When estimating your bathroom tile or kitchen backsplash project, don’t forget to take a ‘waste and overage’ factor into account. Depending on the complexity of the project, a factor of 5% to 10% for glass sheet tile is considered normal. Factors such as number of corners and turns that the project space contains and whether the tile will be laid straight or in a diagonal “diamond” pattern are typical considerations. As you can imagine, a project containing multiple turns being laid on a diagonal will produce much more waste than a straight tile backsplash or waterline with no obstructions.
Why not just order more if and when it turns out that you need it you say? Well, for one thing your project will be on hold until the additional tile arrives, but more importantly, the second order may come from a different stock lot. Variations from lot to lot are normal and are generally slight but can sometimes be noticeable, particularly when the tile blend in question contains natural stone. Lastly, it costs less to ship say 55 square feet of tile in one shipment than it does in two shipments of 50 sf and 5 sf.
I hope this helps clear up any confusion on the topic of the importance of ordering for waste. If you still have questions, feel free to contact our friendly customer service folks.
Very timely info, I am sizing up a job now. Will be sure to check out your store. Thanks!