How Much Extra Tile to Buy?
Did you ever asked yourself why you need to buy extra tiles when planning a tile flooring project?
How Much Extra Tile Do You Need for Your Flooring Project?
When planning a tile flooring project, the excitement of selecting the perfect design often takes center stage. But there’s an important detail that many people overlook: buying extra tiles. Without an adequate extra tile allowance, you could risk delays, increased costs, or mismatched tiles down the road. Wondering how much extra tile to buy? This guide breaks it down for you.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or working with a professional installer, understanding why and how to plan for extra tiles ensures your flooring project runs smoothly. Here’s everything you need to know.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or working with a professional installer, understanding why and how to plan for extra tiles ensures your flooring project runs smoothly. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Do You Need Extra Tiles?
1. Accounting for Installation Cuts and Errors
Tiles aren’t like puzzle pieces that fit perfectly into your space without adjustments. When tiling a room, certain areas, such as the edges where the floor meets the walls, often require tiles to be cut to size. Even with the most experienced tile professional, some tiles may break during the cutting process. While some offcuts can be reused, it’s better to have extra material on hand to avoid running out mid-project.
2. Ensuring a Flawless Finish
Tiles come in batches that vary slightly in color and texture. If you have to buy more tiles later, there’s a high chance the new batch will differ slightly, making it harder to maintain a uniform look. Ordering extra tiles upfront ensures that you’re covered for any adjustments or replacements, all while maintaining consistency in your flooring.
3. Planning for Long-Term Maintenance
Floors are designed to last decades, but accidents happen. Dropped items, heavy furniture, or natural wear and tear can result in cracks or chips. Having extra tiles on hand will allow you to repair or replace damaged tiles in the future, instead of redoing your entire floor because a matching tile is no longer available.
How Much Extra Tile Should You Buy?
The amount of tile you purchase depends on the type of project and tile size. Here’s a helpful guide:
How Much Extra Tile Should You Buy?
The amount of tile you purchase depends on the type of project and tile size. Here’s a helpful guide:
General Guidelines for Tile Flooring
For most standard flooring projects:
Add 10% extra if you’re using standard tile sizes such as 30×30, 32×32, 24×48, or 36×36 inches.
This accounts for standard cuts and minor breakages during installation.
Special Guidelines for Large and Extra-Large Tiles
For larger tiles, such as 48×48 inches and 63×63 inches, you should allocate a minimum of 15% extra to account for cutting and waste. However, it’s wise to go with 20% extra to ensure coverage for more complex layouts or unexpected breakages.
For other large sizes, like 30×60 and 32×62 inches, 20% extra is strongly recommended, as extra-large tiles create more waste due to their dimensions and the difficulty of reusing offcuts.
Special Considerations for Bathrooms
Bathrooms, especially smaller ones, typically require a higher allowance:
Add 20% extra for bathroom floors.
Tight spaces result in more frequent cuts, increasing wastage.
For shower wall tiles, add at least one extra box of tiles to cover potential mistakes or breakages.
These adjustments are less critical for shower areas where tile quantity is easy to estimate, but having extras provides peace of mind.
For Complex Layouts or Patterns
If your flooring design includes intricate patterns, mosaics, or diagonal layouts, increase the extra tile allowance. Patterns often result in more offcuts and waste compared to simpler layouts.
Add 10% extra if you’re using standard tile sizes such as 30×30, 32×32, 24×48, or 36×36 inches.
This accounts for standard cuts and minor breakages during installation.
Special Guidelines for Large and Extra-Large Tiles
For larger tiles, such as 48×48 inches and 63×63 inches, you should allocate a minimum of 15% extra to account for cutting and waste. However, it’s wise to go with 20% extra to ensure coverage for more complex layouts or unexpected breakages.
For other large sizes, like 30×60 and 32×62 inches, 20% extra is strongly recommended, as extra-large tiles create more waste due to their dimensions and the difficulty of reusing offcuts.
Special Considerations for Bathrooms
Bathrooms, especially smaller ones, typically require a higher allowance:
Add 20% extra for bathroom floors.
Tight spaces result in more frequent cuts, increasing wastage.
For shower wall tiles, add at least one extra box of tiles to cover potential mistakes or breakages.
These adjustments are less critical for shower areas where tile quantity is easy to estimate, but having extras provides peace of mind.
For Complex Layouts or Patterns
If your flooring design includes intricate patterns, mosaics, or diagonal layouts, increase the extra tile allowance. Patterns often result in more offcuts and waste compared to simpler layouts.
Tips for Buying Extra Tiles
Think About Future Repairs
Tiles are made to last, but tile styles don’t always stick around. Manufacturers often retire designs, making it hard to find matching replacements years down the line. Purchase a few extra boxes to keep in storage for unexpected repairs. This ensures consistency in color and pattern if you need to replace tiles years later.
2. Store Tiles Properly
Extra tiles should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Heat and moisture can weaken the tiles over time, while sharp temperature changes may crack certain materials. Label the boxes to identify their batch number and the project they belong to for easy reference.
3. Consult a Professional
If you’re unsure how much extra tile to buy, consult a professional before placing your order. Their experience can help you calculate an accurate allowance based on the complexity of your project, tile size, and design preferences.
Wrapping It Up
Planning for your flooring project involves more than just choosing a tile that looks stunning. Accounting for an extra tile allowance is crucial to ensure a smooth installation process and prepare for future needs. Here’s a quick recap:
Add 10% extra for standard tile sizes, like 30×30 or 24×48 inches.
For 48×48 and 63×63 tiles, allocate at least 15% extra, but opting for 20% extra gives added security.
Add 20% extra for larger tiles, smaller spaces like bathrooms, or complex designs.
By following these guidelines, you’ll avoid unexpected delays, maintain the quality of your flooring over time, and possibly save money in the long run.
Now that you know how much tile to buy for your flooring project, it’s time to get started! Check out our extensive collection of tiles to find the perfect fit for your home. Need help? Contact us for expert advice and personalized recommendations.
Get started with your tile flooring project today!
Tiles are made to last, but tile styles don’t always stick around. Manufacturers often retire designs, making it hard to find matching replacements years down the line. Purchase a few extra boxes to keep in storage for unexpected repairs. This ensures consistency in color and pattern if you need to replace tiles years later.
2. Store Tiles Properly
Extra tiles should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Heat and moisture can weaken the tiles over time, while sharp temperature changes may crack certain materials. Label the boxes to identify their batch number and the project they belong to for easy reference.
3. Consult a Professional
If you’re unsure how much extra tile to buy, consult a professional before placing your order. Their experience can help you calculate an accurate allowance based on the complexity of your project, tile size, and design preferences.
Wrapping It Up
Planning for your flooring project involves more than just choosing a tile that looks stunning. Accounting for an extra tile allowance is crucial to ensure a smooth installation process and prepare for future needs. Here’s a quick recap:
Add 10% extra for standard tile sizes, like 30×30 or 24×48 inches.
For 48×48 and 63×63 tiles, allocate at least 15% extra, but opting for 20% extra gives added security.
Add 20% extra for larger tiles, smaller spaces like bathrooms, or complex designs.
By following these guidelines, you’ll avoid unexpected delays, maintain the quality of your flooring over time, and possibly save money in the long run.
Now that you know how much tile to buy for your flooring project, it’s time to get started! Check out our extensive collection of tiles to find the perfect fit for your home. Need help? Contact us for expert advice and personalized recommendations.
Get started with your tile flooring project today!
