We’ve been tiling homes and businesses since 2006. In that time, we’ve met every kind of client—from the “just make it look nice” crowd to the design-detail diehards. And while every job is different, there are a few things we find ourselves explaining again and again.
So we thought, why not put it all in one place?
Here’s a candid look at the stuff we wish more people knew before starting a tile project. No sugarcoating—just the kind of straight-up info that makes for smoother jobs and better results.
1. Great Tile Work Starts Long Before the Tile Goes In
Tile is the finishing touch, not the starting point. Behind every clean layout and level surface is a whole lot of prep work—cleaning, leveling, waterproofing, and measuring.
When people underestimate this phase (or try to skip it), they usually end up dealing with cracks, leaks, or uneven lines down the road. You won’t always see the prep, but you’ll feel it in the durability of the final product.
2. “Straight” Isn’t Always Easy
You might think a basic subway layout is simple. After all, it’s just straight rows, right?
Wrong.
Getting tile to line up perfectly takes time, tools, and attention. Walls aren’t always square. Floors dip. Corners can be tricky. And don’t even get us started on ceilings.
Laying tile well—especially with patterns or tight grout lines—takes precision. What looks effortless in a finished photo is often the result of hours of careful adjustments. That’s the part people don’t always see, but it’s where the quality lives.
3. Cheap Tile Can Cost You
We’ve worked with all kinds of tile—from handmade imports to big-box clearance deals. And while there’s a place for every budget, we’ll be honest: some cheap tile just isn’t worth it.
We’re talking inconsistent sizing, warping, fragile edges, bad glaze jobs—you name it. These tiles slow down the job and make it harder to get a clean result.
We’re not saying you need to splurge on the most expensive option out there. Just know that bargain-bin tile often costs more in labor, frustration, and callbacks.
4. Grout Isn’t an Afterthought
Too many people choose grout at the last minute, or worse—leave it entirely to someone else.
But grout makes a big visual difference. Want a seamless look? Match your grout to your tile. Want the pattern to pop? Go with a contrast. Just keep in mind that light grout can stain, and dark grout can sometimes fade.
And yes—some grout needs sealing. Not all of it, but definitely the stuff going into high-traffic or wet areas. Ask about it. Plan for it. It’s worth doing right.
5. Good Tile Installers Ask a Lot of Questions
We ask about layout preferences, grout width, tile orientation, where you want cuts hidden, and more. Not because we’re picky—but because we want to get it right.
If your installer isn’t asking questions, you should be asking why. Tile work is permanent. You deserve to know how it’s going to look before the first piece goes down.
6. Sometimes, It’s the Little Stuff That Takes the Longest
You might assume a powder room takes half a day. But if we’re talking about working around a floating vanity, curved walls, or detailed trim? It takes longer.
Smaller spaces often involve more cuts and more creative problem-solving. We’re not rushing to finish—we’re making sure it’s done right. Trust us, you’d rather have the job take a little longer than have us rush it and regret it later.
7. Tile Isn’t Magic—It Won’t Fix a Bad Subfloor or Hide Every Flaw
Tile looks great, but it’s not a cure-all. If your subfloor is uneven, damaged, or just not solid, laying tile over it won’t solve the problem—it’ll just mask it temporarily. Same goes for walls that are way out of plumb.
We always recommend fixing the base before laying anything over it. It might not be the fun part of the project, but it’s what makes the rest last.
8. Not All Patterns Look Good in Every Space
Pinterest is full of bold patterns and layouts. Some of them look amazing—in theory. But drop that same layout into a narrow hallway or a small guest bath, and it might feel overwhelming or just… off.
We’ll always work with your design ideas, but we’ll also tell you when something might not translate well into your space. That’s not us being difficult—that’s us trying to help you get a better end result.
9. Trust Matters More Than Tile Size
You’re trusting someone to show up, work inside your home, and install something that you’ll look at every day. So yes, the tile choice matters—but the people installing it matter more.
Good installers will respect your home, your timeline, and your design goals. They’ll keep the workspace clean and the communication clear. That’s the kind of trust we’ve built over years of projects, and it’s something we take seriously.
Final Thoughts From the Crew
Tile work is an investment—not just in your space, but in the experience of living or working there every day. And while the materials and layout are important, so is the team you bring in to do the work.
At Dynamic Tile & Stone, we’re not just here to lay tile—we’re here to help you make smart choices, avoid regrets, and end up with a result you’ll be proud of. Want to see how we work? Check out our services or get in touch here and let’s talk tile.
