How to measure your floor for tiling

Measuring a floor for tiles involves several steps to ensure you purchase the correct amount of tiles for the space. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Measuring tape
• Calculator
• Pencil and paper (or a digital device for notes)
• Floor plan (optional)

Steps:

1. Measure the Room’s Dimensions:

   • Rectangular/Square Rooms: Measure the length and width of the room. Multiply these two measurements to get the area in square feet or square meters.
     • Example: A room that is 10 feet long and 12 feet wide has an area of $10\times 12=120$ square feet.
   • Irregularly Shaped Rooms: Break the room into smaller rectangular sections. Measure each section separately and then add the areas together.
     • Example: If one section is 8 feet by 10 feet and another is 5 feet by 6 feet, the total area is $(8\times 10)+(5\times 6)=80+30=110$ square feet. 
     • You can use this handy calculator to help you!
       
       

2. Measure Obstructions:

   • Measure the areas of any permanent fixtures or obstructions (e.g., cabinets, islands) that will not be tiled. Subtract these from the total area.
     • Example: If the total room area is 120 square feet and the cabinets cover 15 square feet, the area to be tiled is $120-15=105$ square feet.

        

3. Calculate Tile Quantity:

   • Determine the size of the tiles you plan to use. Tile sizes are typically measured in inches or centimeters. Convert the size of the tile to square feet or square meters.
     • Example: A 12-inch by 12-inch tile covers 1 square foot (since 12 inches is 1 foot).
   • Divide the total area of the floor by the area covered by one tile to find the number of tiles needed.
     • Example: If the floor area is 105 square feet and each tile is 1 square foot, you need 105 tiles.
   • Add a Waste Allowance: It’s advisable to add an additional 10-15% to account for cutting, breakage, and future repairs.
     • Example: For 105 tiles, adding 10% gives you $105\times 1.10=115.5$, rounded up to 116 tiles.

        

4. Special Considerations:

   • Patterns: If you plan to lay tiles in a pattern (like diagonal or herringbone), you may need additional tiles. Research the specific pattern requirements.
   • Grout Lines: Factor in the spacing for grout lines, which might slightly alter the number of tiles required.

Example Calculation:

• Room Dimensions: 15 feet by 10 feet
• Area: $15\times 10=150$ square feet
• Tile Size: 12-inch by 12-inch tiles (each covers 1 square foot)
• Number of Tiles: $150$ tiles
• Waste Allowance: $150\times 1.10=165$ tiles

Therefore, for a 15×10 feet room using 12×12 inch tiles, you need approximately 165 tiles to account for cuts and waste.

By following these steps, you can accurately measure a floor for tiles and ensure you purchase the correct amount for your project.