Running out of tiles mid-kitchen project is a nightmare. Worse yet, finding out your specific tile is sold out. When using mosaic kitchen tiles, getting the order quantity right is critical. It’s not just about measuring the wall—factors like cuts, breakage, and pattern alignment can skew your calculations. Follow this straightforward guide to nail your order the first time.
Step 1: Measure Accurately
Start by determining the area you need to cover. Use a tape measure to capture the height and width of each section where kitchen tiles will go. Multiply to get the area in square feet:
- Height × Width = Area (sq ft)
For example:
- Wall 1: 8 ft wide × 3 ft high = 24 sq ft
- Wall 2: 6 ft wide × 3 ft high = 18 sq ft
- Total: 42 sq ft
Measure every section and sum them up. Don’t rush this step—it’s the foundation of your order.
Step 2: Handle Odd Spaces
Kitchens rarely have perfectly flat walls. Outlets, windows, and cabinets create gaps. You can either:
- Measure around these obstacles and subtract their area.
- Treat the wall as a solid surface and order extra (pro tip: this is easier).
For small obstacles, assuming a solid wall is usually fine. It ensures you have enough tiles for errors or adjustments without wasting much.
Step 3: Always Order Extra
This is where many DIYers slip up—you must order extra tiles. Mosaic kitchen tiles are prone to loss from:
- Cutting for edges or corners
- Breakage during installation
- Pattern alignment needs
- Future repairs for cracked tiles
As a rule:
- Add 10% for simple designs.
- Add 15–20% for complex patterns (e.g., herringbone or mixed mosaics).
For example:
- 42 sq ft total area
- Add 15% for a detailed design: 42 × 1.15 = 48.3 sq ft
- Round up: Order 49 sq ft
Having extra tiles is far cheaper than hunting for a matching batch later.
Step 4: Know Your Tile Sheets
Mosaic kitchen tiles are typically sold in sheets, often around 12″ × 12″ (1 sq ft). For 49 sq ft, you’d need about 49 sheets. However, some sheets are slightly smaller (e.g., 11.8″ × 11.8″), so always check the product specs to avoid coming up short.
Step 5: Plan for Patterns
Are you going for a basic grid or a fancy layout like chevron or diagonal? Complex patterns mean:
- More cuts
- More wasted tiles
If you’re mixing colors or textures, bump up your extra to at least 20%. It’s better to have leftovers than to pause your project mid-wall.
Step 6: Stick to One Lot Number
Tile batches can vary slightly in color or finish, which is especially noticeable with mosaic kitchen tiles. Ensure all sheets come from the same lot number to keep your backsplash consistent. If ordering online, confirm this with the supplier—it’s a small step that prevents big headaches.
Pre-Order Checklist
- Measure all areas carefully
- Add 10–20% extra for waste
- Verify sheet sizes
- Ensure same lot number
- Round up your order
A few minutes of double-checking can save you time and money.
Wrap-Up
Ordering the right amount of mosaic kitchen tiles takes a bit of foresight. Measure precisely, account for extra, and confirm the details. Do it right, and you’ll have a stunning kitchen backsplash with a few spare tiles for peace of mind. Better to overprepare than to come up short with kitchen tiles.
