Tips and Tricks for Accurately Measuring Your Floor
Accurate floor measurements are a cornerstone of any successful DIY or home improvement project. Whether you are installing new flooring, laying carpet, or refurbishing an existing surface, precise measurements ensure that you purchase the correct amount of materials, saving both time and money. Incorrect measurements can lead to a host of issues, such as purchasing too much or too little material, which can result in unnecessary waste, additional trips to the store, and delays in your project timeline.
Our guide below walks you through exactly what you’ll need to measure your flooring, the steps to take and common mistakes to avoid.
Measuring Square or Rectangular Rooms
- Gather your tools
- Tape measure or laser distance measurer
- Notepad and pen/pencil
- Calculator
- Clear the room
- Make sure the room that you’re measuring is free of furniture and other obstacles that might interfere with taking accurate measurements.
- Measure the length
- Place the end of your tape measure at one end of the room.
- Stretch the tape measure to the opposite end of the room, keeping it straight for an accurate measurement.
- Note the length in both feet and inches (or in metric if you prefer).
- Measure the width
- Repeat the process by measuring from one side of the room to the other, ensuring the tape measure is straight and taut.
- Record the width in both feet and inches (or in metric if you prefer).
- Calculate the area
- Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage.
- Example: If the length of the room is 15 feet and the width is 10 feet, the calculation will be:
Total Area = Length x Width x 15 feet x 10 feet = 150 square feet
Mistakes to Avoid
Several mistakes can be made when measuring flooring, the best way to avoid some common ones is:
- Don’t round your measurements too early. Always use the most precise measurements possible and avoid rounding until the final calculation.
- Don’t forget to measure into alcoves or recesses. Include any alcoves, recesses, or additional areas in your measurements to ensure you have the total area covered.
By following these steps, you can accurately measure square or rectangular rooms, ensuring that you purchase the right amount of flooring material for your DIY project.
Measuring Irregularly Shaped Rooms
Irregularly shaped rooms can include L-shaped rooms, rooms with alcoves, rooms with bay windows, or any space that does not fit into a simple rectangle or square.
- Break down the space
- Divide the room into smaller, rectangular shapes.
- Visualise the irregular room as a combination of smaller rectangles or squares. For example, if the room is L-shaped, imagine it as two separate rectangles.
- Measure each section separately
- Start with one section of the room. Measure the length and width as you would for a rectangular room.
- Record these measurements.
- Move on to the next section and repeat the process until all parts of the room are measured.
- Calculate the area of each section
- For each smaller rectangle or square, calculate the area by multiplying the length by width.
- Example: If one part of the L-shape is 10 feet by 8 feet, and the other part is 6 feet by 4 feet:
Area of first section = 10 feet x 8 feet = 80 square feet
Area of second section = 6 feet x 4 feet = 24 square feet
Measuring for Different Floor Types
Different types of flooring require specific considerations to account for waste, pattern alignment, and installation methods.
Carpeting
Carpeting requires careful consideration to ensure you have enough material to cover the entire floor, including any additional carpet needed for seams and pattern matching.
- Consider the carpet’s pattern and the direction it needs to be laid to ensure seams are placed discreetly and patterns align correctly.
- Add an extra 10% to your total measurement to account for cutting, fitting, and any potential errors.
Hardwood or Laminate
When measuring hardwood or laminate flooring, it's essential to consider the direction of the planks and any additional material needed for cutting and fitting.
- Decide the direction in which you will lay the planks (typically parallel to the longest wall).
- Add 5–10% to the total measurement to account for cutting and fitting waste.
Tile
Tile flooring requires precise measurements, including space for grout lines and extra material for breakage and future repairs.
- Measure the area as usual but remember to include space for grout lines between tiles. The standard width for grout lines is typically 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch.
- Add 10–15% extra to your total measurement to cover breakage and future repairs.
Consulting a Professional
While tackling DIY projects can be incredibly rewarding, there are times when it's best to seek the advice of a professional. Accurate measurements are crucial to the success of any flooring project, and if you're unsure or lack confidence in your ability to measure correctly, consulting a professional can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
The Key to Successful Flooring Projects
Accurate floor measurements are the foundation of any successful DIY or home improvement project. Taking the time to measure carefully ensures that you purchase the right amount of material, saving you time, money, and frustration. Precision in measurement also helps achieve a professional finish, enhancing the overall look and durability of your new floor.
At MP Moran, we are committed to supporting your DIY endeavours with a wide range of high-quality products and expert advice. Whether you need tools, materials, or professional guidance, our experienced team is here to help. Visit our branches or explore our online resources to find everything you need for your next home improvement project.