Hardwood Flooring Calculator

How to Use This Calculator

Accurately calculating hardwood flooring prevents costly overage or the frustration of running short. Here's how to get your estimate right:

1. Measure each room's length and width in feet. For L-shaped rooms, divide into rectangles and measure each separately.
2. Select your preferred board width - wider planks require fewer boards but may have more waste on narrow rooms.
3. Choose your waste factor based on layout complexity and room shape (10% for simple, 15% for diagonal).
4. Indicate if you need underlayment and vapor barrier for floating installations.
5. Enter the price per square foot to calculate your total material cost.

Why This Matters

Hardwood flooring is a significant investment, typically costing $3-15 per square foot for materials alone. Accurate calculations ensure you order enough from the same production run (avoiding color variations) while minimizing expensive overages. Running short mid-project can delay completion by weeks while waiting for new shipments.

• Calculate exact square footage including waste allowance
• Determine cartons needed for ordering
• Include underlayment and vapor barrier quantities
• Estimate transition strips for doorways
• Budget accurately with comprehensive cost estimates

Worked Examples

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not ordering all flooring from the same lot - color variations between lots can be noticeable.
• Forgetting to add waste factor - cuts, damaged boards, and mistakes add up quickly.
• Measuring rooms incorrectly - always measure at the widest and longest points.
• Skipping acclimation - flooring must adjust to your home's humidity before installation.
• Underestimating transitions - every doorway and floor transition needs a proper strip.