Formula
Waste is added, then the area is divided by the face width:
linear feet = area × (1 + waste / 100) × 12 / face width
Twelve converts the face from inches to feet. This is not a board-foot lumber tally, which also uses thickness.
Assumptions
- The face width is the exposed width of one strip.
- Strips run in one direction.
- Waste covers end cuts.
Worked example
200 square feet of 2.25 inch strip with 10% waste is 1,173.3 ft.
Input definitions
- Face width
- The width you see after the tongue is hidden in the groove.
- Linear foot
- One foot along a strip, whatever the width is.
Limitations
Thickness, grade, and a herringbone layout are not part of this length.
Questions
Why multiply by 12?
The room is in square feet and the face is in inches. Twelve puts the face into feet before the division.
Is this board feet?
No. Board feet also divide by the thickness. Flooring strip is ordered here by length and face width.