Measure your area for laminate flooring

Guide to help you measure for laminate quotes. Get free quotes for Gloucestershire for comparison purposes.

 

First break the room/s into rectangles

Take the diagram below to see how to break it into rectangles and measure each one.

For the first diagram your measurements should look something like this:
A) 2.0 x 1.0 m; B) 1.3 x 1.3 m; C) 1.75 x 0.75 m

For the second diagram the measurements would look more like this:
D) 3.05 x 1.3 m; E) 0.70 x 1.0 m; F) 0.45 x 0.75 m
(approximate measurements for illustration only)

 

Now calculate how many packs you'll need

Multiply the box measurements to get the square area:
A) 2.0 x 1.0 = 2 m²; B) 1.3 x 1.3 = 1.69 m²; C) 1.75 x 0.75 = 1.3125 m²

Add together
2.0 + 1.69 + 1.3125 = 5.0025 m²

Now take your pack size (eg 1.7222 m2) and use it to divide your total square area
5.0025 divided by 1.7222 = 2.9047 (forget the incredibly long number!)

This means you would buy 3.0 packs. Suppliers say you should allow 10% for waste which would make it 4.0 packs - of course if you are getting a fitted quote you leave decisions like that to the suppliers who are quoting.

 

Next, the necessary accessories

Underlay. Calculate the underlay by the area size in this case 5.0025. As each roll is approximately 15 m2 you'll have three times as much as you need (OK so it's a small landing!) Underlays come with backings in case of damp or noise - stipulate if you require one of these.

Doorways. Each doorway will have to join two floor surfaces together, for example:
laminate to carpet; laminate to tiles; laminate to laminate; laminate to vinyl. Each one will need a special strip profile. Carpet fitters use a metal Z-profile which adjusts to compensate between any height difference. Quickstep sell a clever strip called an Incizo which adapts to fit any type of doorway task.

Pipes. Radiator pipes can be tidied up with covers ordered to match your chosen laminate finish.

Skirting board or moulding. You will have to state which of the following 3 options you want:
1) existing skirtings removed and replaced and door frames cut to allow laminate underneath (you will need to redecorate joinery)
2) existing skirtings removed with new skirtings fitted to match the laminate floor
3) scotia mouldings fitted to existing skirting boards

Stairs. Although not commonly done, stair profiles can be fitted to stairs. Stairs will require suppliers to quote you directly, especially if winders are involved.