Ceramic Tile Calculator

Estimating ceramic tile depends first on where the ceramic tile is going to be. The most practical use is for flooring, whether it’s in the bathroom, kitchen or patio. Sometimes though, people use to decorate the walls or countertops, which could mean using less or having different measurements as the area will vary slightly as compared to an entire floor. The shape could also be different in the latter situation, since ceramic tiles could be used to make shapes besides just squares

To estimate how many tiles your project requires, you must first determine the total square feet of the tiling area. For countertops, walls, or floors, find the length and width of the tiling area. A 10 percent waste allowance should be included for cutting and breakage. If you wish to apply border tiles for accent, enter the total length of the border in linear feet and the length of each border tile in inches. Include 10 percent extra for cutting and waste. Countertops and backsplashes oftentimes might need different types of trim tiles that you have to buy in separate sizes and styles at the home improvement store. However, it’s important to measure to measure the length and width of the area you plan to decorate before you go to the store to get any idea of how many you’ll need.

Then you will need to determine the tile size and shape you want. The more you shy away from squares and rectangles though, the harder it will be to get a uniform look across the wall or floor, and it will probably cost you more in the long run. However, tiles come in just about any size and shape, so the possibilities are endless. The smaller the size, the less it will cost you, but installation will go up in price because it will take longer in labor to lay them. Find a good balance between the two that matches your image and budget for the project.

You also have the option of finished or unfinished tiles, which means they’re either glazed or unglazed. Glazed tiles have smooth, hard tops that can deflect water and stains. The glaze also looks glossy, which means it will give the room a nice sheen. Unglazed tiles are not worse for not having this sheen, though. They will just be a little less durable and less shiny.

Last updated on Aug 3, 2017