How to measure for flooring
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
And why getting it right saves you money.
Measuring for new flooring sounds straightforward. It isn't always. Mistakes in measuring are one of the most common causes of over-ordering (which wastes money) and under-ordering (which causes real problems). Getting it right from the start is worth the effort.
Here's how to approach it properly.
THE BASICS: WHAT YOU'RE MEASURING
For any flooring project, you need to know the total floor area you're covering. For a simple rectangular room, this is length multiplied by width. For L-shaped rooms, irregular layouts, or spaces with alcoves and bay windows, it's slightly more involved but still manageable.
Measure each room at its widest and longest points, including into any alcoves or bay windows. Don't measure wall-to-wall and assume that's the usable floor space: walls aren't always perfectly square, and the room may not be a perfect rectangle.
ADDING THE WASTE ALLOWANCE
Whatever the measured area of a room, you need to order more than that. Flooring is cut to fit, and those cuts generate waste. Standard practice is to add 10% to the measured area as a waste allowance. For rooms with complex shapes, diagonal patterns, or significant cutting requirements, allow more.
For carpet in particular, the width of the carpet roll relative to the room dimensions matters. Most broadloom carpet comes in 4m or 5m widths. How the carpet width is optimised relative to the room dimensions can significantly affect how much you need to order.
DOORS, THRESHOLDS, AND AWKWARD SPACES
Don't forget to account for doorways and awkward spaces such as under stairs, into wardrobes, and around hearths. It's easy to forget them when doing an initial measure, and then find yourself short of material on installation day.
THE PATTERN REPEAT QUESTION
For carpet or LVT with a pattern, the pattern repeat adds to the waste calculation. Each length of carpet or each tile needs to be cut so that the pattern aligns correctly. The larger the pattern repeat, the more waste this generates. Your flooring supplier should advise on the waste allowance specific to any patterned product you're considering.
WHY WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND A PROFESSIONAL MEASURE
The honest truth is that measuring for flooring is an area where professional experience makes a significant difference. Our team surveys properties across Leamington Spa, Warwick, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby, and Solihull, and accurate measurement is part of every consultation.
We measure properly, account for all the variables, and give you a precise quantity that avoids both over-ordering and the risk of running short.
Measure twice, order right. It's the professional way.
If you're planning a project and curious about how much flooring you might need, try our free online estimator for an instant guide - the perfect step before your visit to our showroom.
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