Nothing derails a kitchen renovation like running out of tiles—or finding out your tiles are discontinued. When working with mosaic kitchen tiles, getting the right amount is critical. It’s not just about measuring walls; cuts, breaks, and design choices can complicate your estimates. Follow this guide to order enough kitchen tiles the first time.

Step 1: Measure with Care

Begin by calculating the area to be tiled. Grab a tape measure and note the height and width of each section where kitchen tiles will go. Multiply to get the area:

  • Height × Width = Area (sq ft)

Example:

  • Wall 1: 12 ft wide × 2.5 ft high = 30 sq ft
  • Wall 2: 4 ft wide × 2.5 ft high = 10 sq ft
  • Total: 40 sq ft

Measure all sections and sum them. Precision is key to avoiding errors.

Step 2: Manage Obstacles

Kitchens often have irregularities like outlets, corners, or appliances. You can:

  • Measure and subtract these areas.
  • Treat the wall as solid and buy extra (the pro choice).

Unless gaps are significant, assuming a solid wall is easier. Small cutouts won’t waste much, and you’ll have tiles for mistakes.

Step 3: Include Extra Tiles

Ordering just enough is a common error. Mosaic kitchen tiles require extra for:

  • Cutting and shaping
  • Installation breakage
  • Pattern matching
  • Future replacements

Standard rule:

  • Add 10% for basic layouts.
  • Add 15–20% for intricate designs like diagonal or mixed mosaics.

Example:

  • 40 sq ft total area
  • Add 15% for a complex pattern: 40 × 1.15 = 46 sq ft
  • Round up: Order 47 sq ft

Extra tiles now are better than hunting for a matching batch later.

Step 4: Check Sheet Dimensions

Most mosaic kitchen tiles come in sheets, often 12" × 12" (1 sq ft). For 47 sq ft, you’d need about 47 sheets. Some sheets are smaller (e.g., 11.8" × 11.8"), so verify the product details to ensure you order enough.

Step 5: Account for Design Complexity

Simple grid layouts are straightforward, but patterns like herringbone or offset designs increase:

  • Cuts
  • Tile waste

For custom or multi-texture designs, order at least 20% extra. Returning extras is easier than pausing your project.

Step 6: Verify Lot Numbers

Tile batches can differ slightly in color, which stands out with mosaic kitchen tiles. Request all sheets from the same lot number for uniformity. If buying online, check with the seller to avoid inconsistencies.

Before You Buy

  • Measure all sections
  • Add 10–20% for waste
  • Confirm sheet sizes
  • Check lot numbers
  • Round up

A quick review prevents costly delays.

Wrap-Up

Getting the right amount of mosaic kitchen tiles requires attention to detail. Measure diligently, order extra, and confirm specifics. With these steps, you’ll achieve a flawless backsplash and have spare kitchen tiles for future fixes. Better to plan ahead than to run out.