You’re ready to upgrade your floors. You’ve picked a style, set a budget, and maybe even chosen your material. But now comes the part that can make or break your project: how much flooring do you actually need?
Ordering too little means delays and frustration. Ordering too much? That’s money you didn’t need to spend.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to estimate flooring correctly, avoid common pitfalls, and get a clear, accurate picture of what your project will really cost without surprises.
Why Accurate Flooring Estimates Matter
Flooring is priced by square footage, but there’s more to the calculation than just multiplying length by width. Estimating accurately helps you:
- Stay within budget.
- Avoid material shortages or excess.
- Plan for delivery, storage, and installation time.
- Reduce waste and environmental impact.
- Avoid hidden costs like overage, prep, or underlayment.
Getting this part right sets the tone for your entire renovation.
Step 1: measure each room carefully
The foundation of a solid flooring estimate starts with good measurements. Here’s how to do it right:
- Sketch a rough floor plan of each room (including closets or cutouts).
- Use a tape measure to record length and width in feet (or inches).
- Multiply the two numbers to get square footage per room.
- Example: 12 ft x 15 ft = 180 sq. ft.
- Repeat this for each room you plan to upgrade.
- Add all the rooms together for a total square footage.
Important: Always measure wall-to-wall, even under areas where furniture or appliances usually sit.
Step 2: add overage to avoid shortages
Flooring is cut to fit, which means some waste is inevitable. Depending on your material, layout, and installer preference, you’ll need 5% to 15% extra.
| Type of Room or Project | Suggested Overage |
| Simple, square rooms | 5–7% |
| Rooms with cuts/angles | 10–12% |
| Diagonal installations | 12–15% |
| Patterned tile or planks | 10–15% |
If your total square footage is 1,000 sq. ft. and your installer recommends 10% overage, you should order 1,100 sq. ft. of flooring.
Why it matters: not all boxes have the exact same yield, and materials can vary slightly in dye lot or texture. Having extra ensures visual consistency and long-term repair options.
Step 3: factor in material-specific considerations
Different flooring types come with different planning needs. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
- Sold in boxes with fixed square footage (e.g., 20 sq. ft. per box).
- Layout patterns affect waste (herringbone = more cutting).
- Compatible with most subfloors.
Laminate Flooring
- Similar to LVP in packaging.
- Requires expansion gaps: plan for trim/baseboards.
- Not waterproof: avoid for bathrooms unless specifically rated.
Tile Flooring
- Sold by square foot or per box (usually 10–15 sq. ft.).
- Grout spacing impacts coverage.
- High waste rate for diagonal or small tile installations.
Engineered Hardwood
- Sold by the box, often in varying lengths.
- Requires precision cuts and stable subfloor.
- May need acclimation time before installation.
Pro Tip: always consult the product label or spec sheet to confirm how many square feet each box covers and round up when in doubt.
Learn more about engineered hardwood
Step 4: don’t forget underlayment and accessories
A complete flooring estimate goes beyond just the surface material. Be sure to include:
- Underlayment or moisture barrier (if required).
- Transition strips between rooms or flooring types.
- Baseboards or shoe molding if being replaced.
- Adhesive or grout, depending on the material.
- Removal and disposal fees for old flooring (if applicable).
- Furniture moving or subfloor leveling if needed.
These “hidden costs” can add $1–$3 per sq. ft. if not accounted for upfront. A professional quote should break all of this down clearly—if it doesn’t, ask.
Step 5: know when to measure yourself vs. call a pro
DIY measurements are great for ballpark estimates and budgeting, but for accuracy and peace of mind, it’s always smart to schedule a professional in-home measurement before ordering.
At MAR Flooring, we:
- Measure every room with precision tools.
- Account for layout, waste, and transitions.
- Confirm box coverage based on the exact product.
- Offer advice on material use and placement.
- Provide a clear, all-in quote with no surprises.
Common mistakes to avoid when estimating flooring
Even smart homeowners can get tripped up by details. Here are the top mistakes we see:
- Measuring carpeted area only, not full floor space.
- Forgetting closets or small adjoining rooms.
- Relying on builder blueprints that don’t match real space.
- Not accounting for product-specific waste.
- Ordering just enough and running short mid-project.
Avoiding these pitfalls can save you hundreds of dollars and your sanity.
Why homeowners in Missouri and Illinois trust MAR Flooring
At MAR Flooring, we believe your flooring project should be simple, affordable, and done right from day one. That’s why we offer:
- Free in-home measurements and consultations.
- Honest estimates with no hidden costs.
- Accurate material ordering, so you don’t overpay or come up short.
- Full-service installation with furniture moving, cleanup, and disposal.
- A 1-year service warranty for long-term confidence.
We don’t just sell floors. We help you make smarter decisions, so you can enjoy your space without regrets.
Want to know exactly how much flooring you need without overbuying?
Let MAR Flooring take care of the details with precise measuring, expert guidance, and installation you can trust.
Schedule your free consultation today and get the flooring you need.