Determining how much tile is needed for a shower requires precise measurement, allowance for cuts and waste, and consideration of tile size and layout. This guide walks through measuring walls, floors, curbs, and niches, explains common waste percentages, and provides practical examples to help homeowners and contractors order the right amount.
| Area | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Area | Height × Width | Calculate each wall separately; subtract openings |
| Shower Floor | Length × Width | Account for slope and threshold cuts |
| Curb | Length × Height (×2 for sides) | Often tiled on top and front |
| Waste Allowance | 10%–20% | Use higher for small tiles or diagonal patterns |
How To Measure A Shower For Tile
Measurement is the most important step when figuring how much tile to buy for a shower. Measure each wall separately: record width and height in feet to get square footage. For the floor, measure length and width of the pan or base. If the shower is not rectangular, break it into rectangles, triangles, or trapezoids and calculate each area individually.
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Subtracting Doors, Niches, And Fixtures
Openings like shower doors and large built-in niches will reduce tile quantities. Measure each opening and subtract its area from the corresponding wall’s total. Smaller items such as soap dishes or small recessed niches are often easier left in the calculation and considered part of waste allowance unless sizable.
Accounting For The Curb And Threshold
Showers commonly have a curb that is tiled on the top, front face, and sometimes the sides. Measure the top length × width and front face length × height separately. Include both the top and front areas when adding to total square footage to ensure enough tile for visible faces.
Choosing Tile Size And Impact On Waste
Tile size affects the amount of cutting and waste. Larger tiles (12×24, 24×24) offer faster coverage and typically lower waste, while small mosaic tiles (1×1, 2×2) and intricate patterns increase waste. Diagonal layouts and herringbone patterns also raise material needs—plan for the higher end of the waste allowance if using these styles.
Recommended Waste Percentages
For most shower projects, a waste allowance between 10% and 20% is recommended. Use 10% for large-format tile laid straight, 15% for mixed sizes or moderate cuts, and 20% or more for mosaics, diagonal cuts, or complex layouts. When uncertain, rounding up helps avoid multiple trips to the supplier.
Example Calculation: Standard Rectangular Shower
For a shower with three tiled walls: Back wall 5 ft wide × 8 ft high, two side walls 3 ft wide × 8 ft high each, and a floor area 3 ft × 5 ft: Wall area = (5×8)+(3×8×2)=40+48=88 sq ft. Floor area = 15 sq ft. Total raw = 103 sq ft. With 15% waste add 15.45 sq ft, rounding up results in 119 sq ft of tile to order.
Example Calculation: Shower With Niche And Glass Door
For the same shower but with a 3 ft × 1.5 ft niche and a glass door covering 2.5 ft × 6 ft, subtract niche area (4.5 sq ft) and door area (15 sq ft) from wall totals before adding floor area. Apply chosen waste allowance and round up to full boxes—always check tile per box coverage to convert square footage into boxes.
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Converting Square Footage To Boxes Or Pallets
Tile is sold by box with coverage listed in square feet. Divide the total adjusted square footage by the coverage per box to find the number of boxes needed. Always round up to whole boxes and buy one extra box for repairs, especially if the tile is discontinued or has batch variance.
Estimating Grout And Thinset
Grout and thinset estimates depend on tile size and substrate. A general rule: a 25 lb bag of thinset covers roughly 50–70 sq ft for wall tile and 20–22 sq ft for floor tile with larger trowel notches. Grout coverage varies by joint width and tile size—check manufacturer charts. Purchase an extra bag of thinset and grout for contingency.
Consider Tile Waste By Cut Type
Common cut types influence waste: straight cuts have minimal waste; diagonal or 45-degree cuts increase waste by 5%–10%; mosaic sheets require extra to replace damaged sheet tiles. Factor in breakup pieces for edges and transitions when estimating waste for trim or bullnose tiles.
Ordering Tips And Matching Batches
Tile color and shade can vary between production lots. Order all tiles from the same lot number when possible, or buy an extra box from the same lot for future repairs. For large projects, order an additional 5%–10% beyond calculated waste to allow for batch differences when replacing tiles later.
Practical Checklist Before Ordering
- Measure All Walls and Floors Individually and record each area.
- Subtract Niches, Openings, And Fixed Features then add floor area.
- Choose Tile Size And Layout to determine likely waste percentage.
- Convert Square Footage To Boxes using the coverage per box.
- Round Up And Buy Extra for repairs and batch variability.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Underestimating waste, forgetting to include curb faces, and failing to account for grout joints and layout direction are frequent errors. Ordering tile by appearance rather than coverage per box can lead to shortages. Verify tile yield per box and check product return policies before purchase.
When To Consult A Professional
Complex shower shapes, curbless designs, multiple tile types, or challenging layouts benefit from professional measurement and cutting. A tile setter can provide precise takeoffs, recommend the right thinset and waterproofing, and reduce the risk of ordering too much or too little tile. Professional estimates often save time and money compared to correcting mistakes in the field.
Buying From Big-Box Retailers Versus Specialty Suppliers
Big-box stores often have competitive pricing and stock availability but may mix lots and have limited specialty items. Specialty tile suppliers offer wider selections, better matching for trims, and more consistent lot control. Consider lead time, return policies, and batch consistency when choosing where to buy.
Sample Material And Cost Estimation
Assume 120 sq ft of tile needed, tile cost $5/sq ft, thinset $15 per 25 lb bag (covers ~50 sq ft wall), grout $25 per 25 lb bag. Tile cost = $600. Thinset (~3 bags) = $45. Grout (~3 bags) = $75. Add 10% for miscellaneous items (tape, spacers, sealer) = $72. Estimated total ≈ $792, excluding labor and waste beyond the estimate.
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Final Ordering Recommendations
Order the calculated total rounded up to whole boxes plus one or two extra boxes for repairs. Confirm lot numbers and inspect boxes for damage upon delivery. Label and store extra tiles safely for future maintenance or repairs to ensure color and glaze consistency.
Resources And Tools For Accurate Measurement
Useful tools include a laser distance measurer, calculator or spreadsheet, tile coverage charts, and a takeoff worksheet. Many tile retailers offer online calculators that convert measurements to boxes and waste allowances. Using a spreadsheet or takeoff app reduces human error and allows easy adjustments for layout changes.
How Much Tile Do I Need For My Shower depends on precise measurements, tile size, layout complexity, and an appropriate waste allowance. Following the methods in this guide will help ensure a correct order, reduce delays, and minimize extra costs while keeping the shower project on schedule.