Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Tile Project
Tile work looks clean, solid, and simple when it’s done right. But getting there? That takes more than picking a style you like and grabbing a few boxes from the store. We’ve seen a lot of DIYers and even some contractors run into the same problems over and over, costly mistakes that could’ve been avoided with a little upfront planning.
Here are the most common tile project mistakes we’ve seen, and some real-world advice to help you steer clear of them.
1. Underestimating How Much Tile You’ll Need
It’s one of the biggest missteps we see, and it usually leads to delays. You measure your space, do some quick math, and buy exactly what the square footage calls for, forgetting to factor in cuts, waste, and backups in case of damage or future repairs.
A good rule: always order about 10% more tile than the project technically needs. For intricate patterns or oddly shaped areas, go a little higher. Running out of tile halfway through a job is no fun, especially if that style is suddenly out of stock or discontinued.
2. Skipping the Surface Prep
We get it: tile is the fun part. It’s what you see. But what’s under the tile matters just as much. Skipping proper prep work, like cleaning the surface, checking for levelness, or using the right underlayment, can lead to lippage, cracking, and loose tiles down the road.
Surface prep may not be exciting, but it’s the difference between a job that lasts and one that needs repairs after a year.
3. Choosing the Wrong Tile for the Job
Not all tile is created equal. A shiny white ceramic tile might look great on a bathroom wall, but put it on a high-traffic floor and you’re asking for trouble. On the flip side, a thick stone tile might be too heavy or slick for a shower wall.
Think about where the tile’s going and what it needs to handle. Moisture, foot traffic, impact, cleaning, these are all factors that should guide your choice.
Not sure what fits your space? That’s what we’re here for. We’ll help you pick something that looks great and works well.
4. Ignoring Grout Decisions
Grout is more than filler, it’s part of the design. It also affects long-term durability and maintenance. But too often, people treat grout like an afterthought.
Light grout looks clean but can stain easily. Dark grout hides mess but may overpower light tiles. Then there’s the width of the lines: skinny lines look sleek but require more precise installation, while thicker grout lines can give a more rustic or traditional look.
Picking the wrong grout can throw off the whole look of your tile, and make cleaning a lot harder.
5. Forgetting About Expansion Joints
Tile expands and contracts with changes in temperature and moisture. If you don’t leave room for this movement, usually with proper spacing and expansion joints, you risk cracking and buckling.
This is especially important in large rooms, outdoor areas, or over radiant heat systems. Skipping this step might not show problems right away, but over time, the stress adds up.
6. Rushing the Job
We understand the urge to get it done. You’re excited. You want to see the final result. But rushing through a tile job almost always ends in frustration.
Tile takes time. There’s measuring, cutting, spacing, setting, curing, and grouting—all of which need to be done with care. Trying to finish everything in a weekend usually leads to uneven lines, poor adhesion, and a finish that just doesn’t look right.
It’s okay to take it slow, or hire someone who knows how to do it properly the first time.
7. Not Sealing When You Should
Some tiles (like natural stone) and most grout lines need sealing to stay protected. It keeps out stains, moisture, and grime, making your tile easier to clean and longer-lasting.
Too often, people skip sealing, or don’t realize their tile needs it until it’s too late. If you’ve got porous material in your space, sealing it properly is a small step that makes a big difference.
8. Focusing Only on Looks
We love a good-looking tile project. It’s part of what drew us into this work in the first place. But focusing only on appearance, without thinking about practicality, is a mistake we see all the time.
Slippery tiles in wet areas. Light grout in a kitchen. Fancy shapes that don’t fit the space. These are all design choices that seem fine at the start, but can become annoyances later.
Think of tile like flooring and wall finish combined, it needs to work hard and look good.
9. Hiring the Cheapest Contractor
We’ve been called in to fix too many botched tile jobs that were done “on the cheap.” And while we understand sticking to a budget, tile is one of those trades where you truly get what you pay for.
A low quote might seem great, but it often means corners are being cut, less prep work, rushed installation, or lack of proper tools and experience. The result? You pay twice: once to do it, and once to fix it.
Ask about experience, check past work, and look for someone who takes pride in the details. That’s the stuff that makes tile last.
Make Your Tile Project Something You’ll Be Proud Of
Tile can transform a space, but only if it’s done right. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. At Dynamic Tile & Stone, we’ve been doing this since 2006. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep things running smoothly from start to finish.
If you’re starting a project and want advice you can trust, take a look at our services or reach out to us here. We’re always happy to talk tile.
