How Much Extra Hardwood Flooring To Buy?

When planning a flooring installation, it’s essential to know how much extra hardwood flooring to purchase. This article will discuss the factors to consider when calculating how much extra hardwood flooring to buy and answer some frequently asked questions.

Factors to Consider When Calculating Extra Hardwood Flooring

When calculating how much extra hardwood flooring to buy, several factors come into play. These factors include the type of installation, the room’s layout, the hardwood’s width and length, and the condition of the subfloor.

1. Type of Installation:

The type of installation is a significant factor when calculating how much extra hardwood flooring to buy. There are two types of hardwood flooring installations: floating and nail-down. A floating installation does not require nails or glue and is installed over an underlayment. A nail-down installation requires nails or staples to secure the flooring to the subfloor.

Floating installations generally require less extra flooring because they are not attached to the subfloor. A floating installation’s main benefit is that it can be installed over concrete, making it an excellent option for basements or other below-grade spaces.

Nail-down installations require more extra flooring because the boards are attached to the subfloor. During installation, boards can be damaged or cut incorrectly, making them unusable. Additionally, some boards may need to be cut to fit around obstacles, such as doorways or cabinets.

2. Room Layout:

The room’s layout is another factor to consider when calculating how much extra hardwood flooring to buy. Rooms with complex layouts, such as those with many angles or curves, may require more extra flooring because more cuts will be necessary. Additionally, rooms with many doorways or transitions between rooms will require more extra flooring.

3. Hardwood Width and Length:

The width and length of the hardwood flooring can also impact how much extra flooring to buy. Wider planks may require more extra flooring because they are more difficult to cut to fit around obstacles. Additionally, longer boards may be more prone to warping or bowing, which can make them unusable.

4. Subfloor Condition:

The condition of the subfloor can also impact how much extra hardwood flooring to buy. If the subfloor is uneven or has dips, more extra flooring may be necessary to ensure a smooth installation. Additionally, if the subfloor is damaged or rotted, it may need to be repaired or replaced before the hardwood flooring can be installed.

Hardwood flooring waste factor:

The waste factor for hardwood flooring refers to the additional amount of flooring material that should be purchased to account for waste or unusable pieces during installation. The waste factor can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the room’s layout, the condition of the subfloor, and the type of installation method used.

As a general rule, it is recommended to purchase an additional 5-10% of flooring material to account for waste during installation. For example, if a room requires 100 square feet of hardwood flooring, it is advisable to purchase an additional 5-10 square feet to ensure that there is enough material for a seamless installation.

It is essential to factor in the waste factor when calculating the total cost of hardwood flooring. While purchasing additional material may seem like an unnecessary expense, it can ultimately save time and money by avoiding the need to purchase more material mid-installation or to repair mistakes.

Overall, it is important to consult with a flooring professional to determine the appropriate waste factor for a particular installation and to ensure that the correct amount of material is purchased to achieve the desired results.

Calculating Extra Hardwood Flooring:

To calculate how much extra hardwood flooring to buy, follow these steps:

1. Measure the room’s length and width in feet.
2. Multiply the length and width to get the square footage of the room.
3. Add 10% to the square footage to account for cuts, waste, and future repairs.
4. Divide the total square footage by the square footage of one box of flooring to determine the number of boxes needed.
5. Round up to the nearest box to ensure enough flooring is purchased.

How much overage for hardwood flooring?

The amount of overage needed for hardwood flooring can vary depending on several factors, including the size and shape of the room, the type of flooring being installed, and the installation method. In general, it is recommended to purchase an additional 5-10% of flooring material beyond the actual square footage needed for the project to account for any cutting waste, mistakes, or future repairs.

For example, if your room measures 500 square feet, you may need to purchase between 525-550 square feet of flooring material to ensure you have enough to cover the area and have some extra for any unexpected issues that may arise during installation. It’s always a good idea to consult with your flooring supplier or contractor for their specific recommendation based on your project’s unique requirements.

Should I keep extra hardwood flooring?

