Are you ready to pick out some flooring and totally revamp the look of your home? Choosing flooring for your humble abode can be an exciting time! It can completely update and beautify your space, and it’s a renovation that you will enjoy for years.
Although there’s always the question of how big the price tag will be, it’s not just about cost. The bigger question is how much flooring should be purchased to complete the look of your next big project. But not to worry! We’ll take a deeper look into how to measure the floor of your home, what to look for in flooring options, and the precautions to take on installation day. We’ve got you (and soon your floors) completely covered!
What Flooring Are You Purchasing?
Before you measure your floor for your brand-new hardwoods, it’s important to know all of the different options available for sale. Each one will make a world of difference when placed in a room. So, make sure the one you pick is right for your tastes and your space.
Take a look at all of the following hardwood options:
· Solid wood flooring
· Engineered wood flooring
· Laminate flooring
· Vinyl flooring
· Oil finished flooring
· Click and lock flooring
· Wide plank flooring
· Eco-friendly flooring
· Custom design flooring
Which type of flooring is on your shopping list? Clearly, selecting the right flooring for your space is an important first step.
Consider the Answers to These Questions
Before making the decision to invest in new flooring, there are definitely a few questions to ask yourself first. Here’s just a few to consider before making the big move to install new flooring to create your fabulous new look.
1. How many rooms need flooring?
2. Will there be a flooring mix of hardwood, carpet, and tile?
3. Why are you switching out your floors?
4. What is the look you’re hoping to achieve?
5. How will the type of flooring chosen benefit your lifestyle?
After asking these important questions, you’ll be better prepared when it comes to what you’re really looking for!
Avoid Mistakes by Measuring
So, how much flooring do you really need? Be clear— don’t play guessing games with your flooring! It not only wastes time, but it also costs additional money if you think you need more than you actually do. The building or renovation of your home is important, so make sure you’re putting money into the right areas of your home.
Let’s be honest— no one wants to be stuck with piles of extra flooring. Odds are you won’t have anything else you can use it for (unless you’re saving it for another room). So, accurate measurements are key!
This is How You Measure
On that note, we’ll go into detail to explain exactly how to measure your floors properly. By following these three simple steps, you’ll instantly get a good understanding of how to manage the size of your room and buy only the tools and flooring that are needed. Ready to go with the measuring tape? Then let’s get started!
Step 1
All you have to do is find the exact square footage of each room where you want to install the hardwood or laminate flooring. The best way to do this is by determining the room’s length and width.
After that, you have to multiply the length by the width to get the complete square footage of any room. For example, if you have a room that is 11 feet wide by 11 feet long, then you’ll need to request enough flooring to fill at least 121 square feet. Obviously, perfectly square or rectangular rooms are the easiest to measure.
Step 2
It’s important to know that everything will not just fit perfectly. There will be cuts made to some of the flooring, so make sure to order an additional 10% to cover the amount that will not be useable. Even though 10% may be slightly more than what you need, it’s better to be safe than sorry and have to reorder, delaying your finished product.
Pro Tip: If you happen to be selecting a tile pattern, add 20% for the additional cuts that are bound to take place.
Step 3
Make sure to check with a retailer to ensure your order has been received properly. The measurements you give will definitely give the best range in order to complete the flooring project successfully.
You’ll also be able to grasp an idea of price when you compare your square foot needs to their square foot prices. Pay attention to the price calculations carefully because every business will have a different system.
Professionals in a flooring store will always be there to assist where needed. Hardwood flooring is a major transitional step in your home, so it’s always a great idea to gather a second opinion. Professionals are generally able to spot discrepancies or things that “just don’t add up” in your reported measurements.
Make Sure to Sample What You Need
Not sure what you truly need or want? That’s completely normal. It’s sometimes hard to visualize flooring in a store. Take a few samples home and see what looks best in your space. Eliminate the guesswork! You never know what you may like or how it will look in your space until you lay samples down on the floor. Instead of your first pick, it could very well be your third pick that makes the cut.
Flooring will always look different to customers after it leaves the store. This could be the fact that it’s being seen in a special light or at a different angle. No matter the reasoning, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Flooring is not a decision that can be so easily changed, so take your time making this big decision!
Check for Wood Quality Certification
Did you know that certain floorings have special certifications? These certifications are designed to tell customers when there are super low levels of volatile organic compounds. Substances like these are often linked to health problems and pollution.
By purchasing wood with a certified sticker, you’re purchasing wood that is sustainably sourced and managed by responsible forests. This is one major step in the right direction for the planet, and it all begins with the decision made by a consumer. So, do your part, and check with your retailer or flooring manufacture to see if and what types of certifications your potential flooring has.
Trim Down Those Costs
Now that you’ve saved money by selecting the right wood based on measurement, we’ve put together a few additional tips to trim a few extra dollars off your budget as well. Take a look!
· Check for prices with overstock discounters because they’re purchased directly from the manufacturers.
· There are times where you can save on boxes that are already opened or damaged. Any minor flaws that are found can be installed or cut away without notice.
· While you may be hiring a pro to do the work, save hundreds of dollars by doing the prep work yourself.
Prepare for Flooring Installation
Before any installation of wood or laminate flooring, unpack the boxes, and let all of the materials sit in the room where they’ll be installed. Leave them there for one to three days. This way, the materials will match the temperature of the room, as well as its moisture content.
This step is very critical in ensuring that the wood won’t buckle or create any gaps between the boards. If the temperatures don’t align, then there could be further issues down the line.
Also, make sure the wood isn’t wet upon installation so that no mold or mildew grows within your floors.
Our Final Thoughts
The amount of flooring that one needs will vary by consumer. In fact, most of the needs that are met in the store are tailored to the space of the home and the personal desires of the homeowner.
Think about what is prompting you to change out your current flooring and replace it with another. This process isn’t always easy, but with precise measurements that tell you exactly what quantity of flooring you need, you can eliminate a lot of the guesswork and waste that often comes with this type of major home renovation.
Sources:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/flooring/buying-guide/index.htm
https://theflooringgirl.com/blog/10-tips-on-buying-hardwood-floors-from-an-insider/
https://www.thespruce.com/before-refinishing-old-hardwood-floors-4065469
