❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many tiles do I need?▼
Calculate area: length x width in metres. Divide by area of one tile in m² (convert cm to m first). Add waste percentage. Round up to whole tiles. Buy entire boxes only. Example: 3m x 4m = 12m². Tile 40x40cm = 0.16m². Tiles = 12/0.16 = 75 tiles + 15% = 87 tiles.
Why do I need a waste allowance?▼
Tiles must be cut at edges, corners, and around obstacles like pipes and cabinets. Cuts use partial tiles. Some tiles crack during cutting. Patterns (diagonal, herringbone) require more cuts. You also want spare tiles for future repairs. Buy 10-20% extra — you cannot always get identical tiles later if batches change.
What size tiles for different rooms?▼
Large tiles (60x60cm+): open plan living areas, large bathrooms. Make rooms look bigger. Medium tiles (30x30 to 45x45cm): kitchens, standard bathrooms. Small tiles (mosaic, 10x10cm): feature walls, small shower areas. Rule of thumb: larger tiles for larger rooms, smaller tiles for smaller rooms or feature areas.
Porcelain vs ceramic tiles — which is better?▼
Porcelain: harder, denser, less absorbent, more durable, suitable for outdoors and heavy traffic. Usually more expensive. Ceramic: easier to cut, lighter, good for walls and low-traffic floors, wider design range. Cheaper. For floors: porcelain. For walls or light-use areas: ceramic is fine.
How do I calculate grout needed?▼
Grout quantity depends on tile size, gap width, and tile thickness. Rough guide: for 30x30cm tiles with 3mm gap, you need about 1-2kg grout per m². For large tiles (60x60cm) with 2mm gap: about 0.5-1kg per m². Most grout bags state coverage on the packaging.