You’ve chosen your perfect vinyl plank flooring, measured your space, and are ready to order. But wait! Before you click “purchase,” there’s one crucial question to answer: how much extra flooring should you buy? This seemingly simple decision can impact your project’s budget and prevent frustration down the line. Purchasing too little can leave you with a mismatched floor, while buying too much can lead to wasted money and storage headaches.
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The answer, unfortunately, isn’t as straightforward as a fixed percentage. Various factors influence the amount of extra flooring needed, making the right amount a calculated decision. This article will explore these factors, provide practical tips, and help you confidently determine the ideal amount of vinyl plank flooring for your project.
Understanding the Need for Extra Vinyl Plank Flooring
Waste is Inevitable
The primary reason for buying extra flooring is to account for inevitable waste. Vinyl plank flooring, like most materials, is not perfectly efficient. Cutting, trimming, and fitting around obstacles like door frames, pipes, and corners all contribute to cutting waste. Even experienced installers can expect some material loss.
Matching Variations
Even within the same batch of flooring, slight color and pattern variations can occur. Having extra flooring allows you to select planks with consistent shades and patterns, ensuring a seamless and visually appealing finish. This is especially important if working with multi-colored or patterned flooring designs.
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Future Repairs
Imagine a spilled glass of red wine leaving a stain on your brand-new floor. Or maybe a heavy object falls and causes a small dent. Having extra flooring provides peace of mind, allowing you to replace damaged planks with like-for-like pieces without disrupting the entire floor.
Calculating the Right Amount: Factors to Consider
The percentage of extra flooring you need can vary greatly depending on the specific situation. Here are some key factors to consider when making this calculation:
Room Shape and Size
Rooms with complex shapes, like L-shapes or multiple angles, typically require more extra flooring. Smaller rooms may also have a higher percentage of waste due to more cuts and trim. Larger rooms, on the other hand, may require less extra flooring, as the waste percentage tends to be lower.
Layout Complexity
A simple grid pattern with standard-sized planks can minimize waste. However, complex layouts involving intricate patterns, diagonal installations, or intricate borders can lead to increased waste and require more extra flooring.
Floor Obstacles
Any obstacles, like existing columns, fireplaces, or built-in cabinets, require cuts and potentially more waste. The more obstacles you have, the more extra flooring you’ll likely need. Consider factoring in the space you’ll need for cutting around these obstacles.
Installation Experience
If you’re a first-time DIY installer, you might consider purchasing a slightly higher percentage of extra flooring. Experience allows for more efficient cutting and minimizes waste, while beginners might require more material to account for potential errors.
Recommended Extra Flooring Percentages
While these are general guidelines, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and round up, especially for complex projects.
- Simple Layouts & Small Rooms: 5% – 10% extra
- Medium Layouts & Rooms: 10% – 15% extra
- Complex Layouts & Large Rooms: 15% – 20% extra
- First-Time DIY Installers: Add 5% to the recommended percentages above
Additional Tips for Determining Extra Vinyl Plank Flooring
Consider these extra tips to ensure you have the right amount of flooring for your project:
Check Manufacturer Recommendations
Many vinyl plank flooring manufacturers provide specific guidelines for extra flooring based on their product. Consult their website or contact their customer service for recommendations. This can give you a starting point for your calculations, incorporating specific factors related to that flooring type.
Visualize Your Layout
Before purchasing, sketch out your floor plan and consider the placement of each plank. This visualization helps anticipate areas where you might need more cuts or have greater waste. You can also use online tools or flooring calculators to create a virtual model of your project and estimate necessary quantities.
Consult a Professional
For large or complex projects, consider seeking advice from a flooring installation professional. They have extensive experience dealing with different floor layouts, obstacles, and materials. Their expertise can ensure you have the right amount of flooring to prevent both shortages and excess.
Purchase in Bulk for Cost Saving
If your project requires a significant amount of flooring, considering buying it all at once can save you money. Bulk pricing often leads to discounts, and you can avoid potential price increases or stock shortages when ordering additional flooring later.
How Much Extra Vinyl Plank Flooring To Buy
Conclusion
Determining the right amount of extra vinyl plank flooring is an important step in your project. By considering factors like room size, layout complexity, and your installation experience, you can make an informed decision, ensuring that you have enough material for a successful installation without excessive waste. Remember, it’s better to have too much than too little, as you can always return unused flooring for a full refund. So, take your time, carefully assess your needs, and confidently purchase the right amount of vinyl plank flooring to create a beautiful and durable floor for years to come.
