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By Michael Turner | Senior Tile Consultant, ABW Trade Dandenong
If you’re renovating in Dandenong or anywhere across Melbourne, one of the easiest mistakes to make is ordering the exact number of tiles you think you’ll need. It sounds like a money-saver, but in reality, it often becomes one of the most expensive errors.
Why Ordering Short Can Blow Out Your Budget
Tiles are rarely laid without cuts or waste. Corners, tricky layouts, and even small breakages all add up. If you run out halfway through, you may face:
- Extra delivery costs for re-orders
- Delays while waiting for more stock
- Tilers charging more for downtime while waiting on materials
- How Much Extra Should You Allow?
- Straightforward layouts → Add at least 10% extra
- Diagonal or patterned designs → Allow 15–20% extra
- Future-proofing → Keep a spare box for later repairs
Example: A 30m² kitchen floor should be ordered at 33–36m² to cover cuts and waste. It’s far better to have a few boxes left over than be caught short.
How We Make Ordering Easier
At ABW Trade Dandenong, we help customers order with confidence:
- Guidance on how much extra is required for your layout
- Bulk order discounts when you plan ahead
- Same-batch supply to avoid shade differences
- Local stock in Dandenong for quick pickup or delivery
Real Customer Example
A client in Endeavour Hills tiled their open-plan living area with a herringbone design. Because we advised them to order 20% extra, they avoided major delays when off-cuts created more waste than expected. The whole floor was finished without issue, and they kept a few spare boxes for future touch-ups.
FAQs: About Ordering Extra Tiles
Q1: How many extra tiles should I order for a bathroom?
For small bathrooms, add 10%. For feature walls or diagonal layouts, increase to 15–20%.
Q2: What happens if I don’t order enough tiles?
You risk mismatched shades, project delays, and higher costs for last-minute re-orders.
Q3: Can I return unused tiles?
Yes. At ABW Trade Dandenong, full unopened boxes can be returned (conditions apply). Many customers also keep spares for future repairs.
Q4: Do large tiles require more waste allowance?
Yes. Larger tiles often need more cutting, especially in rooms with tricky corners or uneven walls.
Final Word
Ordering just the right number of tiles may look smart on paper, but in practice, it leads to stress and extra costs. Adding a little extra is the best way to keep your renovation on time and on budget.
👉 Planning a project in Dandenong? Visit our showroom or call our team today — we’ll help you calculate the perfect order size, with the smart extras included.
