Why You Should Always Order Extra Tiles: Expert Tips from Ferreiras

When planning a renovation or new build, tiles often steal the spotlight for their beauty, texture, and ability to transform a space. Yet one of the smartest steps you can take – ordering extra tiles – rarely makes it onto the mood board. At Ferreiras Tile and Bathroom, decades of experience have shown that this small decision can save you time, money, and stress later on.

Understanding Tile Wastage

Tile wastage is part of every project, not an unnecessary upsell. During installation, tiles need to be cut to fit edges, corners, and fixtures. Even the most careful handling can result in breakages or chipped corners. More intricate layouts, such as herringbone, diamond, or wood-look plank designs, demand additional cuts, sometimes pushing wastage up to 20%.

Ferreiras recommends allowing 15% extra for tiles up to 600x1200mm, 20% extra for larger sizes, and 20% extra for complex layouts.

Beyond this, always add attic stock: at least one or two boxes set aside for future repairs.

Attic stock isn’t indulgent; it’s insurance. Floors may shift, pipes may leak, or a stray object may crack a tile years later. Having spare tiles on hand ensures replacements blend seamlessly, without the headache of shade variations, discontinued lines, or costly delays waiting for imported stock.

Homeowners often hesitate to order more, but the cost of stopping a project to source matching tiles – or worse, discovering they’re no longer available – far outweighs the upfront investment. Ferreiras even offers returns on unopened boxes of stock items, making it an easy decision.

Tiles are an investment in both beauty and longevity. Planning for wastage and attic stock protects that investment, ensures your project runs smoothly, and safeguards your home for years to come.

Since 1979, Ferreiras has been Africa’s trusted destination for luxury surfaces and bathroomware, representing leading brands like Marazzi, Versace Ceramics, and Duravit. With expert consultants ready to guide you, Ferreiras is more than a showroom; it’s a partner in shaping remarkable spaces.

Visit Ferreiras Tile and Bathroom in Northriding or Kramerville, or online, to make sure your project is flawless, from the first tile to the last.