How to Measure a Room for New Flooring

To calculate the area of a room, measure the width and length of the room with a tape measure and multiply the two measurements together. Make sure to measure the widest parts of the room (such as alcoves) to ensure complete coverage. Add 10% to account for wastage.

How to Measure an Oddly Shaped Room for New Flooring

For L-shaped rooms, split the room into two sections. Measure the width and length of each section, then add the measurements together. Add your wastage to this final figure.

Wastage Amounts for Flooring Types

When measuring your room, bear in mind the type of material you are looking to have installed:

• Carpet is usually sold by the roll. Add 10% wastage to your measurements (multiply by 1.1).
• Tiles: sold by the pack. Add 5-15% wastage (multiply by 1.05 to 1.15).
• Wood or Laminate: sold by the pack. Add 10% wastage (multiply by 1.1).

To account for wastage in your measurements, multiply this result by 1.1 to add 10% to the room’s area.

Measuring Stairs for Carpet

1. Measure the width of one step, ensuring you measure the full width if the stairs have any overhang on the sides.
2. Measure the rise and run of a step.
   • The rise is the vertical height of a step, from one tread to the next.
   • The run is the horizontal depth of a step, from the front edge to the back.
   • Measure both of these dimensions on one step, then add them together.
3. Multiply the width of the step by the total of the rise and the run to get the area for one step.
4. Count the number of steps, and multiply the area of one step by the total number of steps.
5. Include any landings by measuring them like you would a room.
6. Add approximately 10% to allow for wastage and the way the carpet must be cut to conform to the stairs.

How Far Off the Wall Should Laminate Flooring Be?

Laminate flooring needs room to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. You should leave an expansion gap of about 1/4 inch (6.35mm) between the laminate flooring and the wall.

Buying Extra Laminate Flooring: How Much is Enough?

You never know when you might need to repair or replace a section of your laminate flooring. You should purchase an extra 10% of your total measurement to allow for any damage, repairs, or future replacements. It’s better to have a little extra than to run short.