How Much Extra Tile to Order: The Waste Factor Guide
The golden rule of tile ordering is to never buy just the exact square footage. Here is a definitive guide on waste factors based on layout pattern and tile material.
Why do you need a waste factor?
Tile waste isn't just about dropping and breaking tiles—though that happens. Waste primarily comes from cuts. When you reach the edge of a room, you have to cut a tile to fit. The remaining piece of that cut tile is often the wrong size or shape to be used anywhere else in the room, so it is thrown away.
Standard Waste Factors
- 10% — Standard straight layouts: For a typical grid or running bond (brick) pattern in a rectangular room.
- 15% — Diagonal or Herringbone patterns: These patterns require cuts at a 45-degree angle at every wall, creating significantly more unusable off-cuts.
- 15% — Bathrooms and complex rooms: Even with a straight layout, bathrooms have multiple obstacles (toilets, tubs, vanities, pipes) that require complex cuts and increase waste.
- +5% — Natural Stone: Natural stone (marble, slate, travertine) has natural flaws, color variations, and fragile veins. You should order an additional 5% to allow the installer to cull (throw away) ugly or fragile pieces.
What about large format tiles?
Large format tiles (e.g., 24"x48") can actually increase your waste percentage in small rooms. If you need a 6-inch sliver of a 48-inch tile, the remaining 42 inches might not be usable on the opposite wall if the pattern doesn't align perfectly. Always err on the higher side (15%) when using large format tile in a small or complex space.
The "Attic Stock" Rule
You should always keep at least half a box (ideally a full box) of tile after the job is done. Tile batches (dye lots) vary wildly. If a pipe bursts in 5 years and you need to replace 4 tiles, you will never find a perfect color match at the store. Your attic stock is your insurance policy.