How to Order Flooring Materials
Ordering the right amount at the right time prevents costly delays. Order 10% extra for waste, schedule delivery after prep work is done but before installation, and buy all supplies (underlayment, transitions, adhesive) at once. Learn the professional process for material ordering.
Quick Summary
Order timing
After prep, before install
Extra to buy
10-15% overage
Lead time
1-14 days
How Much to Order: The Math
You already calculated square footage when measuring. Now add waste factor for actual order amount.
Order Calculation Formula:
Step 1: Measured square footage (example: 750 sq ft)
Step 2: Add 10% waste: 750 × 1.10 = 825 sq ft
Step 3: Round up to case/box size (flooring sells in boxes)
Step 4: Keep 1-2 extra unopened boxes for future repairs
Standard 10% Waste Factor
Use 10% for simple rectangular rooms with straight installations. Accounts for cuts, mistakes, damaged pieces, and future repairs.
15% for Complex Layouts
Use 15% for diagonal installations, herringbone patterns, L-shaped rooms with lots of cuts, or rooms with many obstacles (islands, cabinets, nooks).
Keep Extra for Repairs
Don't return all leftover boxes. Keep 10-15 sq ft (1-2 boxes) for future damage repairs. Dye lots vary and you may not be able to match your flooring years later.
When to Order: Timeline Strategy
Ideal Timeline:
- Week 1:Remove old flooring and prep subfloor
- Week 2 (Day 1-2):Flooring delivery. Begin acclimation (48-72 hours)
- Week 2 (Day 4-7):Installation after acclimation complete
Why Not Earlier?
Don't have flooring delivered weeks in advance. Boxes take up space, create obstacles during prep work, and risk damage during demolition. Plus, acclimation clock doesn't start until boxes are opened in the room.
Why Not Later?
Don't wait until the day you want to install. Flooring needs 48-72 hours to acclimate to room temperature and humidity. Installing fresh-from-truck flooring causes expansion/contraction issues later.
Lead Time Considerations
In-stock flooring: 1-3 days delivery. Special order: 1-2 weeks. Clearance/discontinued: May sell out, order ASAP. Check stock before finalizing your prep schedule.
Complete Supply Checklist
Don't just order flooring. Get everything you need in one order to save delivery fees and avoid mid-project delays.
Main Flooring Materials
Flooring planks/tiles
Your square footage + 10-15% waste
Underlayment
Foam, cork, or moisture barrier (if not attached to flooring)
Vapor barrier
6-mil polyethylene for concrete subfloors or basements
Transition Pieces
Installation Supplies
Baseboards & Trim (If Replacing)
Delivery and Storage Tips
Schedule Delivery Window
Most deliveries are 4-hour windows. Be home or have someone there. Delivery won't leave pallets unattended. Many retailers charge $50-200 for delivery - factor into budget.
Inspect Immediately
Open several boxes on delivery day. Check for damage, color consistency, and that you received the right product. Report issues immediately while driver is still there. Don't sign for damaged goods.
Store Flat and Dry
Stack boxes flat (not on edge) in the room where they'll be installed. Keep away from exterior walls and moisture. Maintain room temperature 65-75°F. Don't store in garage or unheated areas.
Begin Acclimation
Open boxes and spread planks out (or stack with air gaps) 48-72 hours before installation. Keep room at installation temperature. This is mandatory for wood and laminate, recommended for LVP.
What Can Go Wrong
Ordering exact square footage
Without 10% waste buffer, you WILL run short. Then you're stuck waiting for back-order or dealing with dye lot mismatch. Always over-order and keep extras.
Forgetting underlayment or transitions
Realizing you need underlayment on installation day means another trip to the store and project delay. Check what's included with flooring and order missing pieces upfront.
Not checking stock before prep
Finishing subfloor prep only to discover your flooring is backordered for 3 weeks is frustrating. Confirm stock availability before starting demolition.
Skipping acclimation
Installing flooring straight from cold truck causes expansion (buckling) or contraction (gaps) after installation. Always acclimate 48-72 hours. Not optional.
Return Policy Reminders
- •Unopened boxes: Usually returnable within 30-90 days with receipt
- •Opened boxes: Most retailers don't accept returns (some charge 25% restocking)
- •Special orders: Often final sale, no returns
- •Clearance items: Usually all sales final
- •Keep receipts: Required for all returns. Take photo of receipt as backup
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra flooring should I order?
Always order at least 10% extra beyond your measured square footage. This accounts for cutting waste, mistakes, damaged pieces, and future repairs. For diagonal installations or complex room layouts, order 15% extra. It's better to return unopened boxes than to run short mid-project and be unable to match the dye lot.
When should I schedule flooring delivery?
Schedule delivery for AFTER removal and subfloor prep are completed but BEFORE you need to install. Flooring must acclimate in the room for 48-72 hours before installation. Don't have it delivered weeks early - it takes up space. But don't wait until the day you want to install - acclimation is mandatory.
Can I return extra flooring after my project?
Most retailers accept returns of unopened boxes within 30-90 days with receipt. Opened boxes usually cannot be returned (some stores charge 25% restocking fee). Keep at least 1-2 extra boxes unopened for future repairs. Check return policy before buying - some clearance or special-order items are final sale.
You're Ready to Start!
You've completed all the planning steps for your flooring replacement project. Review the full checklist to track your progress through removal, prep, and installation phases.