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Flooring Calculator
Calculate flooring square footage and cost for hardwood, LVP, laminate, carpet, and tile
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Flooring Calculator
How to Calculate Flooring
Flooring is sold by the square foot. Measure your room's length and width, multiply for total square footage, then add 10% for waste from cuts and any defective planks.
Flooring Formula
Room Area = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Order Quantity = Room Area × 1.10 (includes 10% waste)
Room Area = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Order Quantity = Room Area × 1.10 (includes 10% waste)
Flooring Cost Comparison
| Type | Material/Sq Ft | Install/Sq Ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | $6–15 | $4–8 | 50–100 yrs (refinishable) |
| Engineered Wood | $4–10 | $3–7 | 25–30 yrs |
| LVP / LVT | $2–7 | $2–4 | 15–25 yrs |
| Laminate | $1–5 | $2–5 | 15–25 yrs |
| Carpet | $2–6 | $1–3 | 5–15 yrs |
| Porcelain Tile | $2–10 | $4–9 | 50+ yrs |
Flooring Selection Guide
- Bathrooms/Kitchens: LVP or porcelain tile — moisture resistance is non-negotiable
- Living rooms/bedrooms: Hardwood, engineered wood, or LVP for warmth and durability
- Basements: LVP only (waterproof) — hardwood and laminate will warp from moisture
- Kids' rooms: LVP or low-pile carpet for durability and comfort
- Home offices: Hardwood or LVP — easy to clean, professional look
? Frequently Asked Questions
How much flooring do I need?
Measure each room's length and width and multiply to get square footage. Add 10% for waste from cuts and defects. For diagonal installations, add 15%. For irregular rooms or complex layouts, add 15–20%.
What is the best flooring for high-traffic areas?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is the top choice for high-traffic areas: it's water-resistant, highly durable, comfortable underfoot, and easy to clean. Porcelain tile and hardwood are also excellent. Carpet shows wear quickly in high-traffic zones.
How much does it cost to install hardwood flooring?
Solid hardwood costs $6–$15 per sq ft for materials, plus $4–$8/sq ft for professional installation. Total installed cost: $10–$23 per sq ft. Engineered hardwood is somewhat less expensive. Labor costs vary significantly by region.
What is LVP flooring?
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product that realistically mimics wood or stone. It's 100% waterproof, click-lock installation is DIY-friendly, very durable (up to 12 mil wear layer), and costs $2–$7/sq ft. It's the fastest-growing flooring category.
Can I install flooring over existing flooring?
Floating floors (LVP, laminate, engineered wood) can often go over existing flooring if it's flat, firm, and less than 1/8" height variation per 6 feet. You cannot install over carpet or multiple layers of flooring. Always check manufacturer specs.
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💡 Pro Tips
Always add 10% extra to material estimates to account for waste, cuts, and mistakes.