Crunch the numbers before you build.
Boxes, underlayment, transitions, and total cost — for any room, any material. Know exactly what to order before you start ripping out the old floor.
By BuildCrunch Team · Last updated July 17, 2026
A 15×12 ft room of luxury vinyl plank (straight pattern, 10% waste) needs 10 boxes — about $767 total including underlayment and transition strips.
$0.00/sq ft all-in
We calculate your room's area, multiply by your room count, then add a waste percentage based on install pattern (10% straight, 15% diagonal, 20% herringbone — more complex patterns waste more material on cuts).
Boxes needed = total area with waste ÷ your material's coverage per box, always rounded up since boxes can't be split.
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A 10×10 room is 100 square feet. Add 10% for straight installation waste and you need 110 sq ft. At 20 sq ft per box (standard for most planks), that's 6 boxes. Diagonal or herringbone patterns require 115-120 sq ft, so 6-7 boxes.
Laminate is typically the most affordable at $1.50-$3.50 per sq ft for materials. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) runs $2.50-$5.00 and offers better water resistance. Carpet ranges from $1-$4 but needs replacing more frequently. Factor in installation costs — LVP and laminate are the easiest DIY installs.
Yes for laminate, hardwood, and most LVP — it provides cushion, sound dampening, and a moisture barrier. Some LVP planks have underlayment pre-attached (check your product). Tile uses thinset mortar directly on the subfloor instead. Carpet uses a separate pad.
Floating floors (LVP, laminate) can often go over existing hard flooring if it's flat and in good condition. Never install over carpet. Tile can go over existing tile if the surface is roughened and level. Removing old flooring is usually recommended for the best long-term result.
Labor typically runs $2-$5 per sq ft for LVP and laminate (easiest to install), $4-$8 for hardwood (more skill and time), and $5-$10 for tile (mortar, cuts, grout work). Carpet installation is usually the cheapest at $1-$2 per sq ft since installers work with padding and stretching, not individual cuts. Always get a labor-only quote separate from materials so you can compare against DIY.
Hardwood can last 30-100+ years and be refinished multiple times. LVP typically lasts 15-25 years. Laminate runs 15-25 years but can't be refinished — once the wear layer is gone, it's replaced, not repaired. Tile can last 50+ years if the substrate stays sound. Carpet has the shortest lifespan at 5-15 years depending on traffic and pile quality.