Calculate exactly how many tiles you need — including grout spacing
Porcelain: Denser, more water resistant, better for outdoors. Absorption rate <0.5%.
Ceramic: More affordable, easier to cut, wide variety of designs. Great for walls and low-traffic areas.
Quick reference for tile quantities by room size, using standard 12×12 inch tiles with 10% waste:
Based on 12×12" tiles with 10% waste. Larger tiles (18×18, 24×24) need fewer pieces. Diagonal layouts need 15% waste.
How much tile for a small bathroom? A standard 5×8 ft bathroom is 40 sq ft. With 10% waste = 44 sq ft, or 44 twelve-inch tiles (3 boxes). For a master bathroom (10×12): 132 sq ft with waste = 9 boxes of 12×12 tiles. Budget $264–$1,980 for materials depending on tile quality.
How much tile for an entire kitchen floor? The average kitchen is 100–150 sq ft. With waste, plan for 110–165 sq ft. At $3–$10/sq ft for porcelain tile, budget $330–$1,650 for materials alone. Installation adds $5–$15/sq ft.
Can I tile over existing flooring? You can tile over existing tile, vinyl, or concrete if the surface is flat, structurally sound, and well-adhered. Avoid tiling over carpet or floating floors. Use a self-leveling compound for uneven surfaces.
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