Begin with a small dry interior floor and a verified tile-ready base. Tile and grout alone do not make a waterproof assembly. Choose a complete compatible installation system, plan the layout, and use the calculator to estimate purchases before adding them to your materials list.
IS THIS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?
Some Experience
1Easy DIY
2Some Experience — this project
3Advanced DIY
4Hire a Pro
Why this rating: A small dry floor rewards accurate layout, a suitable base, and careful cutting.
Applies to: A simple dry interior floor over a verified tile-ready substrate.
Get help when: Hire experienced help for showers, waterproofing, structural movement, suspect old flooring, or uncertain substrate suitability.
A planning guide, not a safety certification. Conditions at your home can change the difficulty. Ratings are independent of contractor relationships.
TimeA weekend or two
Cost$$ (tile + setting materials)
PermitsUsually none
Permits & safety: Check local requirements if the work affects structure or services. Control cutting dust using the tool and material instructions. Stop for suspect old flooring or adhesives; showers and wet-area waterproofing need a separately specified system.
Plan the whole project as you go. Add each calculator result to a named project, then edit quantities and supplier prices, check off purchases and stages, and export CSV, print/PDF, or JSON.
1Verify the base and selected system
Check the substrate is suitable, flat, sound, and dry under the selected tile system. A backer board does not automatically fix a weak floor. Get qualified assessment for movement, cracking, or uncertain construction.
2Plan layout and purchase quantities
Dry-lay a reference row and balance visible cuts. Check tile caliber, actual box coverage, trim, waste, and movement-joint locations before ordering. Keep a few matching spare tiles.
Tile to buy
132 sq ft
Floor area
120 sq ft
Tile to buy
132 sq ftincludes 10% waste for cuts & breakage
Boxes (≈10 SF)
14 boxescheck your box's actual coverage
Grout & thin-set
~180 lb grout+ 9 bags thin-set (50 lb)
Tile cost (est.)
$330~$2.50/SF budget ceramic
Planning estimate. Adjust allowances and sample prices for your supplier; tax, delivery, and labor are not included.
3Prepare the specified substrate
Use the compatible underlayment or membrane and its exact fastening, joint, and surface-preparation instructions. Do not substitute a generic board thickness for a complete assembly specification.
4Set a small section and check coverage
Use the specified mortar, trowel, application method, open time, and coverage for the tile and location. Lift test tiles to check contact. Protect movement joints and use approved dust controls while cutting.
5Cure, grout, and finish transitions
Wait for the product’s stated cure conditions before grouting or traffic. Preserve movement joints and use the specified flexible treatment where required. Seal only if the chosen grout or tile requires it. Plan safe transitions at adjoining floors.
Baseboard
54 ft
Wall perimeter
49 ft12×14 room, less 1 door
Baseboard to buy
54 lin ftincludes 10% waste for miters
16-ft pieces
4 pieces
Cost (est.)
$65~$1.20/lin ft
Planning estimate. Adjust allowances and sample prices for your supplier; tax, delivery, and labor are not included.
