How Much Extra Flooring to Buy: A Comprehensive Guide
Buying new flooring is a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time and effort. Getting the right amount is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. Simply buying the calculated square footage often leads to frustration and potential project delays. So, how much extra flooring should you buy? The answer isn't a single number, but depends on several factors. This guide will help you determine the optimal amount of extra flooring to purchase for your project.
What Percentage of Extra Flooring Should I Buy?
The general rule of thumb is to add 10-15% extra to your calculated square footage. This accounts for cuts, waste, and potential mistakes. However, this percentage can vary based on several factors:
-
Flooring Type: Certain flooring types require more waste allowance than others. Hardwoods, for instance, often necessitate more precise cuts and may have higher waste due to pattern matching. Tile, on the other hand, can often be trimmed to fit, minimizing waste. Laminate and vinyl plank generally fall somewhere in between.
-
Room Complexity: Rooms with many angles, alcoves, or obstructions (like pipes or radiators) will naturally require more cuts and thus more material. A simple rectangular room will require far less waste allowance than a complex irregularly-shaped room.
-
Your Skill Level: If you're a seasoned DIYer, you might be able to manage with a smaller percentage of extra material. Beginners, however, should lean towards the higher end of the range (15%). It's always better to have leftover materials than to fall short mid-project.
-
Pattern Matching: Some flooring, like hardwood, requires careful pattern matching. This can significantly increase waste, potentially requiring an even higher percentage of extra material.
How Much Extra Flooring for Different Flooring Types?
-
Hardwood Flooring: Due to pattern matching and precision cuts, 15-20% extra is usually recommended. More complex patterns might require even more.
-
Laminate Flooring: 10-15% extra is generally sufficient for laminate flooring. However, consider the room's complexity and your DIY experience.
-
Vinyl Plank Flooring: Similar to laminate, 10-15% extra is a safe bet.
-
Tile Flooring: While tile can be cut precisely, 10% extra is usually enough to account for breakage and cutting errors.
-
Carpet Flooring: This is typically sold by the square yard or square foot, and the amount of waste is less substantial than with other flooring types. However, a 5-10% extra is still advisable to account for potential miscalculations or unusual room shapes.
What if I Don't Buy Enough Flooring?
Running out of flooring mid-project is incredibly frustrating and costly. You may need to wait weeks for a matching batch to become available, and there is always a risk that the new batch won't match perfectly due to manufacturing variations. This can significantly delay your project and potentially require more labor.
What if I Buy Too Much Flooring?
While having extra material is better than having too little, you'll have leftover materials. Some stores may accept returns, but this isn't always guaranteed. You may be able to use the extra flooring in other areas of your home, or sell or donate the remaining materials.
How to Calculate the Amount of Flooring Needed?
-
Measure Your Room: Accurately measure the length and width of the room. For complex shapes, break the room into smaller, simpler shapes and measure each section individually.
-
Calculate the Square Footage: Multiply the length and width of your room to determine the total square footage. Remember to account for all areas you plan to cover.
-
Add the Waste Allowance: Multiply your total square footage by 10-20%, depending on the factors outlined above, to determine the amount of extra flooring needed.
By following these guidelines and considering the factors specific to your project, you can ensure you have the correct amount of flooring to complete your project efficiently and without unnecessary setbacks. Remember, it’s always best to err on the side of caution!
