A well-designed building is incomplete without the right flooring materials. Be it a villa construction, a renovation project, an addition to a commercial premises, or a hospitality project, the right choice of tiles is bound to leave an impression on the look and feel of the structure. Chettinad tiles incorporate the rich art and craft of India coupled with contemporary designs and rich textures, which are a perfect fit for heritage as well as modern edifices.
But to place an order for tiles for a complete construction project, there is a lot of work to be done other than just choosing the beautiful patterns. You need to determine the quantity, decide the design, take care of wastage and cutting, confirm samples, work with your contractor, and arrange the timing for your construction site.
How to Plan A Chettinad Tile Order: A properly planned order can minimize any unnecessary delays, help manage your materials better, and make sure that you buy the right tiles for your design. Here’s how you can plan your Chettinad tile order for your entire building project – from measurements to delivery and installation.
Why Proper Planning Matters When Ordering Chettinad Tiles
Chettinad is mainly preferred for its decorative look and pattern. Chettinad Tiles can be installed in living rooms, reception areas, corridors, porches, courtyards, some interiors of commercial buildings, and other spaces where the pattern can add a new charm to the visual.
When ordering chettinad tiles for a major building project, choices made at the design stage can have an impact on many later stages of the project. An initial over- or under-estimate of material quantities may lead to extra orders, late design modifications can disrupt the installation timetable and ambiguous specifications may lead to misinterpretations between customer, tile supplier, architect and contractor.
Proper planning helps you:
- Estimate the tile quantity required for each area.
- Select suitable patterns, colours, and dimensions.
- Allow for cutting, breakage, and installation wastage.
- Confirm product specifications before placing a bulk order.
- Coordinate material delivery with site readiness.
- Communicate requirements clearly to contractors and installers.
- Manage purchasing decisions and project timelines more effectively.
Whether you are a homeowner, builder, architect, or project manager, approaching the ordering process systematically makes it easier to manage the flooring stage.
Step 1: Identify the Areas Where Chettinad Tiles Will Be Installed
Before working out the quantities or ordering a quote, draw up a list of all the places where you plan to use Chettinad tiles.
In a residential project, this might comprise, living spaces, entrance foyers, corridors, and bedrooms, feature areas and courtyards. For a commercial project, this might comprise reception areas, boutique hospitality interiors, a retail store, or any other site where decorative flooring forms part of the design idea.
There are also cases when a patterned floor is not exactly needed throughout the entire room. The entrance or reception area might be made to stand out with such tiled floors, whereas the larger adjacent space might be kept more subtle.
Start by dividing your project into individual flooring zones.
For example:
| Project area | Planning requirement |
|---|---|
| Living room | Confirm floor dimensions and pattern layout |
| Entrance foyer | Consider the central pattern and border alignment |
| Dining area | Coordinate flooring with adjoining spaces |
| Corridor | Check tile alignment along the length of the space |
| Courtyard | Confirm site conditions and suitability for the intended exposure |
| Commercial reception | Coordinate design selection with the project specification |
Create a separate measurement record for each area. This makes it easier to calculate quantities, allocate different designs, and identify where separate orders may be necessary.
Also, confirm whether any areas require different product specifications. Wet areas, outdoor locations, and high-traffic commercial spaces may need additional suitability checks before selecting a particular tile.
Step 2: Measure the Floor Area Accurately
Accurate measurements form the foundation of a reliable Chettinad tile quantity calculation.
For a rectangular or square room, multiply the length by the width to calculate the floor area.
Floor area = Length × Width
For example, suppose a living room measures 20 feet in length and 15 feet in width.
Floor area = 20 × 15 = 300 square feet.
If the project includes multiple rooms, calculate each room separately and then add the individual areas.
Consider this example:
| Area | Length | Width | Floor area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living room | 20 ft | 15 ft | 300 sq ft |
| Dining area | 12 ft | 10 ft | 120 sq ft |
| Entrance | 8 ft | 6 ft | 48 sq ft |
| Corridor | 15 ft | 4 ft | 60 sq ft |
| Total | 528 sq ft |
The combined measured floor area is 528 square feet.
