Laminate Flooring Calculator

Calculate the total cost for your laminate flooring project.

How to Measure Your Room

Before you buy your boards, you need an accurate measurement of your floor space.

1. Rectangular Rooms: Multiply the Length (m) by the Width (m) to get your total square meters (m²).
2. L-Shaped or Irregular Rooms: Divide the room into smaller rectangles. Calculate the area of each and add them together.
3. Don’t forget the nooks: Measure into doorways and bay windows, as the flooring usually extends under the door frame.

Why You Must Account for “Wastage”

In South Africa, it is standard practice to add a percentage to your total area to account for off-cuts, mistakes, and pattern matching.

• Standard Room (Square/Rectangular): Add 5% – 7%.
• Complex Room (Corridors/Many Corners): Add 10%.
• Herringbone Pattern: Add 15% (due to the high number of precision cuts required).

Pro Tip: Always keep at least one half-full box of your specific laminate after installation. If a plank is damaged by a leak or furniture in two years, you may find that the specific “batch” or color has been discontinued.

Understanding the Costs

Laminate flooring costs in South Africa are typically split into three categories:

Item	Estimated Cost (per m2)
Budget Laminate (AC3)	R190 – R250
Premium Laminate (AC4/AC5)	R350 – R550
Installation Labour	R80 – R130
Underlay & Accessories	R40 – R70

What is an AC Rating?

When shopping at retailers like Builders or Leroy Merlin, you’ll see an “AC” rating. This tells you how much wear and tear the floor can handle:

• AC3: Ideal for home bedrooms and low-traffic areas.
• AC4: Best for living rooms, kitchens, and hallways.
• AC5: Commercial grade; suitable for offices or very busy homes with pets.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Enter Dimensions: Input the length and width of your room in meters.
2. Pack Size: Check the back of the box at the store. Most laminate packs in SA cover between 1.8m² and 2.4m².
3. Wastage: Select your room complexity to automatically add the right buffer.
4. Price per m²: Input the store price to see your total estimated budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need underlay?

Yes. In South Africa, most subfloors are concrete. Underlay provides a moisture barrier, reduces noise (the “clicking” sound), and levels out tiny imperfections in the subfloor.

Can I install laminate over tiles?

Usually, yes—provided the tiles are level and firmly attached. You will need a high-quality underlay to ensure the grout lines don’t telegraph through the laminate over time.

How long should the wood “acclimatize”?

South African humidity varies wildly. You should leave your unopened boxes of laminate in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours before fitting to prevent the boards from warping or “peaking” later.