How To Calculate Vinyl Flooring
Quick answer
For sheet vinyl, pick a roll width (2 m, 3 m or 4 m) that covers the room’s width in one piece if you can, then order the room length plus about 10 cm trim at each end. For LVT, take the floor area, add 7–10% waste (more for herringbone) and round up to whole packs.
Definition
Calculating vinyl flooring means working out how much sheet vinyl to cut from a roll, or how many packs of luxury vinyl tiles or planks, to cover a room.
Explanation
Sheet vinyl is cut from the roll like carpet, so the roll width decides how much you buy and whether you need a seam. In kitchens and bathrooms a seam is best avoided, so choose a width that covers the room in one piece. LVT is bought in packs by area, so the calculation is area plus waste, rounded up to whole packs.
Sheet vinyl vs LVT
| Sheet vinyl | LVT | |
|---|---|---|
| Bought by | Length off a 2, 3 or 4 m roll | Packs by m² |
| Waste comes from | Roll width and trim | Cuts at walls and pattern |
| Seams | Avoid in wet rooms | Many joints, sealed by the click or glue |
Examples
- Bathroom 2.4 m × 1.9 m: one piece from a 2 m roll, 2.4 m + 0.2 m trim = 2.6 m × 2 m = 5.2 m².
- Kitchen 3.6 m × 2.8 m: one piece from a 3 m roll, 3.6 m + 0.2 m = 3.8 m × 3 m = 11.4 m².
- Kitchen in LVT: 10.08 m² + 10% = 11.1 m²; in 2.2 m² packs that is 6 packs.
Summary
Sheet vinyl: plan from the roll width. LVT: area plus waste in whole packs. PlanCutFit does both on the same job and prices them with your rates.
In depth
Sheet vinyl, step by step
1. Measure the room
Measure the longest length and widest width, including into door recesses, and note any obstacles such as the toilet, units and pipes.
2. Choose the roll width
Pick the width that covers the room in one piece. A 2.8 m wide kitchen fits a 3 m roll with no seam.
3. Add trim and order
Order the length plus about 20 cm (10 cm each end). If the pattern must line up with a doorway or the units, allow the repeat as well.
Frequently asked questions
- What widths does sheet vinyl come in?
- Usually 2 m, 3 m and 4 m in the UK. Choose the narrowest that covers the room’s width in one piece.
- How much extra vinyl should I order?
- For sheet vinyl, about 10 cm at each end and edge for trimming in, plus the pattern repeat if it needs matching. For LVT, 7–10% waste, 15% for herringbone.
Related resources
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