how much extra tile to buy: planning for a flawless installation

how much extra tile should you order?

with a few simple guidelines, you can confidently calculate the perfect number of tiles for your project, avoid add-on orders and factor in that all-important extra cushion. industry experts recommend ordering 10% more tile than your measurements indicate. this buffer allows for cuts, breakage and those tricky corner pieces. for intricate patterns or diagonal layouts, bump that up to 15%.

let's talk about why it pays to plan ahead.

why ordering extra tile is essential

ensuring a flawless installation

when it comes to tile installation, precision is key. but even the most meticulous planning can't account for every variable. that's why calculating the right amount of extra tile is crucial for a flawless finish.

as we’ll discuss throughout this article, ordering the proper amount of tile ensures that you don’t run out mid-project, allows for cuts and waste, maintains color and texture consistency, provides backup for future repairs and most importantly, helps you avoid installation stress.

maintaining color and texture consistency

when thinking about how much extra tile to buy, look beyond the initial installation. having spare tiles on hand is invaluable for future repairs or replacements. tile styles and colors can be discontinued, making exact matches impossible down the road.

moreover, consistency is key to achieving a polished, professional look. for example, tile batches can vary slightly in shade and finish, even within the same product line. by purchasing all your tiles at once, including extras, you guarantee they're from the same production run, eliminating noticeable differences that could detract from your design.

planning for future repairs

over time, tiles may crack, chip or need replacement due to wear and tear. if you've used all your tiles without keeping spares, finding an exact match years later can be challenging, if not impossible. essentially, when you buy a box or two of extra tile, you're investing in the long-term maintenance of your space, ensuring you can make seamless repairs without resorting to mismatched replacements or a complete overhaul.

factors to consider when ordering extra tile

tile size

when ordering extra tiles, the size of the tiles is a crucial factor that can make or break your project. larger tiles like natural stone floor tiles cover more area quickly, potentially reducing the number of extras needed. however, they also leave less room for error during installation. smaller tiles, while requiring more pieces, offer greater flexibility for intricate designs and can be more forgiving when it comes to slight miscalculations.

tile size directly impacts the amount of waste produced during installation, too. larger tiles may result in less waste overall, as fewer cuts are typically required. but when cuts are necessary, you might lose a larger portion of material. smaller tiles, while potentially creating more frequent waste, often allow for more precise fitting around obstacles and in tight spaces.

tile spacing

grout lines are more than just aesthetics; they're essential for proper tile installation. these spaces between tiles allow for minor shifts and prevent cracking. depending on your tile size and style, grout lines can range from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch or more. this seemingly small detail can significantly impact your tile quantity needs.

and here's where things get interesting. let's say you're tiling a 100 square foot area with 12x12 inch tiles. without grout lines, you'd need exactly 100 tiles. but add 1/8 inch grout lines, and suddenly you're looking at needing fewer tiles—about 97 to be exact. it’s a matter of inches so it might not seem like much, but for larger spaces or smaller tiles, the difference becomes more pronounced.

to ensure you order the right amount, measure your space accurately, decide on your grout line width and use a tile calculator that factors in spacing (more on this last point later).

layout complexity

before you start ordering tiles, take a moment to evaluate the intricacy of your planned layout. complex designs often require more tiles than simple, straight-laid patterns. intricate patterns like herringbone, basketweave or mosaic designs typically need extra tiles to account for more cuts and waste. these layouts often involve angled cuts and small pieces, increasing the likelihood of breakage during installation.

room shape

for straightforward square or rectangular spaces, you'll typically need less extra tile. these shapes allow for more efficient cutting and placement, resulting in less waste. however, don't skimp on extras. even simple rooms can have surprises.

more complex room shapes like L-shaped areas or rooms with curved walls require careful consideration (it’s especially tricky measuring the square feet in these types of rooms). these layouts often lead to more cuts and waste, as tiles need to be trimmed to fit unique angles and curves. ordering an additional 15-20% extra tile in these cases is wise.

if you're planning a diagonal tile pattern, factor in even more extra material. diagonal installations create more waste due to the increased number of cuts required, especially along walls and corners. for these designs, consider ordering up to 25% extra to ensure you have enough to complete the job without running short.

ensuring accurate estimates

work with a professional installer

when homeowners attempt their own tile estimates, they often overlook crucial factors that professionals consider second nature. the intricacies of room layouts, including odd angles and alcoves, can throw off calculations. additionally, pattern matching and tile orientation significantly impact the amount of material needed, aspects that DIYers can easily miss. (while we’re on the topic, here are some other mistakes to avoid.)

seasoned installers also anticipate issues that may lurk beneath the surface, such as uneven subfloors or moisture problems. these hidden challenges (not to mention the relative difficulty of accurately cutting floor tile) can affect the number of tiles needed and the complexity of the installation.

professional tile installers bring years of experience to the table. they can accurately assess the unique characteristics of your space, taking into account factors like room shape, doorways and fixtures. they’re masters with a tape measure. this expertise allows them to calculate precise material needs, reducing waste and preventing costly shortages mid-project. here are some tips for hiring a pro.

using online tile calculators

with online tile calculators, you can take the guesswork out of your next tiling project. these handy tools are your secret weapon for getting precise square feet measurements in your installation areas and avoiding costly mistakes, effectively saving you time, money and headaches.

most calculators allow you to enter your room's length and width (its square footage). some even accommodate irregular shapes, ensuring accuracy for uniquely-designed spaces. next, input the size of the tiles and preferred layout pattern. whether you're using standard squares, rectangular planks or intricate mosaics, the calculator adjusts its calculations accordingly.

smart calculators factor in a percentage for cutting waste and spares. this extra cushion (again, typically 10-15%) ensures you won't run short mid-project. it's always better to have a few extra tiles than to halt work waiting for more to arrive.

having said that, online calculators are only as good as the information you provide. take the time to measure carefully, account for waste and double-check your inputs. while these calculators can save you time and reduce errors, they're not a substitute for your judgment. trust your instincts if something seems off, and don't hesitate to consult with professionals for complex layouts.

estimating how much tile you’ll need for your project can be tricky, but it’s possibly the most important aspect of planning your installation. thinking though everything from tile size and spacing to layout complexity and room shape will help ensure you get the amount of needed materials right the first time. we can’t emphasize enough that when you shop for tile, it’s crucial to factor in all these considerations before you place your order.