In short: A box of laminate covers about 2 to 2.4 sqm, so add 10 percent for waste, divide by the box coverage and round up. Laminate costs KSh 1,799 per sqm for 8mm and KSh 1,999 for 12mm at Excel Deco, Summit House, Moi Avenue, Nairobi, with underlay at KSh 4,999 per 50 metre roll.

The formula

Room length times width in metres gives square metres. Add 10 percent. Divide by the coverage on the box and round up. For a 3.5 by 4 metre room: 14 sqm plus 10 percent is 15.4 sqm. At 2.2 sqm a box that is 7 boxes.

Why the waste matters

Every row ends with an offcut. Doorways, pipes and alcoves take more. Buying one box short means a return trip and a different batch that may not match.

Underlay

Laminate needs underlay. One 50 sqm roll covers a two bedroom flat with some to spare.

Quick table

Worked example: an L shaped living and dining room

Many Nairobi flats have a living room that turns a corner into the dining area. Do not try to measure it as one shape. Split it into two rectangles.

1. Living part: 5 x 4 metres = 20 sqm.
2. Dining part: 3 x 3 metres = 9 sqm.
3. Total floor: 20 + 9 = 29 sqm.
4. Add 10 percent for waste: 29 x 1.1 = 31.9 sqm.
5. Say your box covers 2.2 sqm: 31.9 divided by 2.2 = 14.5. Round up to 15 boxes.

Fifteen boxes of 2.2 sqm give you 33 sqm. In 8mm that is 33 x KSh 1,799 = KSh 59,367. In 12mm it is 33 x KSh 1,999 = KSh 65,967. One underlay roll at KSh 4,999 covers the whole 29 sqm with plenty to spare. Laying is quoted on WhatsApp.

Coverage per box changes from one product to another, so always check the figure printed on the box you are buying. A box of 2.4 sqm would need 31.9 divided by 2.4 = 13.3, so 14 boxes. Same room, one box fewer.

Measuring mistakes that leave you a box short

• Measuring at the skirting in one corner only. Walls in many buildings are not square. Measure each wall at both ends and use the bigger figure.
• Forgetting the doorways. Laminate runs into each doorway to the middle of the door. Add those small strips.
• Taking off space for the wardrobe or kitchen units. Only take off built in units that sit on the floor and will never move.
• Mixing up feet and metres. Some old house plans are in feet. Convert before you divide by the box size.
• Rounding down. Always round boxes up. A box short on fitting day stops the job.

The same method works for carpet. See how to calculate carpet size.

Why you should keep one spare box

Once the floor is down, keep one unopened box in a dry place. Here is why.

• A plank can be damaged by a dropped pan or a leak from a fridge. A spare from the same batch matches in colour.
• Colours can shift a little between batches. A plank bought a year later may not match.
• If you extend the floor into a corridor later, you have a start.

If the waste allowance already leaves you with spare planks, store those flat instead of buying an extra box.

Write the batch details from the box label on the inside of a cupboard door. If you ever need more, you can ask for the closest match.

What to check when the boxes arrive

1. Count the boxes against your order.
2. Check the thickness, 8mm or 12mm, on each label.
3. Check the batch details on the labels match across boxes.
4. Look for crushed corners. Damaged ends do not click well.
5. Lay the boxes flat in the room for a day before fitting so the planks settle to the room.

Comparing with other floors? See how many boxes of SPC flooring you need, current laminate flooring prices and laminate vs tiles.

Shop the products on this page

Laminate Flooring 8mm and 12mmKSh 1,799Herringbone SPC FlooringKSh 2,799SPC Flooring Click LockKSh 2,200Commercial Carpet Tiles, Office & High Traffic Modular FlooringKSh 2,499

Questions buyers ask

How many square metres in a box of laminate?

About 2 to 2.4 sqm. Check the box label for the exact figure.

How much waste should I allow?

10 percent for straight planks, 15 percent for herringbone or rooms with many corners.

Do you sell single boxes?

Yes. Boxes are sold individually with no minimum.

What is the price?

KSh 1,799 per sqm for 8mm and KSh 1,999 for 12mm. Prices last updated October 2026.

Should I buy an extra box of laminate?

Yes, if your waste allowance leaves no spare planks. Keep it unopened so you can repair a damaged plank with a matching colour later.

How do I measure an L shaped room for laminate?

Split the room into two rectangles, work out each area and add them. Then add 10 percent for waste and divide by the coverage on the box.

How many underlay rolls do I need for a three bedroom house?

One 50 sqm roll at KSh 4,999 covers most flats. A house with about 70 sqm of laminate needs two rolls, which is KSh 9,998.

Shop and read next

• Laminate flooring
• Laminate underlay
• Laminate prices
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