Tile Buying & Pricing FAQs

Answers to the most common questions we hear about how tile is priced, how much to order, and how buying from The Tile Store in Fort Lauderdale works.

Is tile priced per square foot or per box?

Tile is priced per square foot but sold by the box, since each box covers a fixed area. Every product page on thetilestores.com shows the box coverage and includes a calculator that converts your room's square footage into the number of boxes you need.

How do I calculate how many boxes of tile I need?

Divide your room's square footage (plus 10% for waste) by the coverage listed on the box, then round up to the next whole box. For example, a 200 sq ft room plus 10% waste is 220 sq ft; if each box covers 15.5 sq ft, you would order 15 boxes. Our product-page calculator does this math for you automatically.

How much extra tile should I order for waste and cuts?

We recommend ordering 10% extra to cover cuts, breakage, and pattern layout waste. Diagonal and herringbone layouts can consume even more, so keeping a full extra box on hand is smart insurance for future repairs.

What is a dye lot in tile and why does it matter?

A dye lot (or shade) identifies the production run a tile came from, and tone can vary slightly between runs. That variation is normal and not a defect, which is another reason to order enough tile in one purchase rather than buying a few boxes now and more later.

Can I get tile samples before I buy?

Yes. The Tile Store ships free samples by UPS or FedEx so you can see color, texture, and finish in your own lighting before committing. You can also visit our Fort Lauderdale showroom Monday through Friday, 9 to 6, or Sunday by appointment.

How much does porcelain tile cost per square foot?

Porcelain spans a wide range: entry-level imported porcelain sits at the affordable end, while large-format, polished, and premium marble-look collections cost more per square foot. Because pricing depends on size, finish, and collection, the most reliable numbers are on each product page or from our showroom team at (954) 626-0136.

Does large format tile cost more than standard tile?

Generally yes, on a per-square-foot basis, because large panels require more raw material control and precision manufacturing. Keep in mind installation also costs more for large format, since it demands flatter substrates and more careful handling.

Is showroom tile better than big-box store tile?

Showroom tile typically comes from imported collections with tighter quality control, more sizes and finishes, and rectified edges that big-box lines often skip. The Tile Store carries 138 collections of imported porcelain plus luxury vinyl and laminate, with design consultation included at no charge, which big-box retailers rarely match.

Can I finance a tile purchase?

Yes. Checkout on thetilestores.com supports Shop Pay installments, which lets you split your purchase into scheduled payments rather than paying everything upfront. Eligibility and terms are shown at checkout.

Do I have to buy full boxes of tile?

Yes, tile is sold in full boxes only, since partial boxes cannot be restocked or resold. The calculator on each product page rounds your square footage up to whole boxes so you always know exactly what you are ordering.

Why is my tile order more square footage than my room?

Two reasons: boxes are rounded up to the next whole box, and we recommend a 10% waste allowance for cuts and breakage. That overage is intentional, and leftover tile from the same dye lot is valuable for future repairs.

How much does tile delivery cost in South Florida?

The Tile Store offers flat $150 curbside pallet delivery across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, no matter how many boxes are on the pallet. Showroom pickup in Fort Lauderdale is always free, and we provide freight quotes for deliveries outside the tri-county area.

Can I return leftover tile after my project is done?

Unopened full boxes of standard stock items can be returned within 30 days with a restocking fee, as long as you have the original packaging and receipt. Special orders, opened or partial boxes, cut or installed tile, and clearance items are non-returnable.

How do contractors and designers get tile pricing?

The Tile Store runs a trade program for designers and contractors with dedicated support and trade benefits. Email sales@thetilestores.com to apply, and use our Submit Your Plans page to get a quantity takeoff from your drawings within one business day.

What should I check when my tile is delivered?

Inspect the pallet and photograph any damage before signing the delivery receipt, then report any issues within 24 hours to sales@thetilestores.com. Signing without noting damage limits our ability to file a claim on your behalf, so those few minutes at the curb matter.