Tile project planning guide (layout, overage, and materials list)

Start with layout (layout drives waste)

Tile waste is mostly layout and cuts, not broken tiles. Straight layouts in open rectangles typically waste less than diagonal layouts, herringbone, or projects with many corners, niches, and penetrations.

If appearance matters, plan to buy enough from a consistent dye lot. That usually means choosing a realistic overage upfront instead of trying to top up later.

Order timing and batch consistency

Tile batches can vary slightly. Ordering everything at once reduces dye-lot mismatch and speeds the job.

• Buy trims, bullnose, and mosaics in the same batch when possible.
• Keep at least one extra box for future repairs.

Layout checkpoint (before you buy)

• Confirm the tile module (tile size + grout joint) and dry-lay a few rows.
• Shift the layout to reduce sliver cuts at the most visible walls.
• If you have borders or mosaics, estimate those as separate materials.

Keep spares for repairs

Tile lines get discontinued. Keeping at least one extra box from the same dye lot saves headaches later.

Box coverage: the label always wins

Do not compute box coverage from tile size alone. Packaging varies by product, thickness, and pieces per carton. Use the label’s sq ft/sq m coverage per box and round up to whole boxes.

If you are mixing field tile with mosaics, borders, or trim pieces, estimate those separately. Their coverage and waste behavior differ from field tile.

A complete materials list (avoid the “tile only” estimate)

• Thinset/mortar (type depends on tile, substrate, and environment)
• Grout (type and joint width change usage)
• Waterproofing (for wet areas) and/or uncoupling membrane (project dependent)
• Backer board / substrate prep materials (as needed)
• Trim pieces, transitions, and movement joints
• Spacers, leveling system, and sealant/caulk (at changes of plane)

Box coverage checklist (avoid unit mistakes)

• Use the label coverage per box (sq ft or m²), not tile dimensions alone.
• Add overage for layout complexity before converting to boxes.
• Round up to whole boxes; partial boxes are not practical to buy.
• Estimate trim, mosaics, and borders separately.

Practical buying rules

• Round up: one extra box is cheaper than a lot mismatch mid-project.
• Keep spares for future repairs (especially for discontinued styles).
• If tile may be back-ordered, buy everything at once and store it safely.

Tips that reduce waste (without under-buying)

• Plan layout so cut pieces land in less-visible areas when possible.
• Increase overage for large-format or fragile tile; breakage risk matters.
• Keep a few spares for future repairs; matching later can be difficult.

Substrate flatness and prep (where many projects fail)

Layout and overage are important, but tile performance depends on substrate prep: flatness, stiffness, and compatibility with your mortar and membrane system. Large-format tile is especially unforgiving on uneven surfaces.

• Confirm floor stiffness and underlayment requirements (project dependent).
• Plan leveling/patching materials if the surface isn’t flat enough for your tile size.
• Choose mortar type based on tile material, size, and environment (follow manufacturer guidance).

Movement joints and transitions (plan before you start)

• Plan soft joints at changes of plane and where movement is expected (follow tile industry guidance).
• Plan transitions at doorways and where tile meets other flooring for height changes.
• Dry-fit trim pieces (schluter/edge profiles) so you know what thicknesses and overlaps you need.

Jobsite checklist (day-of efficiency)

• Verify you have enough spacers/leveling clips, mixing buckets, and trowels for the day’s pace.
• Have a clean water and wash station plan; grout cleanup is easier when you’re organized.
• Open multiple boxes and mix tiles to blend shade variation (common recommendation).

Common mistakes

• Buying tile based on calculated pieces-per-box instead of the label coverage.
• Underestimating cuts around toilets, cabinets, niches, and pipe penetrations.
• Skipping substrate prep and then trying to “fix it in thinset,” which usually creates lippage and weak spots.

• Tile calculator
• Tile guide
• Tile waste guide
• Tile grout guide
• Tile waterproofing guide