A decision you can check
- 01
Identify the substrate
Concrete, plywood and existing resilient floors have different moisture, flatness and fastening considerations.
- 02
Read the flooring system
Check whether pad is attached, whether extra cushion is prohibited and which vapour retarder or adhesive is approved.
- 03
Define the performance need
Separate impact sound, airborne sound, thermal resistance, minor smoothing and moisture management; one marketing number rarely answers all needs.
- 04
Measure seams and upturns
Calculate net area plus laps, taped seams and wall upturns required by the selected system, then round to full rolls.
Write a specification someone else can check
A vapour retarder does not repair active water entry or a wet slab.
Extra-soft underlayment can overstress locking joints when the flooring manufacturer does not approve it.
- Identify the substrate
- Read the flooring system
- Define the performance need
- Measure seams and upturns
Convert the decision into quantities
Enter the measured geometry in the Flooring Calculator, replace defaults with the selected product coverage and round only at the final purchasable unit. List accessories and preparation materials separately so a coverage change does not silently scale unrelated items.
Published acoustic ratings depend on the tested floor-ceiling assembly, not the underlayment alone.
Verify at order and delivery
Check the exact local designation or product code, performance class, size, colour or batch where relevant, stated coverage, yield, density or capacity, ordered quantity and accessory compatibility on the written order. Inspect delivered flooring system before installation and isolate damaged or mismatched material while return and replacement options remain open.
What usually throws the order off
- Treating all plank products as waterproof systems
- Ignoring floor height at doors
- Adding unapproved cushion below attached pad
- Using underlayment to hide an uneven subfloor
Frequently asked questions
What must the flooring system specification identify?
Make the scope checkable against these decisions: identify the substrate; read the flooring system; define the performance need; measure seams and upturns. Record the exact local designation or product, performance class, dimensions, finish where relevant, accessories and controlling technical document.
Which calculator default changes after product selection?
Replace whichever default the exact flooring system controls—coverage, yield, density, dimensions, package quantity or capacity—while keeping the verified project geometry unchanged.
Who should approve a substitution?
The owner and responsible designer or installer should confirm in writing that the substituted flooring system preserves required performance, appearance, compatibility, installation method and documented supplier or project acceptance criteria.
Technical references
These references support the measurement and planning method. Product instructions, the site and applicable local requirements control the final installation.