For a room that isn’t square, imagine a straightforward rectangle or two that you can measure out, and then work out the room’s size based on a number of those simpler spaces. If a part of the floor isn’t going to be covered, don’t include it.
For complicated or unusual structures, have your Architect, Site Engineer or Contractor check the measurements.
Always use the same units on your calculations. If you draw your plans in mm or metres and your supplier gives a quotation in sq ft, then you must convert when calculating so that your order is correct.
Step 3: Select Tile Designs Before Finalizing the Quantity
Offered in various design patterns and colour combinations, the design of Chettinad tiles can impact the overall aesthetic of a room. The choice of the design, for this reason, needs to be carefully considered.
Architectural style, room size, layout, light and adjoining finishes are all details to be considered prior to placing your order.
A single large geometric pattern could be very effective in an entrance foyer. Where larger spaces demand a more coordinated pattern, the floor can be designed to complement the furniture and wall finishes.
When selecting patterns, consider the following factors:
Room size: Review how the pattern will look across the complete floor area rather than judging it from a single tile.
Colour coordination: Check whether the selected colours complement wall finishes, woodwork, furniture, and other materials.
Pattern repetition: Understand how individual tiles combine to form a repeating layout.
Borders and edges: Determine whether the design includes borders, corner details, or a specific arrangement that affects the required quantity.
Adjacent flooring: Plan transitions between Chettinad tiles and other flooring materials to maintain a coordinated appearance.
For larger projects, prepare a simple floor layout showing where each design will be used. This helps prevent confusion when several patterns are included in the same order. You can explore available Chettinad tile designs for design inspiration.
Step 4: Calculate the Required Chettinad Tile Quantity
Once the floor area and design selections are confirmed, calculate the required quantity of tiles.
The simplest starting point is the total measured floor area. However, the final order should also account for cutting, layout requirements, breakage, and the possibility of future replacement needs.
A practical planning formula is:
Order quantity = Measured floor area + Allowance for cutting and wastage
Suppose the measured flooring area is 528 square feet and your contractor recommends a provisional wastage allowance of 10%.
Wastage allowance = 528 × 10% = 52.8 square feet.
Estimated order quantity = 528 + 52.8 = 580.8 square feet.
You would therefore discuss an order of approximately 581 square feet with your supplier, subject to the actual packaging or ordering units and the final layout.
The 10% figure is only an example, not a universal requirement. The appropriate allowance depends on the complexity of the layout, the tile dimensions, pattern alignment, cutting requirements, site conditions, and supplier guidance.
Decorative patterns, diagonal layouts, borders, and irregularly shaped rooms may require a different allowance. Have your contractor or tile installer review the layout before confirming the final quantity.
How to Estimate Tile Quantity from Individual Tile Dimensions
If the supplier quotes by individual tile count rather than square footage, first determine the area covered by one tile.
For example, if a tile measures 8 inches by 8 inches:
Tile area = 8 × 8 = 64 square inches.
Since one square foot contains 144 square inches:
Area per tile = 64 ÷ 144 = approximately 0.444 square feet.
For a measured floor area of 300 square feet:
Number of tiles before wastage = 300 ÷ 0.444 = approximately 676 tiles.
This is an illustrative calculation. Actual quantities must be based on the manufacturer’s stated tile dimensions, the installed coverage, any grout joints or layout requirements, and the relevant ordering units.
Always confirm the final quantity with your supplier and installer before placing a bulk order of Chettinad tiles.
Step 5: Account for Cutting, Breakage and Future Repairs
Ordering only the exact measured floor area can create problems during installation.
Tiles may need to be cut around doorways, columns, corners, floor openings, and other architectural features. Patterned designs may also require careful positioning to maintain visual continuity.
For this reason, include a reasonable allowance for cutting and wastage.
When determining the allowance, consider:
- The number of corners, columns, and irregular edges.
- Whether the installation uses straight or diagonal layouts.
- The complexity of the chosen tile pattern.
- Border arrangements and decorative transitions.
- The installer’s experience with the selected product.
