Estimating

If you're a do-it-yourselfer, determining how much your new floor is going to cost is simply a matter of knowing what materials you need and how much of them you will need to buy. Oh, and don't forget, you may need to invest in some tools.

Here is a list of tools, commonly used to install laminate flooring. Most brand name laminate manufacturers provide installation instructions written specifically for their brand of laminate, however while most recommend the same tools, it's smart to check before you start. Some of the more expensive tools you may be able to rent from your local hardware store.

The first thing you will need to know is your total square feet. Once you know your square feet you can determine your greatest expense; the laminate itself, so first, you will need to know how many cases of laminate you will need. If you haven't already, please read the page titled measuring.

Other materials you will need are, underlayment, quarter round and any transition pieces for doorways.

On the page titled "measuring," in the last floor plan, we already know the total area is 256 square feet and that we will need 17 cases of laminate. Assume the price per case of laminate is $54.75

17 cases X $54.75 = $930.75

Next you will need to determine the cost of underlayment. Generally, underlayment comes in rolls of 100 square feet at an average cost of $50 per roll. So in this example, with 256 square feet, you will need to buy 3 rolls of underlayment.

3 rolls X $50 = $150

The amount of 1/4 round (shoe molding) is simply a matter of calculating the total linear feet around the perimeter of the room where the laminate meets the wall or in this example, walls and cabinets. Which in this case is about 76 linear feet.

Plain white shoe molding sells for about ¢.50

0.50 X 76 linear feet = $38

If after reading all of this you're feeling a little intimidated by the idea of installing your laminate floor yourself and you would like an idea of what it would cost to have your floor professionally installed you can download or just print out the cost projection worksheet. The cost projection worksheet will help you determine your material cost but additionaly it list average labor charges associated with laminate installation.

Download Cost Projection Worksheet

• (For Window Users) Just right click on the link above and Click on Save or save target as to save it to your computer and print it out. Or you can just click on the link and open it in a new window to read it.
• (For Mac Users with Firefox) Double click the link - a box will open and ask you what do you want to do with the file - Click on Open with (select your program) and then you can save it.
• (For Mac Users with Safari) Double click the link and the PDF will open. You can then save it or print it.