Planning a new tiling project is exciting, whether it involves renovating a bathroom, upgrading a kitchen, or installing elegant flooring throughout a home. One of the most common questions homeowners and contractors ask before placing an order is: How much extra tile should be ordered?
Ordering the exact amount based on room measurements may seem like the most cost-effective approach, but it often leads to unexpected shortages, installation delays, and additional expenses. Professional tile installers always include a waste allowance to account for cutting, breakage, and future repairs.
This guide explains why ordering extra tiles is essential, how to calculate the right quantity, and the recommended tile waste percentages for different project types.
Why Ordering Extra Tiles Is Important
Tiles rarely fit perfectly into every space. During installation, some tiles need to be cut to fit around walls, doorways, corners, plumbing fixtures, or other obstacles. These cuts inevitably create waste.
Extra tiles also provide protection against:
- Accidental breakage during transportation or installation
- Incorrect cuts or installation mistakes
- Pattern matching requirements
- Natural shade and batch variations
- Future repairs or renovations
- Discontinued tile collections
Ordering a few additional boxes at the beginning of a project is almost always more economical than trying to source matching tiles months or years later.
How Much Extra Tile Should You Order?
The recommended waste allowance depends on the complexity of the installation.
| Project Type | Recommended Extra Tiles |
|---|---|
| Simple square or rectangular room | 5–10% |
| Standard residential flooring | 10% |
| Bathrooms with multiple fixtures | 10–15% |
| Diagonal tile layouts | 10–15% |
| Herringbone, chevron, or intricate patterns | 15–20% |
| Natural stone installations | 15–20% |
| Large commercial projects | Consult the installer |
As a general guideline, 10% extra is suitable for most residential floor and wall tile projects.
Factors That Affect Tile Waste
Several factors influence the amount of extra tile required.
1. Room Shape
Simple square rooms produce less waste than irregular spaces with alcoves, pillars, or multiple corners.
2. Tile Size
Large-format tiles often require precise cutting, while smaller tiles can adapt more easily to complex layouts.
3. Installation Pattern
Straight layouts generate minimal waste.
Decorative patterns such as:
- Herringbone
- Chevron
- Basket weave
- Diagonal installations
require significantly more cutting, increasing waste percentages.
4. Obstacles
Bathrooms and kitchens typically have more obstacles, including:
- Toilets
- Vanities
- Kitchen islands
- Cabinets
- Plumbing
- Floor drains
These features require additional tile cutting.
5. Installer Experience
Experienced installers usually minimise waste, but even professionals recommend ordering extra tiles because unexpected issues can arise during installation.
How to Calculate How Many Tiles You Need
A simple calculation can help estimate tile quantities.
Example
Room Size:
- Length: 5 metres
- Width: 4 metres
Floor Area:
5 × 4 = 20 square metres
Recommended waste allowance:
20 m² × 10% = 2 m²
Total tiles to order:
22 square metres
For more complex layouts such as herringbone or diagonal patterns, increasing the waste allowance to 15–20% is recommended.
Why Buying All Your Tiles at Once Matters
Tiles are manufactured in production batches known as dye lots or shade batches.
Although manufacturers maintain high quality standards, slight differences in colour, texture, or size may occur between production runs.
Purchasing all required tiles—including the extra allowance—at the same time helps ensure:
- Consistent colour
- Matching surface finish
- Uniform sizing
- A seamless appearance after installation
This is especially important for large flooring projects where visual consistency is essential.
What Should You Do with Leftover Tiles?
Leftover tiles should never be discarded.
They can be invaluable for future repairs if tiles become chipped or cracked years later.
Store spare tiles:
- Indoors in a dry location
- In their original packaging whenever possible
- Clearly labelled with the product name and colour
- Away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture
Many professionals recommend keeping at least one unopened box after the project is complete.
Common Mistakes When Ordering Tiles
Avoid these common errors:
- Ordering only the exact measured area
- Forgetting to include waste for cuts
- Ignoring complex installation patterns
- Buying additional tiles from different production batches
- Not keeping spare tiles for future maintenance
Proper planning helps avoid unnecessary costs and project delays.
Expert Tips for a Successful Tile Project
Before ordering tiles, consider the following best practices:
- Measure the installation area carefully.
- Confirm the tile layout with the installer.
- Include the appropriate waste allowance.
- Purchase all tiles in a single order.
- Inspect deliveries before installation begins.
- Store extra tiles safely after the project is completed.
These simple steps can save time, money, and frustration throughout the renovation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10% extra tile enough?
For most standard residential flooring and wall tile installations, a 10% allowance is generally sufficient.
How much extra tile should be ordered for a bathroom?
Bathrooms usually require between 10% and 15% extra because of numerous cuts around fixtures and plumbing.
Do large tiles require more waste?
Large-format tiles can require additional cutting depending on the room layout. Many installers recommend allowing around 10–15% extra.
Should spare tiles be kept after installation?
Yes. Keeping at least one unopened box makes future repairs much easier if tiles become damaged or discontinued.
Final Thoughts
Ordering extra tiles is one of the smartest decisions when planning a renovation. While it may seem like an additional expense upfront, the small investment helps prevent delays, reduces stress during installation, and ensures matching replacement tiles are available if repairs are needed in the future.
For most projects, ordering 10% extra provides a safe margin. More intricate layouts or natural stone installations may require 15–20% to accommodate additional cutting and waste.
Whether the project involves a bathroom, kitchen, living room, or commercial space, careful planning and accurate tile estimation contribute to a smoother installation and a more professional final result.
Choosing high-quality tiles and seeking expert advice before ordering can make all the difference in achieving a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