- The availability and lead time of additional tiles.
It can also be useful to discuss retaining a small quantity of spare tiles for future repairs. The appropriate reserve depends on the project and the supplier’s availability of matching designs.
Before placing the order, ask how additional tiles can be sourced later and whether colour or pattern variations may occur between production batches.
This is particularly important when flooring is installed across several rooms or in stages.
Step 6: Request Samples and Confirm Product Specifications
Always request for samples, if any, before placing an order for bulk Chettinad tiles.
Having a picture can be a useful means of winnowing down your choices of designs, but you may find a sample allows you to examine it more thoroughly and compare it with the other items for the project.
Compare the sample under the lighting conditions to be used in the finished room. Compare it to other paint samples, wood finishes, furniture materials, and other floor coverings.
During sample approval, check:
Dimensions: Confirm the stated size and any relevant dimensional tolerances.
Colour and appearance: Review the actual sample rather than relying entirely on screen images.
Pattern and finish: Ensure the selected design matches the intended project aesthetic.
Product suitability: Confirm that the tile is appropriate for its intended location and expected use.
Installation requirements: Ask the supplier or installer about the recommended installation method and any preparation requirements.
Availability: Confirm whether the selected design can be supplied in the quantity required.
Commercial terms: Clarify the quotation, payment terms, packaging, transport arrangements, and expected dispatch schedule.
For a project involving several designs, maintain a sample approval record with the product name, dimensions, selected pattern, quantity, and approval date.
This record gives the supplier, designer, and contractor a common reference throughout the ordering process.
Step 7: Coordinate Chettinad Tile Orders with the Construction Schedule
Tile purchase should be integrated with the building programme as part of the same purchase.
Ordering the flooring at the wrong time can hold up the flooring stage, and ordering the delivery too early can cause storage issues at the site.
Confirm the installation date with your contractor and work backwards to find out when the design needs to be confirmed, the quotation approved, the order placed, and delivered.
A typical planning sequence includes:
- Confirm the floor plan and site measurements.
- Finalize tile patterns, dimensions, and product specifications.
- Approve samples and the final quantity.
- Confirm pricing, payment terms, and production or availability timelines.
- Place the order with the supplier.
- Arrange dispatch and delivery according to the site’s readiness.
- Inspect the delivered material before installation begins.
The actual lead time depends on product availability, manufacturing requirements, order size, transport arrangements, and the delivery location. Obtain a realistic schedule directly from your supplier instead of assuming that every design can be delivered immediately.
Maintain regular communication with the contractor and supplier if the construction programme changes.
For more information about the business, visit the Chettinad Tile About Us page.
Step 8: Plan Packaging, Transportation and Site Delivery
Delivery planning is critical when ordering tiles for a large project like a residential or commercial installation.
Check delivery address, site access, unloading points, contact person, and delivery date before sending. Find out if the vehicle can access the unloading point and if there is room to unload and store the material.
Clarify the following details with your supplier:
- Packaging and protection during transportation.
- Delivery charges and any additional handling costs.
- Expected dispatch and arrival dates.
- Responsibility for unloading.
- Procedure for reporting damaged or missing material.
- Documentation accompanying the delivery.
Upon receipt of the consignment, examine the packages and reconcile the quantity received with that listed on the order documentation. If any damage, shortage, or discrepancy is noticed, document it immediately and in accordance with the supplier’s reported procedure.
Where to Store your tiles as recommended by your supplier. Protect them from any circumstances that could damage the product, packaging, or finish, and ensure that their position does not hinder the construction process.
For bigger jobs, coordinate the delivery schedule with the installation sequence if possible. This will minimize the extra handling of materials around the jobsite.
Step 9: Coordinate with Builders, Contractors and Tile Installers
Tile installation requires cooperation between the customer, architect, supplier, contractor, and installer.
A well-thought-out order can be almost impossible to keep in order if you don’t have everyone working to the same standards and specifications.
Prior to installation, you should have approval for the design, size of tile, installation plan, and any guidance relating to the product from the contractor.
