Example data table
| Scenario | Inputs | Estimated output |
|---|---|---|
| Standard floor | 250 sqft, porcelain 12×12, straight lay, medium cuts, 2 installers, 160 sqft/day/installer, 10% waste | ≈ 2–3 working days + cure buffer |
| Diagonal pattern | 180 sqft, ceramic 12×12, diagonal, medium cuts, 1 installer, 150 sqft/day/installer, 12% waste | ≈ 2–4 calendar days |
| Shower system | 120 sqft, mosaic, high cuts, waterproofing, epoxy grout, 2 installers | Often 5–8 calendar days |
Examples are illustrative; your inputs drive the computed schedule.
Formula used
1) Convert area to square feet and add waste
AreaWithWaste = AreaSqft × (1 + Waste% / 100)
2) Build a time multiplier from job conditions
Multiplier = TileType × TileSize × Pattern × Cuts × Subfloor × Underlayment × Waterproofing × Grout × Demo × Furniture × Access
3) Adjust production and compute days
EffectiveRate = BaseRate ÷ Multiplier
CrewRate = EffectiveRate × Installers
InstallDays = AreaWithWaste ÷ CrewRate
4) Convert to labor hours and add overhead
LaborHours = InstallDays × HoursPerDay × Installers + OverheadHours
5) Add curing waits to estimate calendar time
CalendarDays = WorkingDays + ThinsetWait + GroutWait
How to use this calculator
- Measure the net area to be tiled, then select the unit.
- Enter crew size, daily hours, and a realistic base rate.
- Choose tile type, size, layout pattern, and cut intensity.
- Set prep options like subfloor leveling, underlayment, and waterproofing.
- Pick grout type and whether to include demo and cure waits.
- Press Calculate Time to see working and calendar days.
- Use the CSV/PDF buttons to export your job summary.
Tip: If uncertain, reduce base rate by 10–20% for tighter schedules.
Professional field guide
1) Start with verified measurements
Accurate takeoffs reduce schedule surprises. Measure net floor or wall area, then separate niches, benches, and trims if they need extra detailing. When you have mixed tile sizes, estimate the dominant field area first and treat borders as a separate scope item.
2) Choose a realistic base production rate
Base production is your “clean install” pace before complexity. For many interior floors, experienced setters often plan around 120–220 square feet per day per installer, depending on layout, jobsite logistics, and material handling. Use the lower end for first-time crews or tight spaces.
3) Account for layout pattern and alignment
Patterns add time through increased layout checks and more cuts. A diagonal layout can add roughly 10–20% time, while herringbone may add 30% or more, especially with rectangular tiles. Straight lay remains the fastest when the substrate is flat and lines are easy to snap.
4) Cutting intensity drives labor
Obstacles such as door jambs, floor vents, columns, and plumbing penetrations increase cutting and fitting. Low-cut rooms are open rectangles; high-cut rooms have many edges and interruptions. If you notice frequent small notches, raise cut intensity and increase waste to keep replacements available.
5) Subfloor prep and underlayment planning
Leveling is often the hidden schedule driver. Minor patching might add 10–15% time; major leveling can add 25–35% plus drying. Underlayments like cement board or uncoupling membranes add steps for fastening, taping, and seam treatment, so production should be adjusted accordingly.
6) Wet-area waterproofing adds detail work
Backsplashes and laundry areas need careful transitions; showers need full waterproofing systems with corners, seams, and penetrations sealed correctly. This extra detailing can add 15–30% time, and it may create additional cure or inspection holds before tile setting continues.
7) Grout selection and cure windows
Cement grout is generally faster to spread and wash, but it often needs longer cure time before heavy use. Epoxy grout can take about 20% longer to apply and clean, yet it may reach service readiness sooner. Always honor manufacturer cure guidance when scheduling trades.
8) Build a schedule buffer and communicate ranges
Even strong crews face delays from deliveries, access, and rework. Present a low-to-high range (for example ±15%) to clients and keep a small buffer for punch work and final cleaning. Use the exported report to align expectations with trades, inspections, and handover milestones.
FAQs
1) What does “calendar days” include?
Calendar days include active working days plus optional cure and wait time for thinset and grout. Working days reflect crew time; cure days are schedule holds where labor is not continuously on site.
2) How should I pick a base rate?
Start with your historical pace on a simple layout and flat substrate. Many crews plan 120–220 square feet per day per installer for interior floors. Use lower values for complex patterns, tight access, or new teams.
3) Why add a waste percentage if this is a time estimate?
Waste increases the area you must cut, handle, and set. More waste usually means more fitting and more replacement pieces. A 10–15% allowance is common, and higher values suit diagonal layouts or obstacle-heavy rooms.
4) Does this include demolition and disposal?
Yes, if you select the demo option. It applies a time increase to reflect removal, substrate scraping, and cleanup. For heavy mud beds or multiple layers, plan additional time beyond the demo toggle.
5) How do wet areas change the schedule?
Wet areas require waterproofing details at seams, corners, and penetrations. That precision work slows production and may add cure or inspection holds. Showers usually take longer than backsplashes due to full-system requirements.
6) What if multiple trades are working in the same space?
Shared work areas reduce efficiency through interruptions and access limits. Increase the time range by lowering the base rate or choosing tighter access. Coordinating work windows typically saves more time than rushing installers.
7) Is the result suitable for quoting?
Use it as a planning baseline and validate with a site walk. Confirm substrate condition, material lead times, and pattern complexity. Then apply your company’s contingency policy to protect schedule commitments and client expectations.