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Tile installation requires more precise material estimation than most renovation projects because cuts and breakage waste is higher, and dye lot matching between purchases is critical. The three most common residential tile types — floor tile (12x12), subway tile (3x6), and mosaic sheets — each come in different box sizes with different coverage per box.

Standard 12x12 floor tile covers 15 sq ft per box and ranges from $15 (basic ceramic) to $90 (porcelain or natural stone). Subway tile at 3x6 covers 10 sq ft per box at $10–$60. Mosaic sheets cover 1 sq ft each (12x12 mesh-mounted) at $5–$35 per sheet. The waste factor matters more for tile than other materials — use 10% for straight layouts and 15% for patterns, diagonal cuts, or areas with many corners.

Beyond the tile itself, budget for thinset mortar (about 50 lbs per 50 sq ft), grout (roughly 25 lbs per 50 sq ft of floor tile), and spacers. These ancillary costs add $1–$3 per square foot. For wet areas, add a waterproofing membrane like RedGard at $30–$40 per pail (covering 55 sq ft).