Step 1: Measure Your Room
Accurate measurements are crucial for calculating tile quantities. Here's how to measure different room types:
- Rectangular Rooms: Measure length and width in feet or meters
- L-Shaped Rooms: Break into two rectangles, measure each separately, then add areas
- Irregular Rooms: Divide into rectangles, measure each section, sum the areas
- Bathrooms: Don't forget to measure shower areas and backsplashes separately
Step 2: Choose Your Tile Size
Select the size of tiles you plan to use. The tile size you choose can significantly impact your room's appearance and installation complexity:
- Large Tiles (18" x 18" or larger): Create a more spacious feel, fewer grout lines, ideal for larger rooms
- Medium Tiles (12" x 12"): Versatile size, good for most rooms, standard installation
- Small Tiles (6" x 6" or smaller): Perfect for detailed patterns, backsplashes, and small spaces
- Rectangular Tiles: Can create the illusion of a longer or wider space depending on orientation
Step 3: Account for Waste and Pattern Complexity
Always add extra tiles to account for various factors:
- Standard Layout: Add 10% extra tiles
- Diagonal Layout: Add 15% extra tiles
- Complex Patterns: Add 15-20% extra tiles
- Herringbone Pattern: Add 20% extra tiles
- Mosaic Tiles: Add 15% extra tiles
Step 4: Consider Grout Spacing
Grout spacing affects both aesthetics and tile quantity:
- Standard Spacing: 1/8" to 1/4" for most tiles
- Large Format Tiles: 1/4" to 3/8" spacing recommended
- Mosaic Tiles: 1/16" to 1/8" spacing
- Outdoor Tiles: Wider spacing (1/4" to 1/2") for better drainage