You’re planning to tile your floor with ceramic tiles. But you’re not sure if your structure can take on the added weight of these. Well, there’s where we come in to help you!
How to calculate the weight of ceramic tile?
The calculation process is quite simple. Before we get into that you need to consider a few things. Firstly, you need to measure your entire tiling surface and decide on a size. After that, you need to calculate the number of tiles you need. Then, you can weigh your ceramic tile.
Want to know about these in detail? Not to worry, because we’ve prepared an entire article to help you out. Let’s get into it. Shall we?
Why Do You Need To Weigh Tiles?
Weighing out your tiles when working on projects is a great start. As you’ll have an understanding of how much weight your structure needs to hold. Hence you can design and build a good structure for your tiles to be installed. The reasoning is the same behind why you should weigh roofing materials as well.
Also, if your structure is already built, you can choose your tile according to that.
Moreover, your tile’s weight also determines how much cement you will need. The cement or mortar must be consistent for the tile to hold. Otherwise, the tiles won’t bond together and might crack.
Once you get all the information, you can start tiling your floor.
Things To Know Before Calculating The Weight
Before you get to the calculation, you’ll need to go through some processes. This will help you to get more of the approximate weight of the tiles.
So, let’s go over them one by one!
Measure The Total Tiling Surface
Firstly, you need to measure how much surface you’re about to tile. It’s important because you’ll have to decide on a tile size according to that. We’ll get to this in a little bit. So, let’s see how this works.
For this, you need to measure the length and width of each tiling floor or wall. This will give you an idea of how many tiles you’ll be needing. Also, make sure you leave gaps between each tile to fill in later.
Now, you’ll be able to decide on a size. Moreover, this might help you to know your expenses as well. So that’s an added benefit.
Decide What Size Tiles To Buy
The weight of the tile will vary according to its size and thickness. Ceramic tiles are available in ½ to ¾ inches thickness.
Moreover, these are available in small to large sizes and in square, rectangle, plank, etc. shapes. Thus a small-sized tile will weigh less than a bigger-sized one.
You will also need to consider the surface you’re tiling as well. This is because these tiles have a weight limit it can hold as well. Small tiles can support more weight without being very thick.
On the other hand, the larger, thinner tiles can hold comparatively less weight. Hence, if you’re going for a bigger size, make sure to purchase the thicker ones.
Here we some great tiles that you can use for tiling your floor:
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
These tiles are large and thick. Hence, you won’t have worries about them shattering. However, in case you’re on a budget, you can go for the lighter, thinner ones. This will save you some money!
Moreover, when tiling, don’t use caulk over grout. As these don’t bode well together and can create a mess.
Add Some Percentage Extra For Compensation
Now, ceramic tiles usually weigh between 4 to 7 pounds. This is excluding the mortar. Then for the number of tiles, it’s better to buy a little more than you’ll need.
Usually, 10% more is preferable for the smaller-sized tile. This is in case your tiles break or shatter. However, in the case of larger tiles, the compensation percentage can go up to 30%.
Now, you’ve learned the things to factor in before calculating the weight of your tiles. So, let’s get to how to actually calculate it!
Calculating The Weight Of Ceramic Tiles
After factoring in all the aforementioned factors, it’s time to quantify the total weight.
Firstly, you have to take the measurements of your cement and grout into account. Then you’ll have to know the weight of one square foot of tile.
After that, multiply one square foot weight of the tile by the total area of the tile. Finally, multiply the weight of the tile with the total number of tiles you will need. This is the weight of the total tire you’re going to need.
That’s basically how you weigh your ceramic tiles. Moreover, you can even layer a carpet over your tile to decorate it!
FAQs
Question: What are the advantages of ceramic tiles?
Answer: Ceramic tiles are durable and water-resistant. Moreover, these are easier to maintain. However, they are a bit on the heavier side and have a much harder surface.
Question: How much weight can floor tile hold?
Answer: If made according to standards, a floor tile can handle up to 250 lbs. of weight. Moreover, if these are properly installed they can exceed that limit. But sometimes, tiles are made from poor material and can shatter easily.
Question: Do larger tiles have more chance to crack?
Answer: In short, yes. The more surface area a tile has, the less sturdy it becomes. Moreover larger tiles can crack easily if it’s thin and the cement binder isn’t thick enough. Smaller tiles tend to be less prone to cracks and support weight much better.
Conclusion
Finally, this brings us to the end of this segment. We have explained how to calculate the weight of ceramic tile. Hopefully, this will help you to know how much your tiles weigh actually.
That’s all, good day!