FLOORING
FLOORING
ft² × waste factor
ft
ft
RESULT
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Straight install: 10% waste. Diagonal/herringbone: 15%. Plank pattern with offsets: 12%.
About this calculator
This flooring calculator gives you the square footage of flooring to buy for a room, including the waste factor that varies by install pattern. Straight installs need 10% waste, offset plank patterns need 12%, and diagonal or herringbone needs 15% because of the extra angled cuts. Most flooring boxes cover 20 ft²; the calculator estimates box count based on that average.
Common questions
Why do I need to buy extra flooring?
Cuts, mistakes, and matching for future repairs. Straight installs need 10% extra; offset plank patterns need 12%; diagonal/herringbone needs 15%. Always keep one full box unopened after the install for repairs — nothing matches old flooring exactly years later.
How many square feet are in a box of flooring?
Most boxes cover 20–25 ft², but it varies wildly — laminate boxes are often 20 ft², luxury vinyl plank is 23–28 ft², engineered hardwood is 18–25 ft². Always check the specific box label before buying.
Can I install flooring over existing flooring?
Click-lock laminate and LVP can usually go over existing vinyl, hardwood, or tile if the surface is flat (less than 3/16" variation per 10 ft). Carpet must come up. Hardwood nailed installs need a wood subfloor; floating floors don't.