From room size to boxes
Flooring is sold by the box, each covering a set number of square feet, so the goal is to convert your room area into boxes. After measuring length by width, add a waste allowance for the offcuts created at walls and doorways, then divide by the box coverage and round up. Buying whole boxes means a little extra is unavoidable.
Planning the installation
Let flooring acclimate in the room for a day or two before fitting, and dry-lay a few rows to plan the layout so you avoid thin slivers at the walls. Stagger the end joints for strength and a natural look, and keep a spare box for repairs. Patterns and diagonals look great but increase waste, so plan accordingly.