Free calculator
LVT design strip calculator
Work out how many design strips you need for an LVT floor. Choose a border, strips between every plank or tile, or both. Works with any brand of strip: just enter its length and how many come in a pack.
Where do the strips go?
Room size
Measure at the widest points, in metres.
Plank or tile size
Smaller planks and tiles have more edges, so they need more strip.
Which strips?
Your answer
How the strip calculator works
Between every plank. Each plank shares its edges with the planks around it, so each one adds one long edge and one short edge of strip. For a plank w wide and l long, in metres, the strip per m² is (w + l) ÷ (w × l). Smaller planks have more edges per m², so they need more strip.
Border. A border runs along the walls, so it is the room's perimeter: (length + width) × 2 for a rectangle. A double border is twice that.
Then we add 10% for cuts, divide by the length of one strip, and round up to whole packs. Strips are only sold by the pack.
Worked example
Living room, 5 m × 4 m, strips between every plank
- Floor area: 5 × 4 = 20 m²
- 184 × 1219 mm plank: (0.184 + 1.219) ÷ (0.184 × 1.219) = 6.26 m of strip per m²
- 20 m² × 6.26 = 125.10 m, plus 10% = 137.61 m
- 914 mm strips: 137.61 ÷ 0.9144 = 151 strips
- 36 strips a box: 151 ÷ 36 = 4.19
Round up: 5 boxes
Common questions
How many design strips do I need for a border?
Measure the perimeter of the room: (length + width) × 2 for a rectangle. Add 10% for cuts, divide by the length of one strip and round up. A 5 m × 4 m room has an 18 m perimeter, so it needs about 22 strips of 914 mm, which is one box of 36.
How many strips do I need between every plank?
It depends on the plank size. Smaller planks have more edges, so they need more strip. A 184 × 1219 mm plank needs about 6.3 m of strip per m² before wastage. The calculator works it out for any size.
What size are LVT design strips?
Most are a few millimetres wide and around 914 mm to 1 m long, sold in boxes or packs. Check the strip is made for your floor's thickness and fitting method before you buy.
What is the difference between a feature strip and a border?
A feature strip, or design strip, is the thin strip itself. A border is one way of using it, as a frame round the room. You can also run strips between every plank or tile.
Can I add design strips to a floor that is already laid?
Usually not. Strips are laid at the same time as a glue down floor, fitted tight between the planks. Plan them in before the floor goes down.
Do I need extra adhesive for design strips?
The strips sit in the same adhesive bed as the floor, so work out the adhesive for the full floor area as normal.
Does this work for herringbone?
Yes. Choose the herringbone block size, or type it in. Each block still adds one long edge and one short edge of strip.
Planning the floor too? See herringbone laying patterns.