Question about the real cost of a kitchen backsplash

I just finished my tile backsplash and the final count was 247 pieces of subway tile. I was sure I'd need maybe 180, tops. It got me thinking, do you guys always buy way more material than the project says, or do you trust the math and risk a second trip? My buddy swears by adding 15% extra for cuts and breaks, but that feels like a lot of waste. I ended up with 12 tiles left over, which is like $40 sitting in my garage. What's your rule for buying project materials?

4 comments

4 Comments

ward.kim2mo agoMost Upvoted

Oh, I always buy extra. That 15% rule is for perfect layouts with no mistakes. My last backsplash had a weird corner and I ended up wasting a ton on cuts. I'd rather have a few tiles left in the garage than be one short and have the store be out of stock.

the_fiona2mo ago

My last project needed exactly the math, zero extra.

thomas_sanchez2mo ago

Totally get that. I ran out of tile once because of a bad cut and the store had sold out of my lot. Now I overbuy and return the leftovers.

jamieb801mo ago

Feel you on that, Fiona. I always think I've got it dialed in and then somehow I'm a half-tile short and cursing under my breath while trying to make a weird cut work. It's like the project itself knows when you're feeling overconfident.