Tile Gone Wrong: Top Tile Mistakes to Avoid By Chip Wade

Years of hosting home renovation shows have taken me into countless homes with tile mishaps begging to be fixed. Along the way, I’ve developed a knack for spotting a bad tile job from across the room. Here’s the truth: the tile itself is rarely the problem. It’s one of my favorite materials to design with. But one slip in prep, layout, or installation can steal the spotlight from all that beauty and potential.

Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or diving into a DIY project, knowing what not to do can save time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. Here are the most common tile mistakes I see again and again, plus how to make sure your project turns out exactly how you envisioned it (and then some).

Skipping the Prep Work

Start with a level surface. Flatness is the goal, ideally about 1/8” over 10’ with no noticeable peaks or dips, which takes real effort. And always choose the right underlayment for the job. Decoupling membranes are essential for many flooring applications. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s critical.

Pro Tip: Not sure what prep your space needs? Visit your local Daltile showroom. Their experts can help you get it right before a single tile goes down.

Looks matter, but performance matters more. One of the biggest tile missteps? Using glossy or slick wall tile on floors or choosing tile that’s too thin for foot traffic.

Pro Tip: Look for tile with StepWise technology in wet or high-traffic areas. StepWise is a special surface innovation that increases slip resistance, so you get serious grip underfoot without compromising on style.

A thoughtful layout is like great design. It looks effortless but takes real planning. Measure (then measure again), map out your start and end points, and think through transitions. 

Ending up with awkward slivers at a wall or patterns that clash with architectural lines throws off a room’s balance.

Pro Tip: Try Daltile’s Stylizer Tool to explore patterns, formats, and layouts before you make the first cut.

Overlooking Grout Size and Color

Grout isn’t just a finishing step; it’s a design choice. Grout color and spacing impact the entire look. A tight, tone-on-tone line creates a seamless feel, while high-contrast grout adds definition and a graphic edge.

Skipping this decision or defaulting to standard choices is a common mistake that can turn a stunning tile selection into a missed opportunity.

Pro Tip: Test grout colors alongside your tile and double-check manufacturer spacing guidelines. If your tile is “rectified,” you can achieve extra-tight joints thanks to precision edges.

Not Checking Tile Batches

With natural stone or high-variation tile, slight color changes or dye lots can become glaring once installed. Even the highest-quality products show natural differences from box to box.

Mix boxes as you go to blend variations and always do a dry layout before you commit.

Pro Tip: Daltile’s quality and consistency are top of the line, but even then, always check material before setting.

Cutting Corners on Installation

Everyone wants to save time, but skipping steps is a fast track to cracked grout, popped tiles, and costly do-overs. I’ve seen it all: wrong trowels, improper thin set, skipped back-buttering, and missing movement joints in large installs.

Shortcuts may not show up immediately, but problems often surface months later.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, explore Daltile’s How-To Install Tile resources. You’ll find best practices straight from the experts.

Forgetting to Seal or Clean Correctly

Not every tile needs sealing, but some absolutely do. Skip it, and you could end up with stained grout or stone that never looks quite clean. Using harsh cleaners on the wrong surface can also damage finishes over time. That’s why I often lean toward porcelain—it handles almost anything.