FLOORING & TILE
Tile estimating guide
Tile quantities depend on the area, the tile size, the grout joint and how much material is lost to cuts.
Start with the surface area
Measure the length and width of the floor or wall and multiply them to get the area. For L-shaped or irregular rooms, split the space into rectangles and add them together.
Use the finished tile layout in mind: tile around a tub, a doorway or a built-in cabinet is not needed, but small cutouts are usually simpler to leave in the total as part of your allowance.
Allow for cuts and waste
Tiles are cut at walls and around fixtures, and some will break or have flaws. Many installers add a modest allowance, and a larger one for diagonal, herringbone or patterned layouts. The right figure depends on your layout and the tile.
Keep a few spare tiles from the same production lot. Color and size can vary slightly between lots, which makes later repairs hard to match.
Convert to whole boxes
Tile is sold in boxes that cover a stated area or hold a set number of pieces. Divide the tiles you need by the number per box and round up, because partial boxes are not sold.
Check the box label for coverage and ask your supplier about returns on unopened boxes before you order.