Tile waste factor: how much extra to buy
Waste depends on cuts, layout, and room complexity—plan overage before you order.
Tile projects almost always require extra material: cuts, breakage, pattern matching, and future repairs all add up.
A waste factor (overage) is the simplest way to avoid running short while still keeping costs under control.
Step-by-step: pick a waste factor
- Start with the tile area you need (including walls, floors, or backsplashes).
- Consider layout: straight stack typically wastes less than diagonal or herringbone.
- Consider room complexity: many corners, niches, or small rooms increase waste.
- Pick a waste factor (commonly 10% for simple layouts; 15%+ for diagonal/patterns).
- Round up to whole boxes, and consider adding an extra box for future repairs.
Practical tips
- Large-format tiles can increase waste in small rooms due to cutoffs.
- If you’re matching veins or patterns, plan higher overage.
- Order all tile at once to reduce color variation between batches.
- Save spare tiles after installation for replacements and repairs.
Want the fast estimate?
Use our tile calculator and share a link that keeps your inputs.
FAQ
Is 10% waste enough for tile?
Often yes for simple rooms with straight layouts. For diagonal layouts, patterns, or lots of obstacles, you may need 15% or more.
Should I buy extra tile for future repairs?
Yes if you can. It’s hard to match batch color later, and discontinued products are common.
Does tile size affect waste?
It can. Large tiles can waste more in small or irregular spaces, while smaller tiles can waste more if patterns require matching.
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