How Many Boxes of Pergo Flooring Do I Need? A Simple Calculation Guide
Buying new flooring is exciting, but figuring out how much Pergo you need can feel overwhelming. Don't worry! This guide will walk you through calculating the number of boxes you need for your project, saving you time, money, and potential headaches.
Understanding Pergo Packaging:
Before we dive into calculations, it's crucial to understand how Pergo flooring is packaged. Each box typically covers a specific square footage. This square footage is clearly stated on the box itself. Always check the packaging for this crucial information. It will vary depending on the plank size and style of Pergo flooring you've chosen.
Step 1: Measure Your Room(s)
Accurate measurements are vital for an accurate calculation. Here's how to measure:
- Rectangular Rooms: Measure the length and width of each room you'll be flooring. Multiply the length by the width to find the area in square feet (length x width = square footage).
- Irregular Rooms: Break down irregular rooms into smaller, manageable rectangles or squares. Measure each section individually, calculate the area of each, and then add the areas together for a total square footage.
- Don't Forget About Obstacles: Account for any permanent fixtures like toilets, bathtubs, or large, immovable objects that won't be covered by flooring. Subtract their square footage from the total room area.
Step 2: Calculate Total Square Footage
Add up the square footage of all the rooms you're flooring, after subtracting the areas of any obstacles. This gives you the total square footage you need to cover.
Step 3: Account for Waste
This is where many people make mistakes. You'll always need extra flooring to account for cuts, mistakes, and potential damage. A general rule of thumb is to add 5-10% extra to your total square footage. The higher percentage is recommended for rooms with complex layouts or many cuts.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you're flooring a rectangular room that measures 12 feet by 10 feet.
- Room Area: 12 feet x 10 feet = 120 square feet
- Waste Factor (10%): 120 square feet x 0.10 = 12 square feet
- Total Flooring Needed: 120 square feet + 12 square feet = 132 square feet
Now, check your Pergo box for the square footage it covers per box. Let's say each box covers 20 square feet.
- Number of Boxes: 132 square feet / 20 square feet/box = 6.6 boxes
Since you can't buy parts of boxes, you'll need to round up to 7 boxes to ensure you have enough Pergo flooring.
Step 4: Check with a Professional
For especially complex projects or if you're unsure about any aspect of the calculation, it's always a good idea to consult a flooring professional. They can provide precise measurements and help determine the optimal amount of Pergo to purchase.
Choosing the Right Pergo Flooring:
Remember to select your Pergo flooring before you start your calculations. Different styles and plank sizes will impact the square footage covered per box.
By following these steps, you can accurately determine how many boxes of Pergo flooring you need, ensuring a smooth and successful flooring project. Happy installing!
