First, carefully measure, or have a professional installer measure the areas to determine the square footage. Since most flooring is sold by the square foot, this is the best way to understand what you need. Flooring also involves a waste factor that varies with room geometry and the type of product, but on average you can expect approximately 5 to 10 percent waste. If you are installing on a diagonal you need to allow at least 15 percent waste. Square footage is measured as length multiplied by width. Thus, a 10' x 12' room would measure 120 square feet (10 x 12 = 120). Then, simply add in the waste factor. Let's say your room requires 120 square feet. If the waste factor is 10%, then you would need 132 square feet. That amount is calculated as follows: 120 x 1.10 = 132. It's as easy as that.
First, carefully measure, or have a professional installer measure the areas to determine the square footage. Since most flooring is sold by the square foot, this is the best way to understand what you need. Flooring also involves a waste factor that varies with room geometry and the type of product, but on average you can expect approximately 5 to 10 percent waste. If you are installing on a diagonal you need to allow at least 15 percent waste. Square footage is measured as length multiplied by width. Thus, a 10' x 12' room would measure 120 square feet (10 x 12 = 120). Then, simply add in the waste factor. Let's say your room requires 120 square feet. If the waste factor is 10%, then you would need 132 square feet. That amount is calculated as follows: 120 x 1.10 = 132. It's as easy as that. 