How to do a tile takeoff

Read the spec first

Start with 09 30 00 Tiling. List each tile type, its size and its maker. Read the setting materials: mortar, grout, waterproofing and crack isolation. Note the layout pattern for each tile. Note any tile bought under an allowance.

Sheets and schedules that carry the count

• The room finish schedule. It names the floor, base and wall finish in each room.
• The finish plans and the finish legend. They show where each tile type starts and stops.
• The interior elevations. They give wall tile heights and wet wall extents.
• The enlarged restroom and shower plans.
• The tile details: base, shower curbs, niches, thresholds and movement joints.

Steps in order

1. List the tile types from the spec and the finish legend.
2. Measure floor tile by area for each type.
3. Measure wall tile from the elevations. Use the height shown, not a guess.
4. Measure tile base and cove by length.
5. Measure metal edge trim, transitions and thresholds by length.
6. Measure waterproofing and crack isolation by area.
7. Count shower pans, niches, benches and curbs.
8. Add waste for each type. The pattern and the tile size change it.

Count, length, area or volume

• Count: niches, benches, shower pans, corners and special trim pieces.
• Length: base, edge trim, transitions, thresholds and movement joints.
• Area: floor tile, wall tile, membranes and backer board if it is yours.
• Volume: mortar beds, where the details call for a sloped bed.

Conflicts to find, and what to exclude

• The elevation shows tile to the ceiling. The finish schedule says wainscot.
• The finish legend names a tile that the spec does not list.
• The details show waterproofing in places the spec does not require it.
• A large tile needs a flatter floor than the concrete spec provides.
• The finish plan shows a pattern that raises the waste.

State who supplies backer board and who does floor preparation. Qualify leveling beyond a normal skim coat. Exclude sealant at fixtures unless your section lists it. Check the unit and the terms of any tile allowance.

Trade takeoffs · Updated 11 Nov 2026