How to Measure for Carpet
Measuring your home for carpet or any type of flooring might seem daunting, but with a systematic approach, you can easily get accurate measurements and ensure a perfect fit. This guide will walk you through the steps to measure both rooms and stairs, helping you to determine the right amount of carpet or flooring needed.
What You’ll Need
Tape measure
Pen or pencil
Piece of paper
Ruler
A helpful assistant (if possible)
How to Measure Rooms for Floorng
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1. Draw a Simple Diagram
Start by drawing a basic floor plan of your home. It doesn't need to be perfect, but it should include all rooms with accurate measurements.
Tip: For rectangular or square rooms, calculate the area by multiplying the width by the length. For example, a 5m x 2m room will need 10m² of flooring.
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2. Account for Chimneys and Recesses
Measure the entire room as if recesses or chimney breasts aren’t there, as the flooring will be cut to fit around them.
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3. Calculate the Total Area
Write down the measurements of each section on your diagram. Break the room into smaller rectangular shapes, calculate each area, and then sum them to get the total area of the room.
Tip: Add 5% to your total measurement to allow for waste and any cutting errors.
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4. Double-Check Measurements
Measure each dimension more than once to confirm accuracy. Remember to measure behind door frames and trims.
Factors To Consider
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Stair Measurements
Count and list all straight stairs and winders. Measure each winder individually.
For straight stairs, measure from the back of the top riser, over the nose, and down to the back of the next tread. Record both the length and width.
For a half landing, measure the width and length, including the drop over the step.
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Measuring the Landing/Hallway
Draw a floor plan of your landing and hallway, marking where the stairs come down.
Measure the landing as you would a regular room. Include doorways and any dropbacks.
Include the top stair in your landing measurements by running the tape measure from the wall opposite the top step, over the nose (edge) of the step, and down to the tread.