The rule of thumb for any tiling project is to purchase 10% extra material for standard patterns and up to 15% or 20% for diagonal patterns or intricate cuts. Tiling involves cutting pieces to fit around corners, doorways, and fixtures, which inevitably results in waste. Even the most precise professional installer will create offcuts that cannot be reused, and buying the extra material upfront ensures you don't run out mid-job. There is also a functional reason to keep extra tile on hand: dye lots. Tile manufacturers produce tile in batches, and colors or shades can vary slightly between production runs. If you finish your project and use every last tile, you may find it impossible to find an exact match if a tile happens to crack or needs to be removed for plumbing repairs in the future. By holding onto a box of the same batch, you ensure that your floor remains seamless throughout the life of your home. It is a small investment that protects your floor's long-term appearance and value.
Key considerations
- how much extra tile
- tile wastage
- ordering tile
- ceramic tile
- porcelain tile
- natural stone