Knowing the number of tiles required per square meter is essential when remodelling any space. It may seem easy to determine the amount by eye. Still, the truth is that it is necessary to do a few mathematical formulas to guarantee that there will be no shortage or excess material.
It doesn’t matter if you’re installing vinyl, ceramic, hardwood, or even carpet tiles; knowing this is a great tool when shopping for and installing a floor or wall covering.
So, to help you in this process, today we bring you the step-by-step on what you should take into account to know how to calculate the number of tiles per square meter.
Step 1: Necessary Items
The first thing you should have on hand to do this calculation is:
- Basic knowledge of geometry; here, we will share some formulas.
- Meter or rule to take all the measurements of the area to work.
- Know the material of the new floor and, therefore, the type of installation.
- Know the dimensions of the tiles to be installed.
- Paper.
- Pencil.
- Calculator.
- And disposition. This is a process that should be done calmly.
Step 2: Take Action
Take the measurements of the surface to be remodelled too, and with them, determine the area of the floor. Consider the spaces of closets, columns and baseboards to guarantee that there is no lack of material and that there are patches.
If possible, make a drawing of the surface to keep in mind each corner and, on it, put the measurements taken. It is clear that the ideal is for the rooms to only have one measure of width and length, but the vast majority have nooks and crannies that must also be considered when remodelling.
So if your work area only has the width and length measurements, you’ll need to multiply them to determine the area.
a = width
b = length
area = a * b
area = 5 mt * 2 mt
area = 10 mt2
But, if there are more complex areas, we recommend that you create rectangles or triangles (when one of the sides is not perpendicular to the others), take the area of each one, and then add the values to determine the total area. This simplifies and facilitates the work.
area1 = a1 * b1
area1 = 5 mt * 2 mt*
area1 = 10 mt2
area2 = 1 mt * 0.7 mt
area2 = 0.7 mt2
total area = area1 + area2
total area = 10 m2 + 0.7 m2
total area = 10.7 m2
Step 3: Choose the type of flooring to install
Since you know the work area, you must determine the type of flooring to install. For example, when using vinyl floors, options are offered in square or rectangular tile, so you must define which of the two options you prefer in your space.
Then it is time to stipulate how you will place your vinyl floor. You can lay the tiles in a line, in the traditional way, or do it diagonally (herringbone); you can also create creative patterns and transitions that add personality to the room. There are no limits to styling each space; however, knowing this from the beginning will help you determine the number of tiles you need since the same number of tiles is not necessary for each option. The last thing we want is to waste materials and money.
Step 4: Measure the Tiles
If you have already chosen the style of tile to install and you have already chosen a design, it is time to take the measurements of each tile to know its area.
If all the tiles are the same size, measure the length and width, then multiply the values together just like you did for your work surface.
If you play with different types of tiles, define where you will place each one and do the same process.
Once you know the area of the tiles, take the value of the surface area and divide it by the area of 1 tile, the result will be the average number of tiles you will need. For example:
areaS = 10 mt2 (Surface)
areaB = 0.2 mt2 (Tile)
quantity = areaS / areaB
quantity = 10 m2 / 0.2 m2
quantity = 50 tiles
Step 5: Consider the scrap margin.
You already know the number of tiles you need to cover the floor of your room; it is worth mentioning that this is not the definitive amount.
Why do we say that it is not the final amount? Well, you will not always be able to lay 100% of your entire tiles; in most cases, it is necessary to cut one or another to fit and cover the whole surface. That is why it will be required to add several additional tiles so that this is not an inconvenience and, in addition, to have others in case any tile is broken or damaged during transport or installation. Usually, 5% or 10% is added to the estimated total.
Now, in the market, they will not sell you loose tiles but by the box; in each box, the surface it covers is specified. And usually, they do not cover precisely 1 m2 since this is determined by the format of the tile.
So, to find out how many boxes are needed to cover the entire room, it’s time to divide the total surface area, including the addition mentioned above, by the surface area covered by each box. Namely:
Areas = 10 m2
Box area = 1.43 m2
Number of boxes = AreaS / Box area
Number of boxes = 10 m2 / 1.43 m2
Number of boxes = 6.99 boxes
The result is rounded to the nearest exact value, which in this case is 7, and you already have the precise number of tiles you will need to remodel your spaces.
What if you didn’t buy enough tiles?
Calculation errors are common, but they can cause significant headaches because if they have noticed the fault a few days after the purchase, you may visit the store and find the same model of tile that you will install. In this case, you must take a sample and buy the number of needed boxes.
But, if time has passed between the tiles and their installation, it is possible that it is no longer possible to find the same type of tile, and you will have to buy similar ones.
To avoid this, we recommend you NOT to buy clearance tiles as quantities are limited, opt to choose vinyl or laminate flooring as stocks are more extensive, and, if so, seek advice from an expert to help you by taking the measurements and identifying the precise amounts.
As you can see, the process is simple, but you have to avoid overlooking the minor details so that you don’t have mishaps during the remodelling of your spaces. Don’t get overwhelmed, and let your creativity flow. Your rooms can look like you’ve always dreamed of!
