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Material quantity guides & calculators
Published: October 14, 2026
The fastest way to over-order is to guess. Each material below has a guide that explains how quantity is measured and a calculator that does the math — formula, worked example and a waste buffer included.
Paint
How much paint do I need? The coverage formula, room-by-room gallon chart and common mistakes.
Read the guide → Paint coverage per gallon What 350 sq ft per gallon actually means, and when it drops.
Read the guide → Paint sheen comparison Flat vs eggshell vs satin vs semi-gloss — where each works.
Read the guide →
Tile & grout
How much tile do I need? Square footage, tile count and the 10–15% waste rule.
Read the guide → How much grout do I need? Grout quantity by tile size, spacing and depth.
Read the guide → Tiles per square foot Quick counts for 12×12, 6×24 and other common sizes.
Read the guide → Subway tile backsplash Layout, spacing and quantity for classic subway tile.
Read the guide →
Flooring
How much flooring do I need? Area, waste and cost for hardwood, LVP and laminate.
Read the guide → Hardwood vs laminate flooring Cost, durability and moisture differences.
Read the guide → Laminate vs vinyl flooring Which is better for kitchens, basements and rentals.
Read the guide → Boxes of flooring How many boxes a project needs, by coverage per box.
Read the guide → Carpet guide & calculator How much carpet do I need — plus the calculator.
Read the guide →
Concrete, gravel & masonry
How much concrete for a slab? Cubic yards to bags, depth by use and a worked example.
Read the guide → How much gravel do I need? Cubic yards and tons for driveways, patios and drains.
Read the guide →
Drywall, lumber, mulch & more
How many drywall sheets? Sheets for any room, including waste and joint tape.
Read the guide → How much lumber do I need? Board feet and cost for framing and projects.
Read the guide → How much siding do I need? Squares of siding and how to measure walls.
Read the guide →