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How to estimate laminate flooring for your project
Laminate and luxury vinyl plank both come in boxes that cover a set number of square feet. Enter your room area and a waste allowance, and the calculator rounds up to whole boxes so you have enough to finish, plus spares.
A 10 percent waste factor covers cut-off ends and the occasional damaged plank in a simple rectangular room. Add 15 percent for angled rooms, closets, and lots of doorways where more planks get trimmed.
Frequently asked questions
How many boxes of laminate flooring do I need?
Divide your room area, plus 10 percent waste, by the square footage each box covers, then round up. Set the box coverage above to match your product for an exact box count.
Do I need underlayment under laminate?
Most laminate needs a foam or cork underlayment for sound and moisture unless it is pre-attached to the planks. Buy underlayment to match your total room area, not the waste-adjusted figure.
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