How to measure your floor for vinyl flooring

Measuring your floor for vinyl flooring involves a few straightforward steps to ensure you get the correct amount of material. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Tape measure
• Pencil and paper (or a digital device for notes)
• Calculator
• Floor plan (optional, but helpful for complex spaces)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clear the Area:

   • Remove any furniture, rugs, or obstructions from the floor to get accurate measurements.
     
     

2. Measure the Length and Width:

   • Measure the length and width of each room where you plan to install the vinyl flooring. Record these measurements in feet (or meters, depending on your preference).
     
     

3. Calculate the Area:

   • For rectangular or square rooms: Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage (or square meters).

     Area=Length×Width
     
     

   • For irregularly shaped rooms: Divide the room into smaller rectangles or squares. Measure each section separately, calculate the area for each, and then sum them up.
     
     

   • Use this handy calculator to help you
     
     

4. Account for Doors and Closets:

   • Measure any additional spaces like closets separately and add these to your total area. For doorways or other spaces that might not be covered by the vinyl, subtract these areas.
     
     

5. Add a Waste Factor:

   • To account for mistakes, seams, and future repairs, add an extra 10% to the total calculated area.
     Total Vinyl Needed = Total Area×1.10
     
     

6. Convert Measurements (if needed):

   • Ensure that all measurements are in the same unit (square feet or square meters) before ordering the vinyl.

Example Calculation:

Suppose you have a room that is 12 feet long and 10 feet wide.

• Area = 12 ft × 10 ft = 120 sq ft
• Adding 10% for waste: 120 sq ft × 1.10 = 132 sq ft

Additional Tips:

• Double-Check Measurements: Accuracy is key. Double-check all measurements before ordering.
• Complex Layouts: For rooms with alcoves or other features, measure each distinct section separately and then add the areas together.
• Flooring Roll Width: Vinyl flooring typically comes in rolls of specific widths. Consider the roll width when planning to minimize seams and waste.

Following these steps will help ensure you purchase the correct amount of vinyl flooring for your space.