1. What is the Flooring Area Formula?

The flooring area formula calculates the total surface area needed for flooring projects in New Zealand. It uses the basic mathematical formula for rectangular areas to determine the square meterage required.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple area formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Area in square meters
• \( L \) — Length in meters
• \( W \) — Width in meters

Explanation: This formula calculates the area of a rectangular space by multiplying the length by the width. For irregular shapes, the area should be divided into rectangular sections and calculated separately.

3. Importance of Accurate Flooring Calculation

Details: Accurate area calculation is crucial for flooring projects to ensure you purchase the correct amount of materials, avoid waste, and stay within budget. In New Zealand, flooring materials are typically sold by the square meter.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the length and width of your room in meters. For best accuracy, measure at multiple points and use the average. Remember to account for doorways and irregular shapes by breaking them into rectangular sections.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much extra flooring should I order?
A: It's recommended to order 10-15% extra to account for cutting waste, pattern matching, and future repairs.

Q2: What if my room isn't rectangular?
A: Divide irregular rooms into rectangular sections, calculate each area separately, then sum them together for the total area.

Q3: Do I need to convert measurements to meters?
A: Yes, since flooring in NZ is sold by square meters. Convert centimeters to meters by dividing by 100 (e.g., 450cm = 4.5m).

Q4: How do I measure rooms with alcoves?
A: Treat alcoves as separate rectangles. Calculate their area and add it to the main room area.

Q5: Should I include skirting boards in measurements?
A: No, measure from wall to wall excluding skirting boards. Flooring typically goes under skirting or up to them.