Determining the appropriate overage when purchasing tiling materials involves calculating a percentage above the measured surface area to account for cuts, breakage, and potential future repairs. For example, if a project requires 100 square feet of tile, and a 10% overage is selected, 110 square feet of tile should be purchased.
Calculating this surplus mitigates project delays caused by insufficient materials and ensures color consistency in repairs or replacements. Historically, builders and homeowners have learned through experience the cost-effectiveness of securing ample material upfront to avoid costly re-orders or aesthetic mismatches.