Getting your measurements right is one of the most important steps when buying new flooring. Measure incorrectly, and you risk ordering too little (causing delays) or too much (wasting money).
It might seem a bit daunting, but measuring a room isn’t really difficult when you follow the right method and pay due attention to detail. Here’s the CVT Direct guide on how to do it properly.
Tools you’ll need to measure up for new flooring
Before you start, gather a few basic tools:
- Tape measure (preferably five metres or longer)
- Notepad or phone for recording measurements
- Pencil
- Calculator
- A simple floor plan sketch (hand-drawn is fine)
Having everything ready makes the process quicker and reduces the chance of mistakes.
Step 1: Break the room into simple shapes
Not every room is a perfect square or rectangle. Many spaces have alcoves, bay windows, or awkward angles.
Instead of trying to measure the whole room at once, break it down into smaller, simple shapes such as:
- Rectangles
- Squares
Measure each section separately: this makes calculations far more accurate and manageable.
Step 2: Measure length and width
For each section, measure:
- The length
- The width
Always measure in metres for consistency, especially when ordering flooring. It also pays to measure each wall twice to avoid errors. Even small miscalculations can make a difference when ordering materials.
Step 3: Calculate the area
Once you have your measurements, calculate the area of each section:
- Rectangle or square:
Length × Width = Area (in square metres)
Add together the areas of all sections to get the total floor area.
For example:
- Section 1: 3m × 4m = 12m²
- Section 2: 2m × 1.5m = 3m²
- Total = 15m²
Step 4: Account for alcoves and doorways
Alcoves, recesses, and small extensions are easy to overlook, but they still need flooring. Measure these areas separately and add them to your total. Even small sections can add up, and missing them could leave you short when it comes to installation.
Step 5: Add waste allowance
This is where many people go wrong. You should never order the exact measured area. Flooring needs to be cut to fit, and there will always be some waste, especially in rooms with irregular shapes or when laying patterns.
As a general guide:
- Straight lay: Add five to ten per cent extra
- Diagonal or patterned layouts: Add ten to 15 per cent extra
This ensures you have enough material to complete the job without delays.
Step 6: Consider the direction of the flooring
For certain flooring types, such as planks or tiles, the direction of installation can affect how much material you need.
For example:
- Running planks along the length of a room can reduce waste
- Complex layouts may require more cutting
If you’re unsure, it’s worth planning your layout in advance or speaking to a professional before ordering.
Step 7: Measure more than one room properly
If you’re flooring multiple rooms, measure each one individually rather than estimating a total.
This helps you:
- Order the correct amount for each space
- Plan transitions between rooms
- Avoid over- or under-ordering
It also makes installation smoother, especially if different layouts or materials are involved.
Common flooring measuring mistakes to avoid
Even simple floor measuring jobs can go wrong. Watch out for these common errors:
- Rounding measurements too early: Always use exact figures until the final calculation
- Forgetting small areas: Alcoves and recesses matter
- Not adding waste: This is one of the biggest causes of delays
- Measuring in different units: Stick to metres for consistency
Taking a few extra minutes to double-check everything can save a lot of hassle later.
When to get a professional flooring measure
If your space is particularly complex, or you’re working on a large commercial project, it may be worth getting a professional to measure for you.
They can:
- Ensure accuracy
- Identify potential issues early
- Help plan installation
For most standard rooms, however, a careful DIY approach is more than enough.
Measuring a room for new flooring isn’t as tricky as it might seem, but it does require accuracy and a methodical approach. Break the space down, double-check your figures, and always allow for waste.
Get your measurements right, and everything else, from ordering to installation, becomes much smoother. Take your time, do it properly, and you’ll avoid one of the most common (and costly) flooring mistakes.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch with the CVT Direct team via our Contact Us page or give us a ring on 0345 121 1234.
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