Hardwood Flooring Calculator

Our Hardwood Flooring Calculator helps you determine how much hardwood flooring you need and provides a comprehensive cost estimation based on your specific requirements and wood type.

How to use this calculator:

1. Enter the dimensions of your main room (length and width in feet)
2. Add additional rooms if your project covers multiple spaces
3. Select your preferred wood type or adjust the cost per square foot
4. Choose whether to include professional installation in your estimate
5. Adjust the waste percentage based on room complexity (L-shaped rooms or rooms with angles typically require more waste)

Understanding hardwood flooring options:

Hardwood flooring comes in two main types:

• Solid hardwood: Made from a single piece of wood, can be refinished multiple times, typical thickness of 3/4"
• Engineered hardwood: Real wood veneer over plywood or high-density fiberboard, more stable in humid environments

Common wood species for flooring include oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and hickory among domestic options, and Brazilian cherry, teak, and mahogany among exotic options. Each offers different characteristics in terms of grain pattern, color, and hardness.

Important considerations:

• Hardwood needs to acclimate to your home's humidity for 3-7 days before installation
• Subfloor preparation is crucial for a successful installation
• Factor in additional costs for transitions, moldings, and stair treatments
• Allow for expansion gaps (usually 3/4") around the perimeter and at all fixed objects

While this calculator provides a solid estimate of materials and costs, consult with a flooring professional for your specific project needs, particularly for complex layouts or unusual conditions.