What is the appropriate unit of measurement (UOM) for carpet in construction estimating?

The appropriate unit of measurement for carpet in construction estimating is square yard. Carpeting is typically sold and installed in widths of several feet, commonly 12 feet. Since carpets cover a floor area rather than being measured in length or volume, square yards provide a practical way to express the area being covered.

Using square yards allows for easy calculations when determining how much carpet is required for a room or area, especially since carpeting is often rolled out from large rolls that are typically measured in yards. This unit facilitates estimating the material needed for installation while considering both the width of the carpet roll and the total area to be covered.

Other units such as linear meters or square feet may be used in certain contexts, but square yards remain the standard for carpet measurements due to the conventional practices of the industry. Board measure is not applicable here, as that term refers to the volume of lumber and is not relevant to flooring materials.