Why Wastage Estimates Are Critical
Buying too little material causes project delays when you have to re-order mid-project (often at a higher price). Buying too much wastes your client's money and creates storage issues. Accurate wastage calculation is the hallmark of a professional contractor.
Standard Wastage Percentages in India
- Plywood (18mm): 10-15% — Extra for edge banding and saw cuts
- Laminates: 15-20% — High wastage due to pattern matching and edge trimming
- Flooring Tiles (600×600): 10% straight, 18% diagonal layout
- Wall Tiles (dado): 12-15% for cutting around fixtures
- Electrical Wires: 8-10% for routing loops and junction boxes
What percentage wastage should I add for tiles?
For straight-lay tile patterns, add 10-12% wastage. For diagonal patterns (45°), always add 15-20% as more cuts are required at edges and corners.
How much plywood is needed for a 3BHK?
A standard 3BHK project with 3 wardrobes, a kitchen, and a TV unit typically uses between 40-60 sheets of 18mm BWP plywood (8×4ft sheets), depending on the design complexity.