The amount of flooring required and its cost depend on the size of the laminate board. There are no rules governing this indicator. Each manufacturer has its own standard, this causes difficulties in the selection of material.
When calculating, it is necessary to take into account the length, width of the sheet, the number of boards in a pack, weight.
Firms, Standards
When calculating the amount of laminate, you must first know its dimensions.
Thickness affects the class of material, its quality. The laminate of most manufacturers: Тarkett, Quick-Step, Krono Original, EPI, Ecoflooring, EGGER, Kronoflooring, Kronospan, Aqua-Step, Alloc, - the indicator is in the range from 6 to 12 mm. Most often, flooring elements are made with a thickness of 8 mm: thinner wears out quickly, thick is close to parquet board, it is expensive. For high-quality coverage, it is better to take a thick version (32 or 33 classes).
Width is from 90 to 260 mm. For the floor, it is recommended to choose a material 90 mm wide (32–33 class), this will create an imitation of parquet.
The length can range from 1180 to 2000 mm. It is selected based on the size of the room. The fewer joints, the better. Therefore, if the room is large, take a long laminate. If smaller, then short.
When selecting, attention is paid to the size and geometry of the floor, which is planned to be covered.
For a large rectangular space, it is recommended to choose a coating of large dimensions. For small rooms, rooms with numerous elements that need to be circumvented: columns, ledges, niches - small boards.
Class Dependence on Dimensions
Floor coverings are conditionally divided into classes. Numbering starts at 20, products of this category are considered home. Laminate of the 30th classes is commercial, more reliable.
Often use material 32 and 33 classes, it differs:
- Reliability. The coating is made using hot soldering technology, which increases durability.
- Large thickness of wooden plates (floor base) - at least 7–8 mm. The laminate is durable; heavy furniture can be placed on it. The total thickness of one board is more than 1 cm.
- Big guarantee from the manufacturer. For 32 classes - at least 10 years, for 33 - at least 25.
Reliability is provided by increase in dimensions. Powerful locks require an increase in width, which increases the number of square meters in the package.
How to count
Flooring is sold in packages or by the number of meters required.
First, calculate the surface area of the floor, regardless of its geometry. Then measure niches, poles and so on, the indicator is subtracted from the previously obtained square meters of the room. On niche boards count separately.
Choose a laminate (manufacturer, class, design, etc.), consider the area of one board in m2. The previously obtained value of the total area (in m2), area of niches (also in m2) divided by the area of the board. The result is the number of required boards (pieces). The value is rounded to the nearest larger integer, add 5-15% (3-5 pieces) for cutting.
Floor calculator:
Many manufacturers write on the packaging not the number of boards, but how many squares can be laid. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to inspect and study the label. Sometimes the number of boards inside is written on the package, not the area. In this case, pay attention to the area of one board.