TilePlan Blog
Tips, guides, and inspiration for tile installation, layout planning, and flooring projects.
Free Online Tile Layout Planner — No Download Required
Plan your tile layout directly in your browser with TilePlan's free web app. Draw your room, choose tiles and patterns, and get accurate material counts — no install needed.
How to Plan Your Kitchen Backsplash Tile Layout Online
Use a free online tool to plan your kitchen backsplash before buying tile. See exactly how subway tiles, herringbone, or hexagon patterns will look — and how many tiles you need.
Tile Layout Calculator You Can Use in Your Browser
Skip the app download. TilePlan's browser-based tile calculator generates actual layouts with cut analysis, pattern previews, and material counts — all from a URL.
How to Accurately Estimate Tile for a Bathroom Floor
Stop guessing how many tiles you need. Learn how to calculate bathroom floor tile accurately — including waste, cuts, and pattern impact — using a free online layout tool.
Compare Tile Patterns Side by Side — Free Online Tool
See how straight, brick, diagonal, herringbone, and hexagon tile patterns look in your room. Compare material requirements and cut complexity before committing.
What Size Tile Makes a Small Kitchen Look Bigger?
How tile size, layout pattern, and grout color affect the perceived size of a small kitchen — with practical recommendations.
Tiling Over Existing Tile: When It Works and When It Doesn't
Can you tile over existing tile? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Here's how to evaluate your situation, prep correctly, and avoid costly mistakes.
Tile vs. Vinyl Plank Flooring: Which Should You Choose?
An honest comparison of tile and vinyl plank flooring — cost, durability, moisture resistance, installation, resale value, and comfort.
Tile Underlayment: What Goes Under Your Tile Floor?
A practical guide to tile underlayment options — cement board, Ditra, plywood, and self-leveling compound. When to use each and mistakes to avoid.
The Real Cost of Tile Waste (And How to Minimize It)
Tile waste costs more than you think. See real dollar examples at different price points, why flat percentages mislead, and how layout-based planning gives honest numbers.
Outdoor Tile: What You Need to Know Before You Start
A practical guide to outdoor tile — porcelain vs natural stone, frost resistance, drainage, slip ratings, expansion joints, and mortar for exterior installations.
How to Tile Around a Toilet (Step-by-Step)
A practical guide to tiling around a toilet — whether you remove it or work around it, with tips on templating, cutting, and flange height.
How to Read a Tile Cut List (And Why It Saves You Time)
What a tile cut list is, how to read one, and why professional tile installers use them to reduce waste, speed up jobs, and cut more accurately.
How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Bathroom in 2026?
A realistic breakdown of bathroom tiling costs in 2026 — materials, labor, DIY vs. hiring a pro, and the factors that move the needle most.
How Long Does It Take to Tile a Room?
Realistic time estimates for tiling a room — broken down by room type, size, and experience level. Plus the factors that speed things up or slow them down.
The Most Popular Tile Trends for 2025–2026: Kitchens and Bathrooms
Discover the top tile trends for 2025–2026, from bold patterns and natural stone looks to large-format tiles.
What Is the Best App for Generating Tile Layouts?
Most tile tools estimate square footage. The best tile layout app generates the actual layout — showing every full tile, every cut, and where waste really happens.
Free Tools to Plan Your Tile Flooring Project
The best free tools and resources for planning a tile flooring project, from calculators to layout visualizers.
How Do Contractors Estimate Tile for Odd-Shaped Rooms?
Professional methods for measuring and estimating tile quantities in rooms with irregular shapes, alcoves, and angles.
Can You Preview a Tile Layout Before You Install?
How to preview and visualize your tile layout before installation using apps, software, and manual methods.
Best Tile Calculator Apps for iPhone and iPad in 2025
A roundup of the best tile calculator apps for iOS in 2025, comparing features, ease of use, and value.
Is There an App for Calculating Tile Layouts?
Yes! Learn how tile layout apps work, what features to look for, and how they compare to manual calculations.
What Is a Tile Waste Factor and How Do You Calculate It?
Understand tile waste factors, why they matter, and how to calculate the right waste percentage for your project.
Diagonal vs. Straight Tile Layout
Compare diagonal and straight tile layouts including visual impact, difficulty, waste factor, and cost differences.
Square Feet to Tiles: The Conversion Guide
How to convert square footage to tile quantities for any tile size, with formulas, examples, and quick reference tables.
Tile Grout Spacing Guide
A complete guide to choosing the right grout spacing for different tile sizes, materials, and installation areas.
Small Bathroom, Big Impact: Choosing the Right Tile Size and Pattern
How to choose the best tile size and layout pattern for small bathrooms to make the space feel larger.
Hexagon Tile: Design Ideas, Sizes, and Layout Tips
Everything you need to know about hexagon tiles including popular sizes, design ideas, and layout planning tips.
How to Estimate Tile Jobs Faster
Tips and tools for contractors to speed up tile job estimates without sacrificing accuracy.
Herringbone Tile Installation: Getting the Math Right
How to calculate tile quantities, plan layout lines, and handle cuts for herringbone tile installations.
Reducing Tile Waste on the Job
Practical strategies for minimizing tile waste, saving money, and running more efficient installation jobs.
Subway Tile: Costs, Patterns, and How Much You Actually Need
A comprehensive guide to subway tile including costs per square foot, popular patterns, and how to calculate quantities.
How to Tile an L-Shaped Room
Step-by-step guide to measuring, planning, and tiling L-shaped rooms with minimal waste.
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Tiling a Bathroom Floor
Everything you need to know about tiling a bathroom floor, from planning and materials to layout and installation.
Tile Layout Patterns Explained
From straight lay to herringbone, learn the most popular tile layout patterns and when to use each one.
How to Calculate How Many Tiles You Need
Learn the step-by-step formula for calculating tile quantities, including waste factor and irregular room shapes.