Herringbone floors are easier than ever with Steller Floors' patented installation system, however sometimes they can require more overage than typical linear-lay patterns. Below we outlined 3 scenarios: 1) Maximizing material use 2) Balancing design and material use and 3) Favoring design but still producing consistent off-fall and 4) Favoring design without regard for waste.
Scenario 1. In our first scenario, we can minimize overage by attempting to align planks with the flat walls of a square room. All cuts are made at 90 degrees and result in rectangular off-fall. In this case, 2-3% overage is probably okay because your repeating pattern means that off-fall will likely be used in subsequent parts of the pattern.
%20Maximize%20Material%20Use.png?width=670&height=838&name=1)%20Maximize%20Material%20Use.png)
Scenario 1 |
Scenario 2 |
Scenario 3 |
Scenario 4 |
Scenario 2. In the second scenario, for design purposes we are deciding to run our arrows parallel to the main walls of the room, which results in a little more waste. To minimize our waste, we will start our first arrow during install, and instead of aligning it down the middle of the room, we will push it against the main wall of the room. This means that your first cuts minimize the amount of each plank that is lost to a cut along the wall, and maximizes the amount "left over" for use on the opposite side of the room.
FORMULA
Estimated Overage in Sqft= (Length of Intersecting Right Wall in linear feet)*0.087/.59 + (Length of Intersecting Left Wall in linear feet)*0.87/.59+ (0.02* Total area in Sqft)
Explanation - If a simple "dog ear" is removed from each initial plank along the right wall, you lose the area of the 90 degree triangle for each plank. This contributes waste (area 0.087 sqft) for each plank along the length - and since the length of the hypotenuse is 7.1 inches (0.59 ft) on a 45 degree cut, you can estimate how many planks there will be along that wall. Then, in the worst case scenario, you lose one whole plank (area 0.87 sqft) along the final wall. 2% is dedicated to losses at the top and bottom walls in case the cuts are unlucky. 1% may be sufficient in a square room.
In a square room (12'x12') we would estimate 14.5-15.5% overage
Scenario 3. In the third scenario, where aesthetics take precedence and the planks fall along the wall might be unpredictable (but still at a 45 degree angle) - you should anticipate creating off-fall on either side of the room that cannot be re-used elsewhere in the room. For square rooms, we tend to calculate a worst-case scenario where you need a full plank available for off-fall on either wall.
In a square room (12'x12') we would estimate 25.5 - 26.6% overage
FORMULA
Estimated Overage in Sqft= 2* (Length of Intersecting Left Wall in linear feet)*.87/.59 + 0.02* (Total area in Sqft)
Scenario 4. In the fourth case scenario, where wall dimensions vary and aesthetics take total precedence, we default to 30% waste in the worst case scenario.
Note: If your timeline is strict and the project must be completed on time, it is always worth ordering more than you need - and you can use the overage when you need to replace damaged planks in the long run. However, if you have flexibility in your project timeline and can wait for planks to be replenished if you need them, it is reasonable to under-predict how much flooring you might need and plan to order more if you fall short. In these cases 10% -15% should be a reasonable average.
Professionals, please also take note that Scenario 4 require a significant amount of extra time and attention to detail. Please discuss with your client what might happen if you need additional time to finish the fit & trim process.