How do I measure a room properly so I get the right estimate for tile flooring?

Answer 1

When measuring for tile, consider each area as a square, and measure each separately. Simply multiply length time width for each area, and add them together. If the area is relatively open, add 5% for waste. If the Area has numerous odd angles, poles in the middle, or other obstructions, make the waste factor 10%. If you wish to have the tile installed "on the diamond" instead of in the room square... and another 5% for waste. Reputable floor covering retailers will measure and estimate for free. If you are not comfortable with you first estimate, have another company also do this. Three estimates is not abnormal, but more than that is abuse of the people doing the estimating.

Answer 2

Everyone is suggesting you measure, then calculate sq footage, yet it may be better for you to factor the number of tiles by estimating by "count." It would take considerable room here to explain all of it, but to fully understand the difference between assuming sq footage vs. actual count and the entire process, you could go to a home improvement center and get a basic tiling book, etc. Or there may be something on the web by doing a tile related search.
Basically though, the problem with using sq footage is that it doesn't take into account walls out of square (there's always one, even if minor) and laying out the tiles so that they wind up with even partial tiles as they meet the walls. (Good tilers will plot the layout by determining the center of the room, and placing a full tile at that point. That way the room looks full and balanced with all tiles uniformly proportional). Then count the number of full tiles needed for each row. Do this for every row up and down, starting on the center line. You can simplify the task by making a "jury" stick. Use a piece of wood (length is your choice, but it should be close to length of measured room). Then measure off on the stick marking the width of the tile you will use, and add the anticipated grout width. Basically, think of it as creating a yard stick in increments of tile (plus grout width). It will help you mark and count the number of tiles needed.
Here's an example of using sq footage vs. actual count: a room is 12 ft 2 in square. (12.17ft X 12.17 ft = 148.1 - rounded up, 149 sq ft). Assuming 12 inch tiles plus grout width, I'd figure about 149 tiles are needed. Further, if I go to the store to buy it, it may well be packaged in 25 pieces to a box. Instructions claim one box will cover 26.6 sq ft. Means that each tile should cover a little more than one sq ft, a calculation that assumes about a 1/2 inch grout joint. Hence according to the manufaturer you'd need about 140 tiles to do the job.
Conversely, ff you count the number of individual tiles using the layout method you can see the main area of the floor requires 121 full tiles, plus 44 to make the rectangular partial cuts for the tiles that will meet the wall. Only one 7-inch cut can be made from a 12 inch tile, and 4 tiles will be needed to make the sq cuts for each square at the 4 corners. So you need a total of 169 tiles, more than the sq ft calculation calls for. Under-estimating can be a bummer if you had special ordered. In any event another trip to the store would be necessary.
As you can see, the actual count is far better than using sq ft.
I've done a good bit of tiling and have always used the actual count method. It also helps to identify any problem areas before ordering the tile, so as irregular measurements, out-of-plumb walls, cutting around floor pipes, etc.

Answer 3

Measure:

Length X Width = Square Feet.

Add 10% for cutting tiles around the edges and ones you accidently break while cutting. Remember measure twice and cut once.

Also remember not to walk on your finished floor for at least 36 hours after your job is complete so the floor has a chance to set properly.

Answer 4

You must measure the length and the width of your room and you must decide what tile wiil be used and how many cm square per tile.You must compute how many meter square your room space by multyplying the length times the width and then its result after be multiplied by 100 should be divided by the result of multiplication between the length and the width of a tile.The result if this computation is the quantity of tile that you want to be used for your room.

Answer 5

I'm reading between the lines. I suspect you know how to find the area in square feet, but need to know how to convert this into a tile purchase. Ceramic tile is typically sold by the box. If you divide your total square feet by the square feet of tile in a box, you'll have the amount of boxes to purchase. I will often get 2 extra boxes for an average -sized room. No, I will not help you install it, but thanks for asking.

Answer 6

The length times the width will give you the square footage

Answer 7

Multiply: Length (in feet) x Width (in feet) to get area in square feet.

Answer 8

your looking for sq. ft.

the way you get this and have enought material is measure from the farthest points

length x width= sq. ft.

Answer 9

Hi,,, here you go,,,,, length times the width...... easy as 1,2,3.....

good luck