Installing a herringbone tile pattern requires more planning than a straight lay because of diagonal cuts and higher waste. This article explains how to calculate tile quantity, recommended overage percentages, layout strategies, and real-world examples so homeowners can order the right amount and avoid costly delays. Accurate measurement and a sensible waste allowance are the keys to a successful herringbone tile project.
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Standard Waste Allowance | 10–20% |
| Complex Layouts / Diagonals | 15–25% |
| Small Tiles Or Narrow Planks | 20–30% |
| Matching Shade/Batch | Buy Extra Boxes |
Why Herringbone Requires Extra Tile
Herringbone patterns use diagonal placement of rectangles, producing more offcuts and nonstandard edge pieces than straight-set tiles. Diagonal layouts increase cutting complexity and waste because tiles meeting walls and corners often require small, irregular pieces that cannot be reused easily.
Additionally, layout starting points and focal areas often force full tiles to be sacrificed to maintain a balanced pattern, so more material is consumed during layout and fitting phases.
Standard Waste Percentages And When To Adjust
For most straight-set floor tiling, a 5–10% waste allowance is common. For herringbone, industry guidance typically recommends 10–20% waste depending on variables such as room shape, tile size, and installer skill.
Adjust upward when dealing with: irregular room shapes, small tiles or long narrow planks, borders or insets, or when tiles have pronounced shade variation that requires matched placement. In those cases, 15–30% waste is prudent.
How To Measure Area For A Herringbone Layout
Accurate measurement begins with determining the exact floor area in square feet. Measure length and width at the longest points and multiply. For nonrectangular rooms, divide the space into rectangles or triangles, calculate individually, then sum. Always measure twice, cut once.
Next, account for pattern orientation. Herringbone often runs 45 degrees to walls; measure the projected coverage by marking the pattern lines on paper or using layout software to verify how many full and partial tiles the pattern will consume.
Calculating Tile Quantity Step-By-Step
1) Calculate room area in square feet. 2) Convert tile size to square feet per tile. 3) Divide room area by tile area to get base quantity. 4) Add waste allowance (recommended 10–20% or more for herringbone). 5) Round up to full boxes. Always round up — tiles are sold by box.
Example Calculation
For a 12′ x 10′ room (120 sq ft) using 3″ x 12″ tiles: tile area = 0.25 sq ft. Base tiles required = 120 / 0.25 = 480 tiles. With a 20% allowance: 480 × 1.20 = 576 tiles. If boxes contain 20 tiles, order 29 boxes (576/20 = 28.8 → 29). Ordering complete boxes avoids mismatched batches.
Tile Size And Shape Impact On Waste
Large format tiles generally produce less waste per area because fewer units are required and fewer cuts are needed. Small tiles and narrow planks increase the number of cuts and offcuts, so they typically require higher waste percentages—often 20–30% for very small sizes.
For herringbone made with long, narrow planks (e.g., 2″ x 12″ or 3″ x 24″), expect more waste from frequent end cuts and diagonal intersections. Plan accordingly with a larger overage.
Room Shape, Obstacles, And Edge Conditions
Rooms with many alcoves, doorways, or fixtures generate more cut pieces. Diagonal patterns in L-shaped rooms or around islands may require extra tiles to replicate the pattern without awkward small pieces. Irregularities increase waste.
Consider whether borders or transitions will be installed. Matching the herringbone to a straight border or a diagonal border consumes additional tiles and often requires specially cut pieces; budget extra material for these details.
Cutting Techniques To Minimize Waste
Skilled layout and cutting reduce waste. Techniques include dry-laying pieces to visualize cuts, marking consistent cut lines, and using full tiles nearest visible areas. Cluster cuts from the same area to produce reusable offcuts for future spots.
Use quality tools: a wet saw with a high-quality blade produces cleaner cuts and fewer damaged tiles. For narrow cuts, a snap cutter or tile nippers may be useful, but they can create irregular edges that lead to waste if not executed carefully.
Batch Variation And Shade Matching
Tiles from different production lots can vary in color and finish. When matching is important, buy all tiles from the same lot or order additional boxes from the same batch. Keep at least one extra box beyond calculated waste to cover future repairs.
If matching is unnecessary, mixing boxes during installation reduces visible variance. Still, ordering extra reduces the risk of being unable to match later if product is discontinued.
Practical Tips For Ordering Tile
1) Always order by box count after calculating total tiles. 2) Add extra boxes for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. 3) Confirm box coverage with the supplier since actual coverage can vary. Document the lot number on delivery for continuity.
4) Have the installer verify measurements and waste assumptions; professionals often have practical insights. 5) Consider keeping 5–10% extra in storage for maintenance and replacement down the line.
Cost Implications Of Ordering Extra Tile
Ordering extra increases upfront cost but prevents expensive delays and potential mismatched reorders. A conservative overage costs less than a stopped project or partial reorders months later. Calculate the value of continuity versus immediate savings.
When budget is tight, negotiate smaller incremental deliveries with suppliers, or order an initial conservative overage with a follow-up order from the same lot if the product remains available.
Working With Installers: Communication And Contracts
Clearly state who is responsible for ordering: the homeowner, designer, or contractor. Include waste allowance, number of boxes, and batch number in the contract. Include a contingency clause detailing how additional tile needs will be handled.
Ask the installer about their typical waste rates for herringbone in similar projects and whether they recommend a higher allowance based on the room and tile choice.
Case Studies And Real-World Examples
Example 1: A 200 sq ft living room using 4″ x 12″ planks. Tile area = 0.333 ft². Base tiles = 600. With 15% waste, order 690 tiles. Boxes of 30 → 23 boxes. Example demonstrates moderate waste for mid-size planks and a rectangular room.
Example 2: A bathroom 60 sq ft using 2″ x 8″ tiles. Tile area = 0.111 ft². Base tiles = 540. With 25% waste, order 675 tiles. Boxes of 50 → 14 boxes. Small tiles raise waste percentage significantly.
Tools And Supplies Checklist
- Tiles (ordered by boxes with extra)
- Wet saw with diamond blade
- Tile spacers and chalk line
- Notched trowel sized for tile
- Quality thin-set mortar and grout
- Measuring tape, pencil, and straightedge
- Safety gear: goggles, gloves, and knee pads
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Extra Tile Is Enough For Herringbone?
Typically 10–20% extra is sufficient for many herringbone installations; increase to 20–30% for small tiles, irregular rooms, or high-precision pattern matching.
Can Waste Be Reduced With Better Layout?
Yes. Strategic starting points, careful dry-laying, and placing cuts in less-visible areas reduce waste. However, a reasonable overage is still recommended to cover unforeseen needs.
Should Adjacent Rooms Use The Same Lot?
Yes. If continuity between rooms is visually important, buy enough from the same lot to cover both spaces. If not, ensure blends are acceptable or plan transitions to hide variations. Consistency prevents visible mismatches.
Final Ordering Checklist Before Installation
1) Confirm room measurements and calculate tile area. 2) Choose waste percentage based on tile size and room complexity. 3) Convert tile count to boxes and round up. 4) Verify lot numbers and delivery timing. 5) Store extra boxes safely until project completion. Double-check numbers with the installer before placing the final order.