A project requires 2,400 square feet of flooring. The specifications call for 12-inch square tiles with 10% waste allowance. How many tiles should be ordered?
Correct Answer
B) 2,640 tiles
Each 12-inch square tile covers 1 square foot. For 2,400 sq ft, you need 2,400 tiles plus 10% waste (240 tiles), totaling 2,640 tiles. The waste allowance accounts for cutting, breakage, and future repairs.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Each 12-inch square tile covers exactly 1 square foot (12" × 12" = 144 square inches = 1 sq ft). For 2,400 square feet, you need 2,400 base tiles. Adding the 10% waste allowance (240 tiles) gives you 2,640 total tiles. This waste factor is essential for accounting for cutting around obstacles, breakage during installation, and maintaining spare tiles for future repairs.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 2,400 tiles
This only accounts for the exact square footage needed without any waste allowance, which is unrealistic in construction as it doesn't account for cutting, breakage, or future repairs.
Option C: 2,880 tiles
This represents a 20% waste allowance (2,400 + 480 = 2,880), which is excessive for standard tile installation and would unnecessarily increase material costs.
Memory Technique
Remember 'Base + Waste = Total' - always calculate your exact need first, then add the waste percentage to get your order quantity.
Reference Hint
Look up material estimation and waste factors in the construction estimating section, typically found in project management or cost estimation chapters.
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