Tiling FAQs

Yes, decorative borders, mosaics, and other feature tiling should be measured separately where they differ in material, pattern, or fixing method. The Standard System distinguishes between general tiling and specialised work that requires additional labour, alignment, or preparation.

Special tile layouts such as herringbone, chevron, or diagonal patterns generally result in higher wastage and increased labour for alignment. Unless explicitly covered under the standard rate, an extra-over item should be included to reflect additional setting-out and material usage.

Yes, the adhesive type is an essential specification in tiling works. If a different adhesive is required post-contract, it should be treated as a variation, and an additional item may be needed to reflect the cost implications of epoxy adhesives.

The Standard System generally requires that preparatory work, such as surface grinding, priming, or bonding, be measured separately from the tiling itself. A distinct item should be included for surface preparation and bonding agents.

Internal and external tiling should be measured separately because different bedding methods, adhesives, and expansion joint allowances apply. External tiling often requires specialised adhesives, thicker bedding, and additional weatherproofing considerations.

Generally, the Standard System measures tiling by area without automatic adjustments for height. However, if scaffolding or special handling is required, it should be covered under preliminaries or as an extra-over item.

Pre-sealing or post-sealing of natural stone tiles is not included in standard tiling rates and should be measured separately. The Standard System allows for additional treatments to be itemised.

Epoxy grouting has a higher cost and requires specialised application. If the Bill of Quantities originally specified standard cementitious grout, then epoxy grout should be treated as a variation and measured separately.

Slip-resistant treatments, whether integral to the tile or applied as a surface coating, should be measured separately. If a post-installation treatment is required, it should be itemised distinctly from the tiling rate.

Remedial works due to contractor errors are generally not measured as part of the original bill but should be addressed as a separate variation if accepted. If the mistake is due to incorrect information in the contract, it may be measured separately.

As per the Standard System, "fair exposed cutting and fitting around pipes, balusters, and the like shall be given in number and suitably grouped." This means that these items should not be included in the general tiling area measurement but should be measured and scheduled separately in the bill of quantities. The QS should ensure that the bill provides an explicit item for such work, reflecting the additional labour and precision required. If this was omitted from the BOQ, it may be treated as a variation, subject to agreement on rates.

The Standard System measures tiling based on net area unless otherwise stated. Wastage due to normal cutting is typically included in the rate. However, if the contract specified specific setting-out constraints (e.g., centered layouts, equal cut margins), leading to excessive wastage, then an extra-over item might be justified.

Polished or exposed tile edges require additional labour and tooling, which is not typically included in a standard skirting rate. The Standard System allows for additional descriptions to be included for edge treatments, so this should be measured separately as an extra-over item.

Movement joints should be measured separately in accordance with the Standard System, as they involve specific detailing and materials. If the contractor failed to follow specifications, the rework cost is typically their responsibility. However, if the BOQ or drawings did not include explicit movement joint requirements, the correction might be treated as a variation.

The Standard System assumes that tiling is applied to an adequately prepared surface. If additional levelling or surface correction is required due to poor substrate conditions, this should be measured separately under surface preparation rather than included in the tiling rate.

Yes, tiling to curved or sloped surfaces should be measured separately. The Standard System requires that tiling be categorised based on its application, and curved or sloped surfaces often involve additional setting-out, cutting, and adhesive requirements. These should be itemised as extra-over items to account for the complexity.

Tile removal and reinstatement should be measured separately under alterations rather than included within the original tiling measurement. If tiles are damaged during removal and require replacement, this must be accounted for as a separate item. If removal was necessary due to a coordination oversight, liability may depend on contract provisions.

The Standard System assumes uniform tile thickness unless stated otherwise. If different tile thicknesses require levelling adjustments, specialised adhesives, or edge transitions, these should be measured separately. In cases where different tile types meet, trims, ramping, or grinding adjustments should also be itemised.

High-traffic areas often require reinforced bedding, anti-fracture membranes, and specialised adhesives, which are not included in standard tiling rates. These should be measured separately under surface preparation or additional treatment items. The QS should ensure specifications reflect these requirements in order to prevent disputes over additional costs.

Movement joints are not typically included in the standard tiling rate and should be measured separately. The Standard System accounts for movement joints as an extra-over item, considering joint type, sealant, and reinforcement.

Mitring requires additional cutting and precision work and should be measured separately as an extra-over item if not included in the standard rate. The Standard System typically differentiates between standard tiling and specialist edge treatments.

Large-format tiles typically require additional handling, levelling, and adhesive support. The Standard System often accounts for tiling by area, but additional provisions for handling, specialised adhesives, or increased wastage may need to be addressed in preliminaries or as a separate rate.