Vinyl Plank Calculator

Calculate room area (Length x Width) and add waste factor. Example: 15ft x 12ft = 180 sq ft. With 10% waste = 198 sq ft needed. Then divide by plank coverage: Common plank is 48" x 6" = 2 sq ft per plank, so 198 ÷ 2 = 99 planks. Boxes typically contain 20-24 sq ft (8-12 planks). Calculate 198 ÷ 20 = 10 boxes minimum. Always round up and buy unopened boxes only - partial boxes complicate returns.

Waste percentage depends on room complexity: 5-10% for simple rectangular rooms with no obstacles, 10-15% for rooms with closets, alcoves, or angled walls, 15-20% for diagonal or herringbone pattern installations, 20%+ for complex patterns or unusual room shapes. First-time installers should add 5% extra. Waste comes from: End cuts (first/last row), cuts around doorways and cabinets, damaged pieces, pattern matching, future repairs. Vinyl planks from different batches may have slight color variations.

Standard vinyl plank dimensions: Standard LVP: 48" x 6" = 2 sq ft per plank, Wide plank: 48" x 9" = 3 sq ft per plank, Extra long: 72" x 6" = 3 sq ft per plank, Short plank: 36" x 6" = 1.5 sq ft per plank. Boxes coverage: Typically 20-24 sq ft per box (8-12 planks depending on size). Calculate planks needed, then divide by planks per box. Always verify exact dimensions with your specific product - sizes vary by manufacturer and style.

Underlayment requirements vary by product type: Attached underlayment (LVP with pad): No separate underlayment needed, install directly on subfloor. Unattached LVP: Underlayment recommended for comfort, sound dampening, minor subfloor imperfections. Concrete subfloors: Use vapor barrier or moisture-blocking underlayment. Wood subfloors: Optional but improves feel and reduces noise. Benefits of underlayment: Sound reduction (especially upstairs), thermal insulation, smoother surface, moisture protection. Check manufacturer warranty - some require specific underlayment to maintain coverage.

Yes, in many cases vinyl plank can go over existing flooring: Good surfaces: Existing vinyl (if smooth and well-adhered), ceramic tile (if level, fill grout lines), concrete (if level and dry), plywood subfloor. Remove first: Carpet and padding (always), loose or damaged vinyl, waxed floors (remove wax), very uneven surfaces. Requirements: Floor must be level (within 3/16" over 10ft), clean, dry, structurally sound. Maximum total floor buildup - check door clearances. Test for asbestos in pre-1980s vinyl before disturbing. When in doubt, remove old flooring for best results.

Vinyl flooring types explained: LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): Wood-look planks, click-lock or glue-down, 100% waterproof, 4-8mm thick. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile): Tile appearance, same installation as LVP, stone/ceramic patterns. WPC (Wood Plastic Composite): LVP with rigid core, more durable, dent-resistant, better for uneven subfloors, 5-8mm thick, slightly higher cost. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite): Similar to WPC but denser stone core, most rigid option, commercial-grade durability. Choose based on: Budget (LVP cheapest), subfloor condition (WPC/SPC for uneven), traffic (WPC/SPC for high traffic), comfort (WPC has cushion feel).

Installation timeline varies by room size and experience: Small room (100-200 sq ft): DIY 4-8 hours, professional 2-4 hours. Medium room (200-400 sq ft): DIY 8-16 hours (2 days), professional 4-6 hours. Large area (400-800 sq ft): DIY 2-3 days, professional 6-12 hours. Factors affecting time: Room prep (removing baseboards, old flooring), subfloor repairs and leveling, complex cuts around cabinets/doors, pattern layout (herringbone takes longer), acclimation time (let planks sit 48 hours in room). First-time installers should expect 2-3x professional time. Click-lock systems install faster than glue-down.

Plank direction affects room appearance: Parallel to longest wall: Makes room appear longer, most common choice, easiest installation. Perpendicular to joists: Best structural choice for wood subfloors, prevents sagging between joists. Follow natural light: Planks parallel to main light source minimize seam visibility. Diagonal (45 degrees): Expands visual space, unique look, requires 15-20% more material. Open floor plans: Continue same direction through connected rooms for flow, change direction only at doorways/thresholds. Avoid: Running perpendicular to long, narrow hallways (makes them look narrower). Mock up with cardboard before committing.