How to calculate square footage of basement stairs for flooring budget?
3/6/2015 at 1:42:07 PM
We are in the plannign stages of finishing our basement and the quotes for flooring are varying widely. We have decided on vinyl flooring with a sub-floor of some sort. Absolutely no carpet.
The square footage of the basement itself is about 500 square feet. Since the basement stairs are unfinished, we have decided to have them covered with vinyl too for continuity. There are about 25 stairs in total and one landing that looks to be 3 feet by 3 feet (this is going by my possibly completely inaccurate eyeballing). I'm guessing we also need to finish the sides of the stairs where they touch the wall?
Does anyone know how much total square footage that would be approximately so that we can budget for flooring costs? We understand that the average cost of vinyl varies so am going to use a dollar figure of $2.5 per sq foot, plus whatever it costs for a sub-floor.
3/6/2015 at 4:28:33 PM
Anne,
Are you doing it your self? If so, take all the measurements to a Home Depot or similar store and they can provide an accurate figure. If you are contracting the work out, the contractor will do the estimate.
The stairs can be tricky and it depends on what parts or all that is being covered. Plus, are they straight or curved?
The second issue is to make sure that, if you have a pattern, all the pattern seams match.
I'd also suggest discussing the material that you are going to put down. As you say, they vary in price but consider the value. Is it stain resistant, soft to walk on (cushion floor), easy to clean, scratch resistant, etc.?
Ask the questions before doing a final budget. This way, you get what you want, even if it takes a little while longer. (rule of thumb is to by approx.10% more than you need to allow for error and adjustments.
Regards,
Mark
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