How Much Laminate Flooring Do You Need?
Calculate planks and boxes of laminate flooring by room size. Includes underlayment and transition strips.
Laminate vs Hardwood vs Vinyl
Laminate ($1-7/sq ft) uses a photographic image layer over fiberboard. It is scratch-resistant, easy to install (click-lock), and lasts 15-25 years. It cannot be refinished and is not waterproof (though water-resistant versions exist). Hardwood ($4-14/sq ft) is more expensive but can be refinished and lasts 50+ years. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) ($2-7/sq ft) is fully waterproof and ideal for kitchens and basements where laminate would swell.
Underlayment Matters
Underlayment provides cushion, sound dampening, and moisture protection. If your laminate has an attached pad, you do not need additional underlayment. For concrete subfloors, always use a moisture barrier underlayment (6 mil poly or integrated moisture barrier). For second floors, sound-dampening underlayment reduces noise transmission to rooms below.
DIY Installation Tips
Laminate is the easiest flooring to install DIY. Acclimate boxes for 48 hours. Leave a 1/4" expansion gap at all walls (covered by baseboards). Stagger end joints by at least 6 inches between rows. Start from the longest, most visible wall. Use a pull bar and tapping block — never hammer directly on planks.
The biggest laminate installation mistake: not leaving expansion gaps. Laminate expands and contracts with humidity. Without a 1/4" gap at every wall, door frame, and fixed object, the floor will buckle. The gap is hidden by baseboards and transition strips.
