Before you can purchase tile for a room, you need to know how much to buy. Tile is sold by the square foot; calculating the square footage of the area you want to tile tells you how much tile to purchase. Spacers are small plastic pieces that help you set the tiles the same distance apart from one another as you install the tile, and their size is determined by the type of tile you choose.
Measuring for Tile
Measure the length and width, in inches, of the area to tile. Measure walls separately from one another, and break irregularly shaped floors into smaller segments, measuring each of them separately for the most accurate results. Multiply the length and width measurements together to get the total number of square inches for each area.
Divide the number of square inches needed by 144 to get the total number of square feet needed for an area. Add together all separate areas to get the total amount of square footage for the job. Round up to the nearest full foot.
Add 5 percent to total to give yourself some extra tile in case of breakage or cuts. If you are using a pattern, such as a diagonal layout, add 20 percent extra to the total. Round up to the nearest full foot.
Measure any border or edge areas in inches. Add separate areas together to get the total number of linear inches needed for borders or edge tiles. Divide this number by 12 to get the total number of linear feet needed. Round up to the nearest full foot.
Determining Spacer Size
Examine the edges of the tiles. Tiles with irregular edges, such as tumbled marble tiles, require spacers approximately 1/4 inch in size. Tiles that have smooth edges can use a closer spacer measuring 1/8 inch or 1/16 inch.
Base the size of the grout joints on the area where the tile will be installed. Wall tiles can have smaller grout joints and smaller spacers than floor tiles. Wall tiles with clean edges can use a grout joint 1/16 inch in size, while floor tiles with clean edges may need a spacer 1/8 inch in size.
Find out if the tiles have been vitrified. A vitrified tile has been ground down or manufactured to have extremely straight, smooth edges. Vitrified tiles can use tile spacers that are 1/16 inch, even on the floor.
Things You Will Need
- Measuring tape
- If you are unsure what size tile spacer to use, ask the salesperson if there is a spacer recommended by the tile's manufacturer.
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