Floorboard Calculator (UK & USA)
Planning new floors? This Floorboard Calculator helps you estimate how many boards you need for your project. Whether it’s a living room in London or a hallway in Houston, this tool will save you time, money, and headaches.
Technical Guidance
- 🇬🇧 UK: Most boards are 120–150mm wide and 18–22mm thick.
- 🇺🇸 USA: Common widths are 3"–6", thickness around 3/4".
- Add 10–20% waste depending on room layout and pattern style.
Typical Board Sizes
| Region |
Width |
Length |
Thickness |
| UK | 120–150 mm | 1.2–3.6 m | 18–22 mm |
| USA | 3"–6" | 4–12 ft | 3/4" (~19 mm) |
Waste Allowance
| Room Type |
Recommended Waste |
| Standard Room | 10% |
| Irregular Shape | 12–15% |
| Diagonal / Herringbone | 15–20% |
Pro Tips
- Acclimate boards in the room for 48 hours before installation.
- Use underlay or DPM for concrete subfloors.
- Leave a 10–15 mm expansion gap around the perimeter.
Common Mistakes
- Not accounting for usable board width (especially tongue & groove).
- Skipping acclimation — can lead to warping later.
- Incorrect waste estimate = running out mid-installation.
FAQs
- How do I calculate how many floorboards I need?
Measure the room area and divide it by the effective area covered by one board. Add 10–20% waste.
- Can I use this for laminate or engineered flooring?
Yes — just input the board width and length in metric or imperial.
- How much waste should I allow?
10% for straight installs, 15–20% for patterns or awkward shapes.
- What tools do I need to install floorboards?
Circular saw, tapping block, spacers, underlay, and patience!
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