Tile Installation: Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Gurkeerat Sekhon
Aug 19, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Apr 13

Tiling is an incredible home renovation project that improves not only the aesthetics of your home but also its functionality.

However, if floor tiles are installed without sufficient knowledge and preparation, besides uneven floors, you could end up with numerous problems that affect you daily and cost a fortune to fix.

To help you avoid these and other situations that could prove to be costly, we have put together a list.

Most Common Mistakes Made while Installing Tiles and Their Fixes

1) Not buying enough tiles on account of considering an extra percentage for waste

Mistake

When installing tiles, there is always loss of some material as tiles need to be cut to fit the space being worked on. This leads to extra tile requirement than the measured area. Hence, if not considered at the start can lead to budget over runs or sudden shortage of material.

Solution

Measure the area to be tiled and add 10-15% extra for cuts and possible damage. Generally, the larger the tile, the more waste there will be.
Buy tiles from the same batch, as there may be slight color variations between different productions.
Always note down the tile manufacturer name, product name, number and specification and keep the invoice. This will come handy in case you need to but more.

2) Not considering the type of tile and its proper use

Mistake

Using indoor tiles outdoors or in high-traffic areas

Solution

Lay out the tiles before laying them to visualize the design.
Determine where the cuts will go so they’re in less visible areas.
If the tile has a pattern or grain (such as wood or marble), make sure it follows a consistent aesthetic.

3) Not following a design or pattern before installing

Mistake

Starting to lay tiles without a plan can result in uneven cuts or a messy design, disrupting the harmony of the final design.

Solution

Lay out the tiles before laying them to visualize the design.
Determine where the cuts will go so they’re in less visible areas.
If the tile has a pattern or grain (such as wood or marble), make sure it follows a consistent aesthetic

4) Not preparing a solid subfloor before installing tiles

Mistake

Installing tiles on an uneven, dirty, or unstable surface is one of the most common causes of a faulty installation. A subfloor should be sturdy, clean (vacuumed and free of any debris), dry, and secured to the joists underneath.

Solution

The base must be completely level, dry, and clean.
If the surface has cracks or unevenness, it must be filled, sealed, and sanded/ polished before laying the tiles.
On walls, it is recommended to apply a coat of primer to improve adhesion.
For floors, if there are unevenness, a self-leveling mortar should be used.

5) Use of the wrong adhesive or poor application

Mistake

Not using the right adhesive for the type of tile or applying it poorly.

Solution

The worker must choose the correct adhesive:

a. For indoor ceramic and porcelain tiles: Standard tile adhesive

b. For large-format or outdoor porcelain tiles: High-adhesion flexible adhesive.

c. For wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens: Waterproof or epoxy adhesives.

Correct application: Use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive evenly.
Apply the adhesive to both the base and back of the tile (double bonding) for large-format tiles.
Do not leave empty spaces under the tile, which could cause cracking over time. Hence use vibrator over tile after installing it to evenly spread the adhesive.

6) Not respecting expansion joints

Mistake

Laying tiles without leaving space between them, which causes cracks or detachment due to temperature changes.

Solution

Use spacers to maintain a uniform distance between tiles.
Leave a perimeter expansion joint on large floors (every 3-4 meters).
In outdoor areas, bathrooms and areas subject to temp. fluctuations, use flexible joints to prevent cracks.

7) Leaving too many empty spots underneath the tile when installing the tiles

Mistake

To save time and cost, contractors or labourers leave empty spots underneath the tiles. This leads to tiles coming out after some time or tiles to crack when you try to drill into it for fixing anything. This especially happens for tiles on walls. Also when air pockets are left in tiles on floor, it makes noise when you walk on it.

Solution

There must be enough cement under the tile to ensure there is no air pocket or empty space underneath it, especially under the corners.
The base must be completely level, dry, and clean.
For tiles on walls, check after installation by knocking on various areas of the tile’s installation. Tiles with air pockets underneath would make hollow noise when you tap on it. This is a good way to identify and ask your contractor to rectify it.
Use a Vibrator to evenly spread the material underneath the tile post installing while adhesive is wet.

8) Applying grout incorrectly

Mistake

People generally make mistakes when applying the grout. Some use the grout when it is too liquidy. While others let the grout either dry too much or not enough before washing it off. There are also cases where people use the wrong type of grout for their joint size. A bad application of grout can quickly ruin a beautiful tile installation. Applying poor-quality or non-waterproof grout in wet areas can also cause problems later.

Solution

Use quality grout specific for each type of room or application.
For bathrooms and exteriors, opt for waterproofing or epoxy grout.
Apply the grout with a rubber float and wipe off the excess before it hardens.
Take care of grout color to match with tiles.

9) Not properly cleaning cement or grout residue

Mistake

Leaving mortar or grout residue on the tiles, which causes stains that are difficult to remove.

Solution

Clean the tiles with a damp sponge while the grout is still fresh.
For dried-on residue, use a special cement cleaner without damaging the tile surface.

10) Not waiting for the proper drying time

Mistake

Walking on newly laid tiles or filling joints before the adhesive has fully set

Solution

Observe the drying times indicated by the manufacturer (generally between 24 and 48 hours).
Avoid walking on or wetting the surface until the material has hardened properly.

Conclusion

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure a long-lasting, safe, and aesthetically impeccable tile installation. From surface preparation to the correct choice of adhesive and grout, every detail counts to achieve a professional result.