How Many Packs of Laminate Flooring?

How We Calculated This

Laminate flooring is sold in packs, with each pack covering a stated area. Pack sizes vary by brand, but 2.0m² per pack is one of the most common in the UK.

• Room area: 4m x 3.5m = 14m²
• With 10% wastage: 14 x 1.10 = 15.4m²
• Packs needed: 15.4 ÷ 2.0 = 7.7, round up to 8 packs

Why 10% Wastage?

Laminate flooring is laid in a staggered pattern. At the end of each row, you cut a plank and the offcut starts the next row. However, you still lose material to:

• Cuts around door frames, pipes, and alcoves
• Short offcuts that are too small to start a new row (minimum 300mm stagger)
• Occasional damaged or defective planks

10% is the standard wastage for rectangular rooms. Use 15% for L-shaped rooms or rooms with many obstacles. For diagonal laying patterns, add 15–20%.

Common UK Pack Sizes

• 1.50m²/pack: Budget ranges — you would need 11 packs for 14m²
• 1.99–2.00m²/pack: Most common mid-range — 8 packs
• 2.22m²/pack: Some premium ranges — 7 packs
• 2.50m²/pack: Larger format planks — 7 packs

Always check the pack coverage printed on the box. It varies significantly between brands and ranges.

What Else Do You Need?

• Underlay: Same area as the floor — 15.4m². Sold in rolls of 15–25m², so 1 roll should cover it.
• Expansion gap spacers: 10–12mm gaps around all edges
• Scotia/beading or new skirting: perimeter of the room = 2 x (4 + 3.5) = 15m
• Threshold strips: at each doorway
• Moisture barrier (DPM): required if laying on concrete sub-floor

Tips

Acclimatise the packs in the room for at least 48 hours before laying — leave them flat and unopened. Start from the longest, straightest wall. Use the offcut from the end of each row to start the next row, provided it is at least 300mm long. This minimises waste and creates a natural stagger.

If buying online, order an extra pack beyond your calculation. Unopened packs can usually be returned, but colour batches may differ if you need to reorder later.