Floorplan & Measurements
The foundation of a solid redecorating plan includes accurate
dimensions of your living space. To start, we suggest creating
an accurate Floor Plan. Here is what you will need to get
started.
Recommended Tools
- 25-foot metal tape measure. Look for one that locks and
retracts.
- Graph paper: The grid makes it much easier to sketch an
accurate plan.
- Drafting tools: A ruler, pencils with erasers, a
clipboard .
Basic Measuring Instructions
1. Before measuring, make a rough sketch of the basic floor
plan, including walls, windows, hallways, closets and door
placements. Don't worry too much about it being proportional at
this point.
2. With your rough sketch in hand, start measuring. Measure
in running dimensions as much as possible. Fix the tape measure
at one corner and run the tape along the side of the room,
taking note of the measurement each time on your rough sketch.
3. Make additional measurements and notes on the drawing as
you see fit. These might include the ceiling height, trim width,
flooring or wall materials, etc.
4. With your new measurements and a new sheet of graph paper,
redraw your floor plan to accurately represent your room’s
proportions.
5. Make photocopies of the finished drawing. You can use the
copies anytime you need to talk to a retailer about new flooring
or window accents, or even when rearranging furniture.
Common Retailer Questions
- Floor Area = Length of room x Width of room
- Wall Area = Height of wall x Length of wall
It is best to have your retailer or installer make final
measurements to ensure that you purchase the correct amount. As
professionals, they know how to include hallways and closets,
match patterns, plan seam placement, work with room
irregularaties, and account for rooms with widths greater than
12 feet (most carpet is produced in 12- and 15-foot widths).
