Are you wondering how to measure for laminate flooring? Most floor fitters will do this for you, but if you want to buy the flooring independently and don’t know where to start, we are here to help.
To measure precisely how much laminate flooring you need, you must work out the area you plan to cover in square metres.
Read our step-by-step guide to help you measure a room for laminate flooring.
Tools you will need
- Pen or pencil
- Tape measure
- Paper
- Calculator
How to measure a room for laminate flooring
1. Measure the length and width of your room
Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of your room and record the dimensions in metres. Most laminate flooring in the UK comes in square metres.
2. Calculate the area
Multiply the length by the width of your room to find the area in square metres. For example, if your room measures 5 metres wide by 4 metres long, your total coverage will be 20 square metres (20m²).
3. How to measure odd spaces
If your room is not square (e.g. l-shaped or has alcoves or a chimney breast), divide these into smaller rectangles and measure them separately. Then, add the areas together.
4. Include extra for waste
You should add 10% to your total area to account for waste during installation. Laminate flooring typically comes in packs, and your floor fitter may need extra material for cutting and fitting.
5. Consider patterns and layouts
If you are considering herringbone or parquet designs, you may require more material because of the precision needed in cutting and arranging the pieces. These patterns might result in more waste, whereas a square-shaped room with a straightforward design will have less waste.
6. Islands and cupboards
You should measure the areas around any islands and fixed cupboards. You can then subtract these smaller areas from the total to ensure accuracy.
7. Check manufacturer guidelines / product specifications
It is a good idea to check product specifications and manufacturer guidelines, as they may have specific recommendations based on your chosen product or design.
How to measure stairs for laminate flooring
1. Measure the width of one stair
Measure the width of one stair which is the horizontal part of the stair, for instance, from the wall to the handrail. Make a note of these measurements!
2. Measure the tread of the stair
Next, measure the tread of the stair, which is the horizontal, flat part that you step on. You need to measure it from the edge of the step to the back of it where it meets the next riser. Again, make a note of the measurements.
3. Measure the height of the stair
The last part of the stair you need to measure is the height of the stair (the riser), which is the measurement from the top of one tread to the top of the next tread. Jot down the measurement!
4. Add the height and tread measurements together
Now, you need to add together the measurements you jotted down for the height and the tread of the stair.
5. Calculate the area of the stair
To calculate the area of the stair you must multiply the width of the stair (step 1) by the combined measurement of the height (riser) and tread (step 4) of the stair.
For example, if the width of a stair was 0.8m and the combined measurement of the height and tread was 0.6m, then the area would be 0.48m².
6. Count how many stairs the staircase has
Count how many steps your staircase has to determine how much laminate flooring you will need.
For instance if the staircase has 13 steps, you will need to multiply the area you’ve worked out in step 5 by 13 (0.48 x 13 = 6.24m²).
7. Include extra for waste
As always, it is a good idea to add on a little extra, around 10%, to account for any mistakes.
If your stairs aren’t straight, we recommend measuring each step individually and measuring them at the widest and highest points.
Now that you know how to measure the floor for laminate flooring, you can buy your preferred design! Just make sure to double-check your measurements and calculations to ensure accuracy before you purchase.
If you’re worried about not getting the right amount of laminate flooring or have a complex layout, a professional floor fitter can measure your room for you and advise you on how much you should order.
Looking for more information on laminate flooring? Our laminate floor fitters guide contains everything you need to know in order to accurately plan the work.
Want to get a rough idea of how much it’s going to cost? My Local Toolbox has put together a laminate flooring installation cost guide which considers the many factors involved; materials, labour, and other outlays.
Want to get accurate quotes for your flooring project? Post a job now to compare quotes from floor fitters near you.