Tile Installation: >> Estimating (Estimating/Layout)
When we need to estimate the amount of tile needed to complete a project, we must first determine what tile we are talking about.
FIELD TILE: Field tiles are those tiles that are flat and form the field or largest part of a tiled installation. 
Field tile is generally packaged in boxes indicating their total combined square foot coverage. This means that we need to convert our measurement into total square feet that is required to complete the installation. This method is simple and easy to follow. The drawing made at the time the project was considered is necessary now. If no drawing was made then, it should be now. Simply divide the area of installation into manageable sections. Take the width, in inches, and multiply it by the length, in inches. This gives the total square inches. Next divide that number by 144. This gives you the square feet. Take all the sections and add the square feet together resulting in the total square feet required for the project. It is a good idea to add 10% to that number for waste of difficulty. More than 10% is required for some types of fragile tiles or those known to be prone to breakage within prepackaged cartons. Be sure to ask your reputable tile dealer for his recommendation in this area.
TRIM: Trim is generally divided 
into two categories. These are conventional or radius and surface. Conventional or radius trim is that which is applied to a surface above the plane of the adjoining wall surface. Surface trim is applied to a surface on plane with adjoining wall surfaces.
Trim is generally packaged and sold by the piece or linear feet. The outbound edge of the installation when measured in running inches will determine the required amount of trim. Then pick the trim size and convert the measurements to suit your needs. Like field tile add 10% to the amount at least. It is very common to make mistakes when cutting trim pieces.
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Dr's Tip: When cutting trim, measure twice, cut once. Always err on the cautious side. It is better to cut trim pieces a little too long than a little too short. We can always visit the saw again. |
calculated by determining how many you want and where. If you have a great deal of field tile accents, it might be a good idea to subtract the amount from your field tile needs. In the case of liners, which generally follow trim lines, simply calculate their number as you would trim pieces.PATTERNS IN TILE: Many tiles today have various patterns to choose from. The patterns are established by variances in the tile size or shape. Most tile Manufacturers and dealers have the various patterns that their tile will suit and at least pictures of those patterns. The square foot calculations for patterned floors become a little more complicated as the number of tiles in a square foot varies with the pattern. Your reputable dealer will convert your square foot requirements for you.
ADHESIVES/GROUTS: Manufacturers of these products will have average coverage values posted on the containers of their products. Rarely have I seen these values grossly inaccurate.
MORTAR ESTIMATING: Mortar, whether pre-mixed or on the job mixed, is given in cubic foot measurements. To convert that to square feet works like this. Consider that your mortar bed averages one inch thick. For every twelve square feet of surface, you have accumulated one cubic foot of mortar. Use this formula as an estimate only. It is better to have a little too much mortar on hand than not enough.
The areas that are in question are the other required materials. Again, this is an area where your notes and drawing are very helpful. Once you choose a method, you can set about the task of estimating your materials. How much lumber, screws, nails, staples, and other materials must be considered.