Mastering Tile Installation: Common Pitfalls and Their Solutions

Tiling is an incredible home renovation project that improves not only the aesthetics of your home but also its functionality. Similarly, tiles are a cheaper alternative to other flooring materials, they come in a variety of styles, and they are incredibly durable, even in places of high traffic.

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. Incorrect grout applications, poor calculations, and uneven subfloors are some basic errors that many make, which often leads to inadequate and irreversible outcomes.

To help you avoid these and other situations that could prove to be costly, we have put together a list and explained some of the most common mistakes people make when installing tiles and how to avoid/ fix them.

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

Mistake - When installing tiles, some will need to be cut to fit the space being worked on. This needs to be acknowledged when determining how many square feet of tile must be purchased. 

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 – 

• For exteriors, choose weather-resistant and slip-resistant tiles (minimum R11).

• In high-traffic areas, opt for porcelain tiles, which are more resistant to wear.

• In swimming pools or showers, use waterproof tiles with a rough finish to prevent slipping.

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 or 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:

• For indoor ceramic and porcelain tiles: Standard tile adhesive

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

• 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.

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 temperature 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. 

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.

  
  

Conclusions

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.

• Plan before installing

• Use quality materials appropriate for the environment

• Observe proper drying times and techniques

• Check levelness and design before attaching the pieces

Following these recommendations will ensure a perfect finish without unpleasant surprises. A well-done installation can last a lifetime!