Quck answer
To estimate the amount of tile needed for a tub surround, follow these steps:
1. Measure the height and width of each wall that will be tiled.
2. Multiply the height and width measurements for each wall to get the square footage.
3. Add up the square footage for all walls to get the total square footage.
4. Subtract the square footage of any windows or doors from the total square footage.
5. Divide the adjusted total square footage by the square footage of each tile to determine the number of tiles needed.
6. Add 10% to the total number of tiles to account for waste and cuts.
7. Round up to the nearest whole number to get the final tile count.
By following these steps, you can estimate the right amount of tile needed for a tub surround project.
If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom and tile your tub surround, you’ll need to know how much tile you require. Although it’s not a difficult task, it requires some math skills. You should also add a few extra tiles to your calculation.
Choose Your Tile Design
Before you start calculating, decide on the type of tile design you want. Some people prefer to use the same type of tile for the entire surround, while others mix and match different tiles. You can even install a row of different tile around the tub surround.
Additionally, you should determine the height of the tiles you want to install. If you have a shower in the tub, the tiles should typically extend at least 6 feet above the floor. Consult local building codes to find out the minimum required height. For a more dramatic look and better wall protection, you can also take the tile to the ceiling.
Measure the Tub Surround
Once you’ve decided on the tile design and height, use a tape measure to take measurements for the surround. Measure each of the three walls of the alcove tub and record the measurements. Measure the height and width of each section, then multiply the numbers to get the total area of that wall. Add up the square footage for all sections to get the total.
Calculate for Different Tiles
If you’re using different types of tiles, calculate each section separately. For example, if you’re installing a single row of glass tiles within the ceramic tiles around all three walls, calculate that area separately.
Determine the height of the special section’s tiles. Measure the width of all three walls and multiply that number by the height of the tile. If the height is in inches, convert the width to inches and divide the answer by 12. This number gives you the square footage for the special section. Subtract that amount from the overall square footage to determine how much of your main tile you’ll need.
Include Extra Tiles
If you buy the exact amount of tile you need to cover the tub surround, be prepared to return to the hardware store for more tiles. It’s wise to add 10 to 20 percent overage to your calculated amount. This accounts for potential issues, such as breaking a tile or cutting it incorrectly. You should also have some extras on hand in case you need to replace a tile in the future.
To calculate the overage, multiply the square footage by 1.1 for 10 percent overage or 1.2 for 20 percent overage. For instance, if you need 80 square feet to cover the area and want to buy 20 percent overage, multiply 80 by 1.2 to get 96 square feet, which is the amount of tile you should purchase.
Calculating the Number of Tiles Required
When purchasing tiles for tub surrounds, you can buy them individually or in boxes depending on your preference. If you opt to purchase them in boxes, it is important to calculate the number of boxes required based on the square footage each box covers. For instance, if a box covers 12.5 square feet and you need 96 square feet of tile, divide 96 by 12.5 to get 7.68. Round up to eight boxes to ensure you have enough tiles.
If you choose to buy individual tiles, you need to determine the coverage area of each tile. For a 12-inch by 12-inch tile, the coverage area is 1 square foot. However, for smaller tiles, you will need to do some calculations. If each tile covers 0.81 square feet and you need 96 square feet of tile, divide 96 by 0.81, which gives you 118.5. In this case, you should purchase 119 tiles to ensure you have enough coverage.