Free Flooring Calculator — All Cities
Calculate exact boxes of hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or laminate for your room dimensions. Select your city for local pricing, climate tips, and contractor connections.
Flooring is the most common DIY renovation project — and the most common place to over-buy or under-buy materials. The difference between hardwood, LVP, and laminate is not just price. Each product comes in different box sizes (typically 20–24 sq ft per box), requires different waste allowances, and performs differently depending on your local climate.
Hardwood flooring (3" strip oak) averages 20 sq ft per box and ranges from $45 to $160 per box depending on grade and species. LVP has become the most popular flooring in the US — it is waterproof, click-locks together without glue, and covers 24 sq ft per box at $28–$95. Laminate is the budget option at $20–$75 per box (21.4 sq ft coverage), but it cannot get wet and must avoid bathrooms and kitchens.
The 10% waste factor accounts for cuts at walls, doorways, and around obstacles. Increase to 15–20% for diagonal or herringbone patterns. Always buy all boxes from the same dye lot — returns are easier than mismatched planks.
Flooring Materials & Pricing
- Hardwood Flooring (3" strip)$45–$160 per box (20 sq ft/box)
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)$28–$95 per box (24 sq ft/box)
- Laminate Flooring$20–$75 per box (21.4 sq ft/box)
Flooring Calculator by City
Los Angeles, CA
LVP dominates LA's market for its stability in dry Santa Ana wind conditions. Title 24 requires insulation upgrades when opening walls.
Chicago, IL
Hardwood acclimation takes 5–7 days in Chicago's extreme winters. Engineered hardwood outsells solid 2:1 due to humidity swings.
Houston, TX
Waterproof LVP and tile are the go-to since Hurricane Harvey. Houston's humidity (70–90% RH) makes hardwood risky without dehumidifiers.
Phoenix, AZ
Tile covers 60%+ of Phoenix floors for its cooling effect. Solid hardwood splits in Phoenix's 10–20% RH winters — engineered or LVP preferred.
Philadelphia, PA
Philly's row homes feature original 1800s pine and oak floors that are commonly refinished. White oak and hickory lead new installations.
San Antonio, TX
Tile is king in San Antonio — Saltillo and Talavera styles reflect the Southwestern aesthetic. Material costs run 10–15% below national average.
San Diego, CA
Coastal homes favor tile for moisture resistance. Salt air within 3 miles of the ocean requires stainless steel fasteners to prevent rust.
Dallas, TX
Clay soil causes foundation movement — floating LVP handles shifts better than nail-down hardwood. Prices are 5–10% below national average.
Austin, TX
Concrete polishing is booming in Austin's modern homes. Flash flood risk means ground-floor flooring should be waterproof (tile or LVP).
Seattle, WA
Rain 150+ days per year makes waterproof LVP essential for ground floors. Engineered wide-plank white oak is the premium choice.
Denver, CO
Altitude means 15–30% winter RH — hardwood gaps without whole-house humidifiers. Acclimate 7+ days. LVP dominates basements.
Boston, MA
Original wide-plank floors in colonial homes are highly prized. White oak and maple lead new installations. Acclimate 5–7 days in winter.
Miami, FL
Tile accounts for 70%+ of Miami flooring. Hardwood is risky at 75–90% RH — cupping and mold under planks are common failures.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta sits in the US hardwood heartland. Oak and hickory refinishing is more common than replacement. Red clay soil demands vapor barriers.
Minneapolis, MN
Engineered hardwood handles the 120°F annual temp range. Solid planks gap 1/16–1/8" in winter. Acclimate 7+ days with humidifiers running.