How to Plan and Order Your Tiles

Start with a room-by-room tile plan

List each surface you want to tile: floors, walls, splashbacks, feature walls, niches, steps and outdoor sections. Note your preferred tile for each area, including its colour, size, finish and intended layout. Keep floor and wall quantities separate, even if you are considering the same range.

Bring plans, photos and samples of nearby finishes, such as cabinetry, benchtops, paint and flooring. Let our team know how each area will be used so we can help you compare suitable options.

Still choosing your look? Explore our bathroom tile guide, kitchen splashback guide and outdoor tile guide.

Measure each surface carefully

For a rectangular area, measure the length and width in metres and multiply them together. For walls, multiply width by the planned tiled height. Divide irregular areas into smaller rectangles, calculate each one and add the results together.

For example, a floor measuring 3 metres by 2 metres covers 6 square metres before allowing for cuts and spare tiles. Two walls measuring 2 metres wide by 2.4 metres high cover 9.6 square metres together, before any adjustments agreed with your tiler.

Record the measurements on a simple sketch. Include returns, niches, window reveals and other small surfaces. Ask your tiler whether openings should be deducted; removing every doorway or window from the calculation can underestimate the tiles needed for cuts.

Allow for cuts, wastage and spare tiles

The measured area is the starting point. Tiles are cut around edges, corners and fixtures, and some layouts require more cutting than others. Herringbone, diagonal placement, irregular rooms and carefully matched patterns can affect the allowance.

Ask your installer to recommend the allowance for your project rather than using one percentage for every area. For illustration, a 6-square-metre floor with an agreed 10% allowance becomes 6.6 square metres before rounding to the supplier's selling unit. That example is a calculation, not a recommended allowance for every job.

Check whether the tile is sold by the box, sheet, piece or square metre. Confirm coverage per box or sheet and how the quantity will be rounded. Keep spare tiles from the same batch for future repairs.

Decide on the layout before ordering

A laying pattern can change both the appearance and quantity required. Discuss the starting point, cuts, pattern repeats and grout joints with your tiler. Consider visible edges, corners, doorways, drains and transitions to other flooring.

If you're mixing shapes or colours, confirm the quantity of each separately. For feature panels and mosaics, check how sheets meet and how the design will finish at its boundaries. Confirm trims, step pieces or other finishing items at the same time.

Understand samples, variation and batches

A sample helps you compare colour, texture and finish, but one piece cannot show every variation across a complete installation. Ask to view several pieces or range images where the design includes varied tones, veining or patterns. Natural stone also has individual characteristics.

Tiles can vary between production batches. Where available, check shade and size or calibre references on the packaging, and order the main area together. If you need more tiles later, ask our team to check the batch information before ordering; an exact match may not be available.

Have your tiler check the delivered tiles and plan the distribution of variation before laying. Keep packaging details and your order information for reference.

Budget for the complete project

Include preparation, adhesive, grout, flexible sealant, trims, delivery and installation alongside the tile price. Your installer should specify the products and quantities suitable for the substrate, tile and location, including any required waterproofing.

Compare the total installed cost of your shortlisted options. Larger tiles, detailed patterns, additional preparation and complex finishing work can affect labour costs. A clear quote helps you decide where to spend and where to keep the scheme simple.

Check availability and organise delivery

Confirm availability and the estimated delivery or collection timing before booking installation. Ask about the timing of any special-order items and coordinate delivery with site access and the project schedule.

Let our team know about stairs, restricted access and other delivery considerations so the arrangements can be confirmed. Discuss safe storage and handling with your installer, and keep tiles protected until they are ready to use.

Check your tiles before installation starts

• Compare the delivered product, colour, finish and size with your order.
• Confirm quantities and check packaging for batch references where provided.
• Inspect for visible damage and view several pieces together.
• Confirm the layout, grout colour, joints and exposed-edge details with your tiler.
• Raise any concerns with MDC Tiles before cutting or laying the affected tiles.

Retain your order details and photographs of any concern. Checking early gives our team the best opportunity to help before installation progresses.

Common tile ordering questions

Can I work out the quantity myself?

You can prepare an initial estimate from your measurements. Have your installer confirm it before ordering, including the layout, cuts, selling unit and allowance.

Should I order every tile at the same time?

Once selections and quantities are confirmed, ordering the main project together helps with coordination and batch planning. Check availability and timing for each item.

What if I need more tiles later?

Contact us with your order details and packaging references. We can check availability and batch information, but the same batch or an exact match may no longer be available.

Can unused tiles be returned?

Check the applicable return conditions before ordering, especially for special-order products. Contact our team with your order details to discuss your particular purchase.