Tessellated tile costs depend on more than floor area. Your pattern, border, corners, feature tiles and site preparation all affect the quote.
Use this guide to measure a verandah or path and compare what each quote includes. The worked examples explain the layout; they are not prices or final tile-order quantities.
Federation Tiles Factory manufactures tiles in-house. We offer supply and installation across Sydney and Newcastle and tile supply Australia-wide.
Same floor area, different border length
A 4 m × 2 m verandah and an 8 m × 1 m path both cover 8 m². But the path has a longer outside edge, or perimeter.
| Floor | Area | Perimeter |
|---|---|---|
| Verandah 4 m × 2 m | 8 m² | 12 m |
| Path 8 m × 1 m | 8 m² | 18 m |
The path has 6 m more perimeter—50% more in this example. That matters if all four sides have a border. It does not mean the whole job costs 50% more.
Mark the edges that need a border on your sketch. The installer or supplier will check the border components and corners before confirming quantities. The outside perimeter alone is not an order quantity.
How border width changes the field area
The field is the main repeating pattern inside the border. A wider border leaves less room for it.
For a rectangle bordered on all four sides, subtract twice the total border width from both the floor length and width. Include any extra bands in that width.
Example: a 4 m × 2 m floor
- 120 mm border zone: subtract 0.24 m from each dimension. The inner rectangle is 3.76 m × 1.76 m, or about 6.62 m².
- 150 mm border zone: subtract 0.30 m from each dimension. The inner rectangle is 3.70 m × 1.70 m, or 6.29 m².
Compare a Norwood 120 mm border with a Balmain 150 mm border alongside your chosen pattern.
These examples assume the stated total border width and no other deductions. They do not allow for grout joints, pattern repeats, cuts, corners or spare tiles. Your installer must confirm the final layout before ordering.
How to measure a pathway or verandah
1. Sketch the shape
Draw each section and label its length and width in metres. For a rectangle, multiply length × width to find the area.
Split an L-shaped floor into rectangles that do not overlap, then add their areas. Do not count a shared junction twice as an outside edge.
For a curved or narrowing path, record widths at several points and mark the bends. Send photos of the full route, including the gate and entrance.
2. Mark the details
- Show doorways, posts, thresholds and changes of level.
- List step treads and risers separately from the main floor.
- For a repair, include close-ups with a ruler and the tile size and thickness where accessible.
Photos help us start an assessment. They cannot confirm the condition of the base or guarantee an exact tile match.
What to check when comparing tile quotes
Compare the same scope, not just the final total. Ask each supplier or installer to confirm:
- Field tiles: pattern, colours, tile shapes and quantity or coverage.
- Borders and corners: design, width, lengths, turns and any extra bands or corner pieces.
- Decorative inserts: EN code, size, number of pieces and positions.
- Preparation and laying: removal, disposal, base preparation, installation and finishing. Note any exclusions.
- Steps and edges: treads, risers, bullnose edges and thresholds.
- Delivery and total: postcode, freight, GST, payment terms and how extra work is agreed.
For supply only, ask your installer to confirm the layout, cuts and spare-tile allowance. One blanket allowance may not suit every shape or decorative piece.
Choose your pattern, border and encaustic-style feature tiles together.
What if the quote is above your budget?
Tell us your budget and the details you most want to keep. We can compare a simpler field, a different border or fewer decorative inserts in the quote.
Keep essential base preparation in the discussion. A simpler decorative design does not remove the need for a sound base.
Use our completed-project gallery to show the look you like. You can leave undecided design choices as “Not sure” on the enquiry form.
Request a tessellated tile quote
Send your suburb or delivery postcode, a measured sketch and photos. Tell us whether you need Sydney and Newcastle installation or supply only, plus your preferred timing if known.
The optional two-page project worksheet can help organise your notes. You can still enquire without completing it.
Request a quote, email joseph@federationtiles.com or call 0421 367 946.
We do not currently have a showroom. Samples can be shipped when an on-site visit is not practical.