How much grout do I need for tiling in South Africa?

Grout consumption depends on tile size and joint width. For 600×600mm tiles with 3mm joints, approximately 0.3kg of grout per m² is needed. For smaller 300×300mm tiles with 5mm joints, approximately 1.2kg/m² is needed. Grout is sold in 5kg and 20kg bags. This calculator estimates grout based on your tile size and joint width selection.

What is the difference between floor and wall tile adhesive in South Africa?

Floor tile adhesive is a standard set grey or white cement-based adhesive rated for horizontal surfaces with compressive loads. Wall tile adhesive is non-sag and is formulated to hold tiles vertically without slipping while setting. For heavy wall tiles above 600mm, a flexible or large-format tile adhesive is recommended. Both come in 20kg bags in SA and are applied with a notched trowel.

Should I use a 10% or 15% wastage factor for tiling?

Use 10% wastage for straight (grid) tile layouts in rectangular rooms with few obstacles. Use 15% for diagonal layouts, herringbone patterns, rooms with many obstacles (columns, baths, showers), or L-shaped areas. Using a higher wastage factor ensures you have enough tiles from the same batch — tile batches vary slightly in shade and size, making later matching unreliable.

How do I calculate tiles for a bathroom in South Africa?

Measure the floor area and each wall area to be tiled separately. Deduct door openings from wall areas. Calculate floor tiles and wall tiles separately as they often use different tile sizes and adhesive types. Add tile skirting (bullnose or coved tiles) around the floor perimeter if specified. Use this calculator for each surface individually then total up your order.

Tile Calculator South Africa — Tiles, Adhesive & Grout

🔲 Last Updated: May 2026 · SA Tile Sizes & Adhesive Coverage Rates

🔲Tile Calculator — Enter Project Details

Area Length (metres)Length of floor or wall to tile

Area Width (metres)Width of area to tile

Tile Size

Surface Type

Layout Pattern

Grout Joint Width

🔲 Total Tiles Required (inc. wastage)

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Total Area

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Tiles per m²

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Tiles (no wastage)

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Adhesive (20kg bags)

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Grout (kg)

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Grout (5kg bags)

⚠️ For planning purposes only. Consult a registered tiler for substrate preparation and waterproofing requirements.

Tile Calculations in South Africa — What You Need to Know

Ordering the right number of tiles is critical — once a batch sells out, the replacement batch may differ slightly in shade, tone or dimension. This is called a tile variation or shade variation and it is a known issue across all SA tile ranges. Buying all tiles from the same batch, including your wastage allowance, is the only way to guarantee a consistent result.

Common SA Tile Sizes and Coverage

Tile Size	Tiles per m²	Best Use	Straight Wastage	Diagonal Wastage
200×200mm	~25/m²	Bathrooms, feature walls	10%	15%
300×300mm	~11/m²	Bathrooms, kitchens, general floors	10%	15%
400×400mm	~6.25/m²	Living areas, large bathrooms	10%	15%
600×600mm	~2.78/m²	Open-plan floors, modern aesthetics	10%	15%
900×900mm	~1.24/m²	Premium living areas	10%	15%

Tile Calculator Formula

Formula

Area (m²) = Length × Width Tiles per m² = 1 ÷ (tile length + joint) ÷ (tile width + joint) Tiles (no waste) = Area × Tiles per m² Tiles (with waste) = Tiles (no waste) × (1 + wastage %) Adhesive bags (20kg) = Area × adhesive kg/m² ÷ 20 Grout (kg) = Area × grout factor (depends on tile size & joint width)

Adhesive vs Tile Glue — What to Use in South Africa

In South Africa, the correct product for most floor and wall tiling is a cement-based tile adhesive (sometimes called tile mortar or C1/C2 adhesive). This is not the same as the contact adhesive glue sometimes used for lightweight wall tiles. Cement-based adhesive provides proper bond strength, is moisture resistant, and is suitable for use in wet areas such as bathrooms and showers when combined with a waterproofing membrane. The two main product types in SA are standard-set adhesive (grey or white, for most applications) and flexible adhesive for large format tiles above 600mm and areas subject to movement or vibration.

Grout Selection — Sanded vs Unsanded in SA

For joints 3mm and wider, use sanded grout — it has better compressive strength and resists cracking in wider joints. For joints under 3mm (typically used with large format tiles), use unsanded or fine-grain grout to avoid scratching the tile surface during application. In wet areas, use a polymer-modified grout for better water resistance. Epoxy grout is available for the most demanding environments but requires skilled application and is significantly more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tiles do I need per square metre in South Africa?

300×300mm = ~11/m²; 400×400mm = ~6.25/m²; 600×600mm = ~2.78/m². Always add 10% for straight layouts and 15% for diagonal patterns. Always buy all tiles from the same batch — replacement batches may differ in shade.

How much tile adhesive do I need per square metre?

Floor tile adhesive uses approximately 4–5kg/m² with a 6mm notched trowel. Wall tile adhesive uses approximately 3–4kg/m² with a 4mm notched trowel. One 20kg bag covers approximately 4–5m² for floors. Always comb adhesive in one direction only for large format tiles.

Should I use 10% or 15% wastage for tiling?

Use 10% for straight layouts in simple rectangular rooms. Use 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, L-shaped rooms, or areas with many obstacles. It is always better to have a few tiles left over than to run short — matching later batches is rarely possible.

What is the difference between floor and wall tile adhesive?

Floor adhesive is rated for compressive loads on horizontal surfaces. Wall adhesive is non-sag — it holds tiles vertically without slipping during setting. Never use floor adhesive on walls as tiles will slide before the adhesive sets. Both come in 20kg bags in SA.

Do I need to waterproof a bathroom before tiling in South Africa?

Yes — all wet areas (showers, bath surrounds, floor areas receiving water) must be waterproofed before tiling. SANS 10400-T requires waterproofing in wet areas. Use a liquid membrane waterproofing product applied to walls and floors, allow to cure fully, then tile over it with appropriate adhesive. Failure to waterproof properly is the leading cause of tile delamination and structural water damage in SA homes.

How do I calculate tiles for an L-shaped room?

Split the L-shape into two rectangles, calculate each area separately, then add them together. Add 15% wastage instead of 10% because the internal corner will require extra cuts. Use this calculator for each rectangle then combine the totals.

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Tile Calculator — South Africa