Sometimes less is more, but when you’re ordering tile, a bit more is actually better. We'll always encourage you to order at least an additional 15% when you order tile – sometimes more, depending on your pattern or tile shape. We do this for a few reasons, but the main one is that we want to be sure you'll have enough tile for your project and a bit more for "attic storage."
Tile: 2x8 Mist, Star & Cross Skipping Stone + Driftwood | Design: Hearth Homes Interiors | Image: Public 311 Design
Wondering how much extra tile to buy? Don’t hesitate to ask us! We want your experience with our tile to go as smoothly as possible, which is why we're here to help you throughout the process. When you work with Fireclay, we’ll ask you a lot of questions about where your tile is being installed, how you're going to install it, your square footage, and whether or not you need trim.
We ask all these questions because we want to avoid any possible hiccups – an add-on order being one of them. Add-on orders can slow down your installation process since we make everything to order, and will cost more money for you (most add-on orders are under 25 SqFt which means they come with a $100 small batch fee).
The biggest add-on concern on our end is color matching. Due to the handcrafted nature of our tile, we are unable to guarantee that the color will be exactly the same as your original order. It’s especially difficult to color match our colors that have more variation.
Tile: 3” Triangle Antique | Design: Emily Pueringer Design Studio | Image: Rubinski Visual | Installer: Quality Cut Design Remodel
While add-on orders can be unavoidable (sometimes you just need or want more tile!), we'd like to help you steer clear if possible. Below are 3 ways to avoid an add-on order.
1. Order Extra, Always
We suggest that you order 15% extra for field tile orders (such as subway tile) and 20% overage for projects that include patterns like herringbone or parquet or any of our specialty shapes. A specialty shape or a pattern, like herringbone, will require far more cuts than a stacked or offset pattern. Any leftover tile can be saved for minor repairs down the road or contribute to other home projects.
Tile: 2x8 Caspian Sea | Design: Studio Collab | Image: Brandon Vogts | Installer: Foxden Hospitality
An installation like the herringbone pattern above will require more cuts, thus a bigger overage. You can see below how specialty shapes like our Ogee Drop and Hexagon will also require additional cuts.
Tile: Ogee Drop Adriatic Sea, Caribbean, Crater Lake, Lake Tahoe + Moonshine, 4” Hexagon Adriatic Sea, Caribbean, Crater Lake, Lake Tahoe + Moonshine | Design: The Brownstone Boys | Image: Nick Glimenakis
2. Triple-Check Your Square Footage
We are always happy to help you figure out how much tile you need for your project, but because we are not physically on-site we advise you to always have your contractor or installer check your measurements before you submit your order. Of course, if you choose to go with Fireclay Tile Installation your project manager will take care of this for you to ensure you have the correct amount of tile for your project.
Tile: Chaine Homme Peabody | Design: Petra Design | Image: Tory Williams
3. Don’t Forget Trim!
Last, but most certainly not least...a lot of people forget about trim. Are there areas of your project where the edges of the tile will be exposed? It’s very likely that you will need some form of trim to ensure your design is finished properly and beautifully.
Tile: 4x8 Ivory, 1x6 Round Liner Trim Sunflower | Design: W Design Collective | Image: Lauren Lee
We offer many different kinds of tile trim from glazed edges to elaborate architectural moldings, so you’ll be sure to find the trim that suits your style and project. Unsure if you need trim or not, or want some professional advice about which trim to choose? Ask us – we’re happy to help.
Bonus Tip: Attic Storage
We mentioned this at the start, but we'd like to close with it too: there is a big benefit to having a little bit of extra tile in storage. Our tile is built to last, but life happens and with that, the unexpected. That little bit that wasn't used in your installation can come in handy down the line if you do a slight renovation to your space or if an unfortunate accident befalls a few of your tiles.
Tile: 4x4 Egret Gloss | Design: Storey Design, Gao Design | Image: Henry Gao
Avoid an Add-On Order with Free Design Assistance
If you’re unsure how to measure for your backsplash or how much extra floor tile to buy, our friendly tile experts are here to help. Our signature free design assistance includes measurement and order help, free samples, personalized tile design advice, and more. Simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch shortly.
