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. One crucial decision is determining how much extra material to purchase beyond your calculated square footage. Getting it wrong can lead to frustrating delays and added costs, while overbuying wastes money. This guide will help you navigate this common dilemma.
Understanding Waste and Considerations:
The amount of extra flooring you need depends on several factors:
- Floor type: Different materials have different waste factors. Hardwoods, for example, often have higher waste due to cuts, matching patterns, and potential damage. Tile, while potentially less wasteful in terms of cutting, can experience breakage. Laminate and vinyl planks generally have lower waste rates.
- Room complexity: Rooms with many angles, curves, or obstacles (like doorways, chimneys, or built-in furniture) will require more cuts and potentially more waste. A simple rectangular room is much easier to work with.
- Installation method: Professional installers are generally better at minimizing waste than DIY enthusiasts.
- Pattern matching: Certain flooring patterns (like intricate wood grains or large format tiles) necessitate extra material to ensure proper alignment and avoid noticeable inconsistencies.
H2: What Percentage of Extra Flooring Should I Buy?
There's no magic number, but here's a general guideline:
- Hardwood: 10-15% extra is a good starting point. Consider adding more (up to 20%) for complex rooms or intricate patterns.
- Tile: 5-10% extra is usually sufficient, but more might be needed for intricate patterns or if breakage is a concern (especially with fragile tiles).
- Laminate & Vinyl Planks: 5-7% is often enough. This is because the planks are generally easier to cut and fit.
- Carpet: Carpet waste is typically lower, but it's still prudent to add 5-7% to account for potential cutting errors.
H2: How to Calculate the Extra Flooring Needed:
- Measure accurately: Use a measuring tape to get precise measurements of each area you'll be covering. Remember to account for any obstacles.
- Calculate the total square footage: Multiply the length and width of each area. Add up the square footage of all areas.
- Determine your waste factor: Use the guidelines above as a starting point, but consider the complexities of your room and the type of flooring.
- Calculate the extra amount: Multiply your total square footage by your chosen waste factor (expressed as a decimal; for example, 10% is 0.10).
- Add the extra amount to your total square footage: This is the total amount of flooring you should order.
H2: What if I have leftover flooring?
While it's better to have extra than not enough, having significant leftovers is also a problem. Consider these options:
- Future repairs: Keep leftover flooring for future repairs or replacements in case of damage.
- Smaller projects: Leftovers can be used for other areas, such as hallways, closets, or even a small bathroom.
- Return or exchange: If possible, return unused portions to the retailer.
H2: Is it better to buy too much or too little flooring?
It's undeniably better to buy a bit too much than too little. Running out mid-project causes significant delays and frustration. The added cost of slightly overbuying is far less than the inconvenience of project interruption and potentially needing to reorder, leading to inconsistencies.
H2: Should I buy from multiple lots?
Whenever possible, try to buy all your flooring from a single lot. Slight color and shade variations can occur between different production batches, making noticeable differences once laid. Always confirm lot numbers with the seller before finalizing your order.
By carefully considering these factors and following this calculation process, you can make an informed decision about how much extra flooring to buy, ensuring a smooth and successful project. Remember to consult with a flooring professional if you’re unsure about any aspect of your calculations.