Discuss the following points with the installation team:
Site readiness: Confirm that the substrate is appropriately prepared and meets the installer’s requirements.
Layout planning: Review pattern alignment, starting points, borders, and transitions before fixing begins.
Quantity verification: Compare the available material with the estimated requirement.
Handling procedures: Follow the supplier’s guidance for moving, storing, cutting, and handling the tiles.
Installation materials: Confirm that the recommended adhesives, bedding materials, grout, or other installation components are suitable for the product and site conditions.
Quality checks: Inspect the initial installed section before proceeding across a large area.
Completion inspection: Review the finished flooring for alignment, visible defects, and consistency with the approved layout.
The installation method should be determined by the product specifications and qualified installer. Do not assume that all handmade tiles require identical fixing, sealing, or finishing procedures.
Clear communication before work starts helps reduce avoidable misunderstandings and supports a smoother flooring process.
Step 10: Prepare a Project-Wise Chettinad Tile Ordering Checklist
For projects involving multiple rooms or different tile designs, a written checklist can help you manage the complete procurement process.
Use the following checklist before confirming your order:
- Final floor measurements verified.
- Areas requiring different tile designs identified.
- Tile patterns and colours selected.
- Physical samples reviewed and approved where available.
- Product dimensions and specifications confirmed.
- Quantity calculated for each area.
- Cutting and wastage allowance reviewed with the installer.
- Additional replacement requirements discussed.
- Final quotation and commercial terms approved.
- Product availability and delivery schedule confirmed.
- Contractor and installation team informed.
- Site access and storage arrangements prepared.
- Delivery inspection process agreed.
- Relevant order records and sample approvals saved.
Keep the checklist with the project drawings and purchase documentation so that the information remains accessible to everyone involved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Chettinad Tiles
Several avoidable mistakes can complicate tile procurement and installation.
1. Ordering Before Finalizing the Floor Layout
If the layout changes after the order is confirmed, the original quantity estimate may no longer be sufficient. Finalize the principal design decisions before placing the order.
2. Calculating Quantity Without Allowing for Cutting
The measured floor area is not always the same as the total material required. Discuss the layout and wastage allowance with the installer.
3. Selecting Designs Only from Photographs
Screen images may not accurately represent the product’s actual appearance. Review physical samples where possible and confirm the final specification.
4. Ignoring Product Availability and Lead Times
A design may require additional production time or have limited availability. Confirm the expected schedule before coordinating installation dates.
5. Failing to Communicate with the Contractor
The supplier and installer should work from the same approved design and dimensions. Share the relevant order details before installation begins.
6. Not Planning for Additional Tiles
Future repairs may be difficult if an identical design or batch is no longer available. Discuss an appropriate reserve quantity and future availability before ordering.
7. Arranging Delivery Before the Site Is Ready
Poor storage conditions or limited unloading space can create avoidable difficulties. Coordinate the delivery date with the construction team.
Why Choose an Experienced Chettinad Tiles Manufacturer?
One of the features of project planning, as well as design, is to be able to provide a buyer with reliable information on what product information is needed, what the actual availability of that product is, what a quotation of the product looks like, and what communication is needed.
A good manufacturer or supplier should be able to tell you about the various styles, sizes, product quantities, sample approvals, pack-outs, and shipping lead times.
When evaluating a supplier, ask about:
- The available tile designs and product specifications.
- Whether samples can be arranged.
- The process for confirming bulk quantities.
- Availability and production timelines.
- Packaging and transportation arrangements.
- Procedures for addressing shortages or damaged material.
- Installation guidance and product care recommendations.
Choose a supplier who communicates the relevant details clearly and provides written confirmation of the agreed specifications and commercial terms.
For builders, architects, and interior designers, establishing a clear procurement process can also make it easier to coordinate future projects. You can explore more helpful articles on the Chettinad Tile blog.
Planning a construction project with Chettinad tiles?
Contact the Chettinad Tile team to discuss your project requirements, explore available designs, and enquire about quantities, samples, and delivery arrangements. A clear discussion before ordering can help you move from design selection to project execution with greater confidence.