoves or odd angles, measure and calculate these spaces separately, then add them to the main room square footage.
- For rooms with multiple connecting spaces, measure each space individually and add them together.
Be sure to account for transitions between rooms or flooring types when taking measurements. It’s better to have extra flooring than to come up short!
Account for 10% Overage
Once you have the room’s square footage, add 10% to allow for errors, uneven walls, and cutting waste. For example, if the room is 200 square feet, multiply by 1.1 to get 220 square feet.
This overage accounts for:
- Imperfect measurements
- Irregular room dimensions
- Diagonal installation across a room
- Cutting waste from starter rows and final trim pieces
Having this extra material on hand prevents you from running short halfway through installation.
Determine the Box Size
Next, you need to know the coverage area per box. Laminate flooring comes in boxes in a range of sizes:
- 20-25 square feet per box
- 30-40 square feet per box
- 45-65 square feet per box
Check the information on the sample box or product listing to see how much flooring is included per box. If you can’t find an exact number, estimate on the low end (20-25 sq ft per box).
Calculate the Number of Boxes
To determine how many boxes you need, divide your room’s square footage by the square footage per box:
Room Square Footage ÷ Sq Ft per Box = Number of Boxes
For example:
220 sq ft room ÷ 25 sq ft per box = 8.8 boxes
Round up to the nearest whole box. So for this room, you would need 9 boxes of laminate flooring.
Order Extra Boxes
It’s a good idea to order 5-10% more boxes than your initial calculation. This allows for:
- Project delays or schedule changes
- Damage during shipping or installation
- Future repairs
- Expanding the flooring to other rooms
You can always return unopened boxes if you don’t end up needing them. But running short means you’ll have to wait for more materials to be delivered, which slows down installation.
Other Supplies to Order
In addition to the flooring itself, here are some other supplies you’ll need:
- Underlayment: Look for underlayment recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Purchase the same square footage as your flooring.
- Transition moldings: Get enough transition strips for doorways and connections to other flooring.
- Baseboards and quarter round: Match the trim style to your home’s design. Buy extra for mistakes and replacements.
- Tools: You’ll need a miter saw, jigsaw, tapping block, pull bar, and rubber mallet.
- Adhesives and finishes: Buy any specialty glues or finishes recommended by the manufacturer.
- Spacers: Plastic spacers maintain even gaps between planks during installation.
Order Samples
Before purchasing all your flooring, order a few samples in your top style choices. This allows you to:
- View color variations and wood grain
- See how the flooring coordinates with your cabinets, furnishings, and lighting
- Get samples for neighbors or HOA approval
- Test cleanability and durability
- Show contractors to ensure proper installation
With samples in hand, you can make a confident final selection knowing you’ve seen the flooring in person.
Check Availability
Once you’ve selected your laminate flooring style, check availability with the retailer. Popular choices may need to be ordered well in advance to avoid delays. Ask the retailer:
- How many boxes of your flooring are in stock
- How long it will take to order more, including shipping time
- If your purchase qualifies for any discounts or rewards programs
It’s better to find out about inventory and shipping before the big installation day arrives!
Allow Time for Flooring Acclimation
After purchasing and transporting the flooring boxes home, do not immediately start installation. The planks must acclimate to the temperature and humidity of your home for 48-72 hours before installation.
Here’s how to properly acclimate laminate flooring:
- Store boxes flat and evenly spaced on the floor in the center of the room where they will be installed. Never store directly on concrete.
- Do not open the boxes right away. Keep them sealed during the acclimation period.
- Maintain room temperature between 60-80°F and 30-60% relative humidity during acclimation for optimal conditions.
- Allow 48-72 hours for planks to fully acclimate before installation.
Rushing the acclimation process can result in gapping, buckling, or damage down the road. Be patient so your new flooring gets off to the right start.
Prepare the Subfloor
While your flooring acclimates, take time to prepare the subfloor. This provides a smooth, clean surface for installation. Subfloor preparation includes:
- Remove existing floor coverings completely: tile, carpet, vinyl, etc.
- Detach and remove baseboards and old trim.
- Remove protruding nails/screws and hammer down popped staples.
- Fill cracks and holes with patch compounds.
- Sand down uneven areas.
- Vacuum up dust and debris.
- Check for level: use floor leveling compound if needed.
A well-prepared subfloor minimizes imperfections telegraphing through the new laminate flooring.
Install Underlayment
Underlayment is an essential layer that goes beneath the laminate planks. Quality underlayment:
- Smooths out minor subfloor imperfections
- Absorbs sound for quieter footsteps
- Provides moisture protection
- Cushions planks for comfort underfoot
Install underlayment per manufacturer guidelines. Unroll moisture barrier sheeting first, overlapping seams by 8″. Then unroll and tape underlayment seams.
Dry Lay Planks
Before permanently installing planks, do a dry run layout:
- Open 2-3 boxes and lay planks side by side over underlayment to plan layout.
- Mix planks from several boxes for best color variation.
- Cut planks as needed for staggered end joints and optimal pattern.
- Check for proper fit around fixed objects, odd spaces, and transitions.
- Review manufacturer instructions for special pieces like stair nosings.
Dry laying prevents surprises and confirms you have enough material before installation is complete.
Install Laminate Flooring
Once dry laying is done, you’re ready for permanent installation. Here are some tips:
- Always use spacers at plank edges for even expansion gaps.
- Tap planks together gently with rubber mallet and tapping block.
- Stagger end joints of each row in a brickwork pattern.
- Use a jigsaw or circular saw with a fine-tooth blade for precise cuts.
- Install trim moldings, transitions, and end caps as you go.
- Roll entire floor with 100-150 lb. roller when finished.
Take your time laying planks. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely for best long-term results.
Remove Spacers and Reinstall Trim
The final steps after installing laminate flooring are:
- Remove all spacer blocks from the floor’s edges.
- Reattach baseboards and quarter round trim pieces using finishing nails. Fill nail holes with matching wood filler and touch up paint if needed.
- Seal any gaps around baseboards or transitions with color-matched silicone caulk.
- Install transition strips between rooms or flooring types.
- Clean floor by sweeping then damp mopping.
New baseboards and trim give the flooring a polished, built-in look.
Maintain Your Laminate Floor
For long and trouble-free use of your laminate flooring, follow these care guidelines:
- Vacuum or dry mop frequently to remove grit that can scratch flooring.
- Wipe spills immediately to avoid moisture damage.
- Use proper floor cleaner and damp mop only when needed.
- Never wax or polish laminate floors.
- Place area rugs at high traffic areas and furniture legs.
- Keep pet nails trimmed to avoid scratches.
- Rearrange area rugs and furniture periodically to allow even color changes from sunlight.
- Protect flooring if moving heavy appliances or furniture.
With regular care, quality laminate can last for many years of heavy family use.
Conclusion
Figuring out how much laminate flooring to buy for your project takes some careful measuring, calculating, and planning. Start by determining the total square footage of your room, adding 10% for overage. Check the coverage area per box and divide room footage by the box size to determine the number of boxes needed. Order 5-10% extra and select some samples before purchasing all materials. Remember to factor in time for proper acclimation. With the right amount of flooring and preparation, you’ll be ready for a smooth installation.