Not too long ago we had a look at some of the worst grout and caulk jobs we've ever seen. Now we even top the list for brutality and utter destruction of technology and character. These have got to be some of the worst tile work in the world we've ever seen. When you see something crazy…you just have to share it!
Everyone has seen them. Tiling the wrong job. If there's any evidence of the need to hire a professional, it's when I walk into a restroom in a restaurant or public facility and stare at a tile job being vandalized that was clearly undertaken by an employee or other unqualified person. I'm not saying Joe Schmo shouldn't try out a small tile job, but if you don't have the required skills, keen eye, or just a sense of personal pride – you're better off hiring a professional to do it for you thing.
Last year we saw some of the worst tile and grout jobs we've ever seen. This year, I think we top the list for brutality and utter destruction of technology and character.
Don't Repeat These World's Worst Tile Jobs
Everyone has seen them. Tiling the wrong job. If there's any evidence of the need to hire a professional, it's when we walk into a restaurant bathroom or public facility and watch a tile job being vandalized that was clearly undertaken by an employee or other unqualified person.
We're not saying Joe Schmo shouldn't try his hand at small tile jobs. But if you don't have the required skills, keen eye, or lack of personal pride, it's best to hire a professional to do it for you.
Without further ado, here are some of the world's worst tile jobs you've ever seen (along with our obligatory run-of-the-sarcasm review):
#10 Don’t drink and tile
Maybe you should wait until after work for a beer. Seriously, if you can't draw a straight line, you probably need some help, or a laser layout tool…or something. This tile job looks more like a MC Escher painting…and that's before you consider the tedious grout job. While we might blame the tiles – someone decided to rotate them in uneven triplets. No one can claim innocence in the bathroom of this restaurant.
#9 Just add more grout!
When you want to update that old tile and remake new tile, you just add a ton more grout…right? Not shown here is the surround on the right where the grout is actually 1/2" wide. I guess since it's white they think no one will notice? By removing the old grout before adding the new, you can avoid this problem entirely.
#8 Let colorblind people pick tiles
What's worse than mixing white and off-white? Mix off-white with "cigarette yellow". The beauty of this tile work is obviously flattering to look at. We just thought it was a poor choice from the start. Take a short color theory course or steal an idea from Pinterest. Whatever you need to do to get a cohesive tile design…just don't mix the two colors anymore. please.
#7 You are missing a place
This little bump might seem like nothing, but in a sea of tiles, it sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb. It doesn't take the best oscillating multi-tool to solve this problem — but it might help. But in reality, you should never leave such bumps on the tiles when grouting. Many of the worst tile jobs come down to something really small that ruins the entire look. Fortunately, this one is easy to fix.
#6 Worst tile job ever, you just slap some caulk on it
We're not sure what the thinking was here, but above all, it looks like the solution is a lazy thick line of white Alex caulk. It's not the worst thing we've seen, but it's certainly not pretty. There are matte caulks on the market. They'll cost a little more, but assuming you can bill the client, there's no reason not to at least try to blend in better with the existing grout.
#5 Grout budget, this worst tile job prevails
Caulk is cheap – and so is grout. Apparently the tiler decided to skimp on the grout, which caused severe shrinkage and ruined an otherwise good tile job. If the grout doesn't look right, the tile doesn't look right. Keep this in mind and make sure you have the correct amount and consistency to avoid call backs.
#4 Grout sponge? never heard of
A sloppy job of removing excess grout can leave streaks like this in the corners. If you're not getting all the way in there, you're not removing the excess. This will leave you with residual grout that is more difficult to remove. If you notice, this is re-grouting, so we can't blame the original installer. While we appreciate that they used grout over the caulk, it's even better if the job is done properly. Instead, we got a good decision but poor execution.
#3 Plan your tiles, then lay them
If you don't plan your tiles, you'll end up with weird results. Here you can almost see the gears turning. Likely, the tiler got to the corner and realized he was going to put cracked tile over the entire inside corner of the door. Who wants to do this? So, at the top of the door, you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. his solution? Created a very oddly shaped L-shaped tile, apparently he broke it instead of cutting the corner notches with a diamond blade.
Plan your layout and always carry a 4-inch angle grinder with diamond blades.
#2 Less Mitered Corners
We love football so we are used to enjoying beautiful corners. However, if you rub it with your toe, it can be very painful. Mitering outside corners is a big deal when dealing with tile in a kitchen or bathroom. You don't want to miss this little detail because it can actually cause a homeowner pretty serious damage. Those horns are sharp!
#1 Ah, tuck it in
This worst example of tile work happened at the local ballpark, where the minor leagues play and the major leagues hold spring training. Apparently some of the tiles came off – maybe mold or damp – who knows. For some maintainers, the solution is simple: use liquid nails to secure the new tile to the wall!
Yes, of course, why bother fixing said tile when you can just apply some glue and attach said tile to the wall. I mean, at least they're staying this time! While you're at it, don't bother making sure the tile is smooth, or even bother with pesky grout. Grout is fit for a sissy.
Put an end to your worst tile job
Hope you enjoyed our article on the worst tile jobs… If you are a tile expert feel free to get in touch and let us know of any horror stories you may have come across. We know what you're looking for!