The most common situation before buying cladding is this: it seems clear how many “square meters” you have, but then the questions begin — how much to allow for cutting, how to account for windows, what to do with reveals, the plinth, and complex corners. As a result, people either buy too little and have to reorder, or overpay for excess material.
Below is a simple and clear algorithm for calculating how much tile is needed for a facade, and what information is required to make the calculation accurate.
What data is needed for an accurate calculation
To calculate quickly and correctly, you only need 6 things:
- facade area (or wall dimensions: length × height for each wall)
- number and dimensions of windows/doors
- whether there will be window reveals (and their depth)
- whether there will be a plinth/base (height and length)
- whether there are complex areas (cornices, columns, arches)
- the tile format / laying pattern (straight, staggered, brick-style)
Step 1: calculate the gross wall area
If the facade is simple:
- measure each wall: length × height
- add all the walls together
Example:
- 10 m × 3 m = 30 m²
- 8 m × 3 m = 24 m²
- And so on for each wall.
If there are gables or triangular sections, calculate them separately (half of a rectangle, using the triangle formula).
Step 2: subtract windows and doors (but not always 100%)
Windows and doors are usually subtracted from the total area. But there is an important nuance:
- if there will be reveals, part of that area comes back
- if there is a lot of cutting around openings, a larger waste allowance will be needed
So the correct approach is:
- subtract the windows/doors
- then add the reveals and waste allowance separately
Step 3: add reveals if they will be installed
Reveals are often forgotten — and that is exactly why people “run short of material.”
How to calculate reveals:
- opening perimeter × reveal depth
For example:
window 1.2 × 1.4 m, reveal depth 0.2 m
perimeter: (1.2 + 1.4) × 2 = 5.2 m
reveals: 5.2 × 0.2 = 1.04 m²
Multiply that by the number of openings.
Step 4: calculate the plinth separately
It is better to calculate the plinth separately because:
- it is often finished in a different texture/color
- it gets more dirt and wear
- it often requires a different cutting allowance
The formula is simple:
- plinth length around the perimeter × plinth height
Step 5: add waste allowance (the most important step)
A waste allowance is always necessary because of cutting, corners, joints, and unexpected situations.
A general guideline is:
- simple facade without complex elements: +7–10%
- many windows, corners, reveals, architectural details: +10–15%
- complex shapes (arches, columns, cornices): +15% or more
Why it is better when one team does the calculation
If the material, installation, and detailing are all handled by one team, there is less risk of mistakes: no one will tell you “the calculation was wrong,” and you avoid a situation where the insulation is calculated one way and the cladding another.
This is especially important if Facade Insulation is planned, because the facade must be calculated as one complete system: walls, reveals, transitions, and junctions.
What you get if we do the calculation
When you give us the dimensions (or photos / a plan), we usually calculate:
- the net cladding area
- reveals and complex areas
- installation waste allowance
- recommendations on where an accent/plinth works best
- and a solution selected so the installation looks clean and accurate
As a finishing system, many clients choose KORDEKO Flexible Tile (PletaFlex) because it works especially well on details and gives a neat result on corners and reveals.
Conclusion
Accurate tile calculation is not just “roughly by square meters.” It requires taking into account openings, reveals, the plinth, and cutting allowance. When calculated correctly, you save time, money, and avoid reordering during installation.
KORDEKO Contacts
📱 Phone: +37368140333
🌐 Website: www.kordeko.com
📧 Email: kordeko.md@gmail.com