Thinking about replacing your floors? Whether you’re upgrading to luxury vinyl plank, tile, laminate, or engineered hardwood, preparation is everything. Knowing how to measure for flooring and properly prepare your space can save you time, money, and stress on installation day.
At MAR Flooring, we believe an informed homeowner is a confident one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to get your home flooring-ready and avoid surprises along the way.
Why measurement and prep matter more than you think
Many homeowners underestimate how much goes into a successful flooring project. But here’s the truth: the quality of the final result depends as much on what happens before installation as on the installation itself.
Incorrect measurements can lead to wasted material, delays, or last-minute costs. Poor prep can affect the stability, durability, and appearance of your new floors.
That’s why we recommend taking these steps seriously or letting a professional like MAR Flooring handle them for you.
Step 1: how to measure for flooring
Accurate measurement is the foundation of every flooring estimate. Here’s how to do it:
Start with a floor plan (or sketch it out)
If you have a blueprint or floor plan, great. If not, draw each room on paper — including closets, hallways, or odd corners. Don’t worry about being artistic, just clear and accurate.
Measure each room separately
Using a tape measure, write down:
- Length and width of each room (in feet or inches).
- Multiply the two to get the square footage of each space.
(Example: A room 12 feet by 10 feet = 120 square feet)
Account for nooks, closets, and odd shapes
Break irregular spaces into rectangles and measure each section. Round up to the nearest half foot for safety.
Add overage
Always include an extra 5–10% to account for waste, trimming, or pattern matching—especially for complex layouts.
Let the pros double-check
Even if you measure yourself, always schedule a professional measurement before installation. At MAR Flooring, we confirm every inch before placing your order, so you only pay for what you need.
Step 2: choose the right flooring for the space
Once you know your square footage, think about how you use each room. This will help you (and your flooring consultant) recommend the best material.
- Bathrooms & Kitchens: Waterproof tile or LVP.
- Living Areas: LVP, laminate, or engineered hardwood.
- Basements: LVP or tile (moisture-resistant).
- Bedrooms: Laminate or engineered hardwood for warmth and style.
Pro tip: MAR Flooring brings samples directly to your home, so you can see how each option looks in your lighting and space.
Step 3: prepare your home before installation day
Flooring installation is a construction project, even when it’s fast and clean like ours. Here’s how to prep:
Clear the space
Remove all small furniture, decorations, electronics, and personal items from the installation area. For larger furniture, consult your installer, we often assist with heavy lifting, but need clear instructions in advance.
Unplug and secure cables
Electronics, Wi-Fi routers, and power strips should be disconnected and moved to a safe area. This prevents accidents and gives installers full access.
Plan for pets and kids
Installers need space and quiet to work efficiently. Create a safe zone for children and animals away from the work area.
Protect adjacent rooms
Even clean installations create some dust. Close doors, cover furniture in nearby rooms, and protect delicate surfaces or wall art.
Check door and trim clearance
New flooring may raise the floor level. Some doors might need to be shaved or adjusted. Your installer will assess this, but it’s helpful to know in advance.
Don’t forget HVAC and plumbing access
For bathrooms or kitchens, ensure water valves are off and appliances are accessible. For floors with radiant heat, let us know during your consultation.
Step 4: confirm timeline and access with your installer
The smoother the communication, the better the outcome. Here’s what to clarify:
- Arrival window for installers.
- Estimated time for completion.
- Who will be on site and when.
- Where to park and how to access your home.
- If furniture moving or disposal is included.
At MAR Flooring, we keep our clients informed every step of the way with clear expectations and professional service.
Bonus tip: prepare for after installation
Once your new flooring is in, you’ll want to enjoy it, without stress. Here’s how to wrap things up smoothly:
- Wait 24–48 hours before heavy foot traffic if required (we’ll let you know).
- Don’t drag furniture, lift or use sliders.
- Follow care and cleaning guidelines for your floor type.
- Register your warranty, if applicable.
We also offer a 1-year service warranty, so you’re covered even after the project is done.
Why homeowners in Missouri and Illinois trust MAR Flooring
From first measurements to final cleanup, we make flooring installations easy. When you work with MAR Flooring, you get:
- Free in-home consultation.
- Accurate measurements and clear quotes.
- A wide selection of LVP, tile, laminate, and engineered hardwood.
- Professional installation with fast turnaround.
- 1-year service warranty for peace of mind.
We serve homeowners across Missouri and Illinois who want beautiful, lasting floors without hidden costs or surprises.
Ready to upgrade your floors with confidence?
Let MAR Flooring handle the measurements, materials, and prep, so all you have to do is enjoy the results.
Let us help you every step of the way.