Starting a tiling project? One of the first steps is figuring out how many tiles to buy. For any home renovation or construction that involves tiles, knowing the exact number is crucial.
This ensures you don’t run out mid-project or overspend on extras. Imagine a shiny new floor or a stunning shower wall mosaic.
To make that vision come true, you need the right number of tiles. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to make that calculation.
Benefits of Using Tiles
Splash of Color. They can brighten up a room. They bring color and style, making walls stand out.
Easy Cleaning. They are simple to clean. This makes them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
Versatile. They fit in many places in a home. They’re not just for floors.
Unique Design. With tiles, every floor can look different. There’s a huge choice of patterns and colors.
Value Boost. Homes with tile floors often sell for more. It’s a valuable upgrade.
Temperature. They help keep rooms cool, especially in warm climates.
Cost-Effective. Maintaining tiles doesn’t cost much. Plus, they’re affordable to buy.
Variety. There’s a tile design for everyone. From modern to classic, the options are endless.
Tough and Lasting. They are strong. They resist impacts and scratches, and they can last a lifetime. Even busy areas in a home won’t wear them out.
Eco-Friendly. They are a green choice. Made from natural materials, they don’t give off harmful chemicals.
How To Calculate How Many Tiles You Need?
1. Measure wall or floor areas
Begin by measuring the space you want to tile. This could be a wall or a floor.
For this, you will need:
- A tape measure
- Pencil
- Paper
- Calculator
First, measure the length and width of each space. If you’re tiling a wall, don’t forget the height. Be accurate with your measurements, as it’s crucial for the next steps.
If the space has complex shapes, break it into smaller rectangles. Measure these rectangles separately and note down their dimensions.
2. Multiply the measurements to find the total area
Once you’ve got your measurements in hand, it’s time to figure out the area you’ll be tiling.
Simple Spaces. For straightforward spaces like a rectangle, it’s easy. Just multiply the width by the length. Let’s take an example. If your space is 10 feet wide and 12 feet long, the total area is:
10 feet (width) x 12 feet (length) = 120 square feet.
Using centimeters. If you’re measuring in centimeters, the process is the same. For instance, a floor that’s 200 cm in width and 300 cm in length will have an area of:
200 cm (width) x 300 cm (length) = 60,000 cm².
Convert to meters if needed. 60,000 cm² is equal to 6 m².
Complex Shapes. For areas that aren’t just simple rectangles or squares, break them down. Divide the space into smaller rectangles. Calculate the area of each of these rectangles separately. Then, sum up the areas of all these smaller rectangles to get the total tiling area.
For instance, an L-shaped room can be seen as two rectangles. If both rectangles measure 8ft x 4ft, one rectangle has an area of 32 sq. ft. Then, the total area would be 64 sq. ft.
Circular Room. If you have a round room, you’ll use a bit of school math. Firstly, find the radius of the room, which is half the diameter. Then, use the formula: Area = Pi x r^2. Here, Pi is approximately 3.14.
By following these steps, you’ll get a clear idea of the total area you need to cover with tiles. This helps in purchasing the right quantity and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
3. Calculate the coverage required
After finding the area to tile, you need to think about extra tiles. Tiles can break or get wasted in cuts. To be safe, add 10% more tiles to your total. This covers mistakes and gives extra for future needs.
Here’s how
- Take the area from Step 2.
- Add 10% to it.
For example, if the area is 6m², the math is:
- 6m² x 1.1 = 6.6m².
4. Calculate how many tiles are needed
When you decide to tile a space, it’s crucial to know how many tiles to buy. Here’s how to determine that:
Understand Your Tile Box
- Start by checking your tile size.
- Note how many tiles come in one box. Remember, small ones like the subway style might have many more in a box than bigger ones.
Calculate Area of One Tile
- To understand how much area a tile will cover, you need to calculate its area.
- For instance, if a tile is 10 cm by 20cm, its area is 200 cm2, which is the same as 0.02 m2.
Determine total tiles for the space
- Take the total area you want to tile (including the 10% extra) and divide it by the area of one tile.
- With our example, it would be: 6.6 m2 (total area) ÷ 0.02 m2 (tile area) = 330 tiles.
Find Out Boxes to Buy
- Now, you need to know how many boxes to get.
- Check the number of tiles in one box, and then divide the total tiles you need by this number.
- For our example: If one box contains 20 tiles, then you’d have: 330 tiles ÷ 20 tiles/box = 16.5 boxes. Since you can’t buy half a box, you’d round up and get 17 boxes.
Using Square Footage
- If you know the space’s square footage and your tile size in inches, it’s another way to calculate.
- For a space of 120 square feet with tiles of size 12 inches x 12 inches, you’d do: 120 square feet ÷ 1 square foot (since 12×12 inches is 1 square foot) = 120 tiles.
Often, tile boxes will have helpful information. They might tell you how much area they cover or how many tiles you’d need for a certain space. Following these steps ensures you buy the right number of tiles—neither too few nor too many.
Factors to Be Considered
Installing tiles has become very popular nowadays. Be it your living room wall, or the floor of your bathroom, they amp up all spaces. However, many factors must be kept in mind before starting the installation process. Have a look at the major ones below.
1. Size Matters
They come in an array of sizes, from tiny 3/8″ mosaics to grand 24″ x 48″ slabs. The classic square tiles, having equal width and length, are a favorite and easy to work with. Unique shapes add flair but demand more effort during installation.
Think of it this way: large tiles can visually expand a small room due to fewer grout lines. Yet, they might result in more cut-offs and waste. On the flip side, petite tiles can infuse texture, creating a distinct ambiance.
2. Lay It Out
The layout can transform the vibe of a space. While many stick to the traditional grid pattern with square or rectangular tiles, some experiment with angled designs, crafting diamond aesthetics.
The running bond layout, reminiscent of brick walls, has tiles offset, consuming about 10% extra tiles. Feeling adventurous? Dive into the herringbone style, where they meet at sharp angles, boosting the room’s dynamism.
3. Dive Into Design
Since design also affects the aesthetics of tiles, we need to be able to choose the right tile size and type. Some intricate patterns may be reserved for larger tiles or specific qualities. While designs have aesthetic appeal, they also have practical implications.
Imagine opting for high-gloss tiles in the bedroom, unlocking a realm of color and pattern possibilities. But remember, that same gloss might not fare well in an outdoor setting, where slip-resistance is key.
Using a Tile Calculator
Using a tile calculator is a straightforward way to determine how many tiles you’ll need for your project. It works by taking the total area you want to tile and dividing it by the size of a single tile, like this: Tiles needed = Total area / Size of one tile.
Remember, you can’t buy a fraction of a tile, so always round up to ensure you have enough. Additionally, they can sometimes break or get damaged, so it’s wise to account for a little extra when making your calculations.
Although most tile calculators are designed for square or rectangular ones, if you choose a unique shape, you may need additional tiles to fill any gaps.
In essence, a tile calculator simplifies the process and ensures you’re well-equipped for your tiling project.
Final Words
Choosing the right tiles for your home might seem tricky, but with a bit of planning, it’s straightforward. First, know what you want. Think about the look, size, and pattern of the tiles.
Once you have that, calculate how many tiles you need. You can do this with a simple formula or use a tile calculator to make it even easier.
And if you’re unsure about how they’ll look in your home, online tools can give you a sneak peek.
So, take your time, choose wisely, and soon, your home will shine with the perfect tiles! Find the best tile collection at George Ceramic.