This tool helps you calculate the amount of hardwood flooring you need for your space.
How to Use the Hardwood Floor Calculator
To use this calculator, simply fill in the required fields:
- Length of the room: The length of the room in feet.
- Width of the room: The width of the room in feet.
- Length of one plank: The length of a single hardwood plank in feet.
- Width of one plank: The width of a single hardwood plank in feet.
- Additional percentage for cutting waste: The percentage of extra planks to account for cutting waste (default is 10%).
Once all fields are filled, click the “Calculate” button. The result will show the total number of planks needed (including cutting waste).
How It Calculates the Results
This calculator determines the number of hardwood planks required by performing the following steps:
- Calculates the area of the room by multiplying its length by its width.
- Calculates the area of a single plank by multiplying its length by its width.
- Divides the total room area by the area of one plank to determine the base number of planks required.
- Accounts for cutting waste by increasing the base number of planks by the percentage specified in the “Additional percentage for cutting waste” field.
Calculator Limitations
Please note the limitations of this calculator:
- It assumes a rectangular room shape.
- It does not take into account any obstacles in the room (e.g., cabinets, islands, etc.).
- It uses simple arithmetic and does not account for complex cutting patterns or plank orientations.
Use Cases for This Calculator
Calculate Square Footage
Enter the length and width of the room to determine the total square footage needed for hardwood flooring. Our calculator will provide you with an accurate measurement so you can order the right amount of materials without any wastage.
Estimate Material Cost
Input the cost per square foot of the hardwood flooring you desire, and our calculator will instantly estimate the total cost of materials needed for your project. This feature allows you to budget effectively and plan your expenses accordingly.
Account for Waste Factor
Specify the waste factor percentage to accommodate for any extra material needed due to cutting and installation. Our calculator will adjust the total square footage required based on the waste factor you input, ensuring you purchase enough flooring for the job.
Compare Flooring Options
Input the square footage needed and the cost per square foot of different hardwood flooring options to compare total expenses. This comparison feature enables you to select the most cost-effective and suitable flooring for your project within your budget.
Determine Installation Time
Enter the square footage of the room and the estimated installation time per square foot to calculate the total time needed for your flooring project. This calculation helps you plan your schedule and set realistic expectations for completion.
Factor in Room Shape
Specify the shape of the room (rectangular, square, irregular) to accurately calculate the square footage required for hardwood flooring. Our calculator adjusts the measurement based on the room’s shape, ensuring precise estimates for your project.
Include Subfloor Thickness
Input the thickness of the subfloor to consider its impact on the total height of the flooring once installed. Our calculator will incorporate the subfloor thickness into the calculation, allowing you to anticipate any adjustments needed for the flooring installation.
Account for Room Features
Specify any obstacles such as closets, alcoves, or built-in furniture within the room to calculate the accurate square footage required for hardwood flooring. This feature helps you account for irregularities in the room layout and avoid underestimating the material needed.
Adjust for Patterns or Borders
Indicate if you plan to incorporate design patterns or borders into your hardwood flooring installation to calculate the additional materials required. Our calculator will adjust the total square footage based on the pattern or border specifications, ensuring a precise estimation.
Plan for Future Expansion
Enter the desired percentage of extra square footage for future expansion or repairs to account for potential changes in the room over time. Our calculator will factor in this additional square footage, allowing you to purchase extra materials upfront for flexibility down the line.