Understanding Flooring Materials
Material selection and quantity calculation are critical for successful flooring installation. Consider these key factors:
- Material Types Hardwood: 20 sq.ft/box, 3/4" thick, requires 3/4" subfloor. Laminate: 25 sq.ft/box, 8-12mm thick, needs underlayment. Tile: 15 sq.ft/box, 3/8"-1/2" thick, requires cement board. Vinyl: 30 sq.ft/box, 4-8mm thick, flexible installation.
- Waste Factor Simple layout (rectangular room): 10% extra. Standard layout (L-shaped/multiple rooms): 15% extra. Complex layout (diagonal/patterns): 20% extra. Add 5% for each doorway, 10% for stairs.
- Installation Pattern Straight lay: minimal waste, standard box count. Diagonal: 15-20% extra material. Herringbone: 15-25% extra. Custom patterns may require 20-30% additional material.
- Box Calculations Always round up to full boxes. Order 1-2 extra boxes for future repairs. Different dye lots may not match, so buy all material at once.
Installation Tips
Acclimation
Hardwood: 5-7 days, maintain 35-55% humidity. Laminate/LVP: 48 hours at room temperature. Tile: No acclimation needed but store at room temperature.
Subfloor Prep
Maximum deflection L/360 for tile, L/720 for natural stone. Moisture content <12% for wood subfloors. Concrete must cure 28 days minimum.
Pattern Layout
Start from room center. Minimum piece at walls: 1/3 width for tile/wood. Align grout lines with focal points. Balance border cuts.
Tools Needed
Saw (wet saw for tile), spacers, tapping block, pull bar, level (4ft minimum), moisture meter, adhesive trowel (if applicable).