What Happens If You Don't Order Enough Tiles?

Accurately calculating the quantity of tiles required is one of the most important stages of any tiling project. Ordering too few tiles can lead to delays, additional costs and, in some cases, the inability to complete the installation with matching tiles.

Although it may be tempting to order only the exact area being tiled, experienced installers and retailers generally recommend allowing extra tiles for cutting, breakages and future repairs.

The Tile May No Longer Be Available

Tile collections are regularly updated or discontinued.

If additional tiles are needed several weeks or months later, the original collection may no longer be in production or available from stock.

This can make it impossible to complete the project using exactly the same tile.

Different Production Batches

Even if the same tile is still available, it may come from a different production batch.

Manufacturing batches can vary slightly in:

• Shade.
• Pattern.
• Calibre (size).
• Surface finish.

Although these differences are often small, they may become noticeable once installed alongside the original tiles.

For this reason, installers generally recommend using tiles from the same batch wherever possible.

Project Delays

Ordering additional tiles usually means waiting for new stock to arrive. This can delay:

• The tiler.
• Other trades.
• Kitchen installations.
• Bathroom fitting.
• Decorating.
• Completion of the project.

A shortage of just a few tiles can postpone an entire renovation.

Higher Costs

Running short often increases costs. Additional expenses may include:

• Extra delivery charges.
• Additional labour.
• Return visits by the installer.
• Rebooking other trades.
• Higher prices if the original promotion has ended.

These costs can quickly exceed the price of the missing tiles.

More Waste Than Expected

Most installations require tiles to be cut around:

• Doorways.
• Windows.
• Pipework.
• Corners.
• Steps.
• Electrical fittings.

Complex layouts such as herringbone, chevron, diagonal and Versailles (Opus) patterns also generate more offcuts than straightforward layouts.

For this reason, the amount of waste is often greater than homeowners expect.

Future Repairs

Accidents can happen years after the installation has been completed.

Dropping a heavy object, plumbing repairs or accidental damage may require individual tiles to be replaced.

Keeping a small number of spare tiles from the original installation makes future repairs much easier and helps ensure a consistent appearance.

How Many Extra Tiles Should You Order?

The amount of additional material required depends on the project. Factors include:

• Room shape.
• Tile size.
• Tile layout.
• Number of cuts.
• Pattern complexity.
• Installer's recommendations.

As a general guide:

• Simple layouts often require around 10% extra.
• Complex patterns such as herringbone or diagonal layouts may require 15% or more.

Your tile retailer or installer can advise on the most appropriate allowance for your project.

Common Misunderstandings

Conclusion

Ordering the correct quantity of tiles is an essential part of every successful tiling project. While purchasing a small surplus may seem unnecessary at first, it provides valuable protection against cutting waste, accidental breakages, future repairs and discontinued product lines.

Running short can result in delays, additional costs and difficulties obtaining matching replacements. By planning carefully and allowing for an appropriate level of waste, homeowners can help ensure their project is completed smoothly and that matching tiles remain available should they ever be needed in the future.