Whether you’re renovating your current home or building a new one, choosing hardwood flooring can be a wise investment. However, once the installation is complete, you may be left with some extra hardwood flooring. The question then arises, “Should I keep extra hardwood flooring?”

Reasons to Keep Extra Hardwood Flooring:

There are several reasons why you might want to keep extra hardwood flooring after the installation is complete. Here are a few:

Repairs:

If your hardwood flooring sustains damage over time, having extra flooring on hand can be helpful for making repairs. This can be especially useful if the hardwood flooring you chose is no longer being manufactured or is difficult to find.

Future Renovations:

If you’re planning to renovate other areas of your home in the future, you may want to keep extra hardwood flooring for continuity. This can be particularly important if you have an open floor plan, as it can be difficult to find the exact same hardwood flooring if you need to add more later.

Resale Value:

Having extra hardwood flooring on hand can add value to your home if you decide to sell it. Prospective buyers may appreciate knowing that they can make repairs or additions to the hardwood flooring without having to search for matching materials.

Benefits of Keeping Extra Hardwood Flooring:

If you do decide to keep extra hardwood flooring, there are several benefits to doing so:

Cost Savings:

If you ever need to make repairs or add more hardwood flooring in the future, having extra on hand can save you money. You won’t have to pay for new flooring or installation costs, which can be expensive.

Convenience:

If you have extra hardwood flooring stored in your home, you won’t have to search for matching materials if you need to make repairs or additions. This can be especially helpful if your hardwood flooring is no longer being manufactured or is difficult to find.

Peace of Mind:

Knowing that you have extra hardwood flooring on hand can give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about finding matching materials if something happens to your hardwood flooring, and you can be confident that you’ll be able to make repairs or additions without any issues.

Drawbacks of Keeping Extra Hardwood Flooring:

While there are benefits to keeping extra hardwood flooring, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

Storage Space:

Hardwood flooring can take up a lot of space, so storing extra flooring may be difficult if you don’t have much storage space in your home.

Maintenance:

Hardwood flooring requires proper maintenance to stay in good condition. If you’re storing extra flooring, you’ll need to make sure it’s stored properly to prevent damage.

Cost:

Keeping extra hardwood flooring can be expensive, especially if you have a large amount of extra flooring. You’ll need to factor in the cost of storage, maintenance, and any potential repairs or additions.

Faq about How Much Extra Hardwood Flooring To Buy:

Q: What factors should I consider when calculating how much extra hardwood flooring to buy?

A: The type of installation, the room’s layout, the hardwood’s width and length, and the condition of the subfloor are all factors to consider when calculating how much extra hardwood flooring to buy. For example, a nail-down installation may require more extra flooring than a floating installation because the boards are attached to the subfloor.

Q: How much extra hardwood flooring should I buy for a floating installation?

A: For a floating installation, it’s recommended to add 5-10% extra flooring to account for waste and cuts.

Q: How much extra hardwood flooring should I buy for a nail-down installation?

A: For a nail-down installation, it’s recommended to add 10-15% extra flooring to account for waste, cuts, and damaged boards.

Q: Can I return unopened boxes of hardwood flooring?

A: It depends on the retailer’s return policy. Some retailers may accept unopened boxes for a full refund, while others may charge a restocking fee or not accept returns at all.

Q: Can I use leftover hardwood flooring for future repairs?

A: Yes, leftover hardwood flooring can be used for future repairs. It’s always a good idea to keep a few extra boards on hand in case of damage or wear and tear over time.

Conclusion:

when deciding on how much extra hardwood flooring to buy, it is essential to consider a variety of factors, including the size of the room, the layout, and the installation method. While it can be tempting to purchase only the exact amount needed, it is always wise to purchase a bit more to account for any mistakes during installation, as well as any future repairs or replacements that may be necessary. It is generally recommended to purchase an additional 5-10% of flooring material to ensure that there is enough for a seamless installation and to minimize the risk of running out of materials. Overall, taking the time to carefully calculate the amount of flooring needed and purchasing a bit extra can save time, money, and headaches in the long run.