Don’t Repeat These Catastrophic Tile Jobs
Everyone has encountered them: botched tiling projects. If there’s ever a clear indication of the importance of hiring a professional, it’s when we enter a restaurant restroom or public facility and witness a tile job that’s been mercilessly vandalized by an unskilled employee or an unqualified individual. It’s not to say that Joe Schmo shouldn’t attempt a small tile job, but if you lack the necessary skills, attention to detail, or simply a sense of pride, it’s best to leave it to the experts.
Without further ado, let’s explore some of the most appalling tile jobs you’ve ever seen (accompanied by our sarcastic commentary):
#10 Avoid Tiling Under the Influence
Perhaps it’s best to save that celebratory beer for after work. If you struggle to draw a straight line, it might be time to seek assistance or invest in a laser layout tool. This particular tile job resembles an MC Escher painting, especially when you consider the haphazard grout job. While we could blame the tiles themselves, someone decided to rotate them in uneven triplets. No one can escape the horror of this restaurant bathroom.
#9 Just Add More Grout!
When revamping old tiles with new ones, the solution isn’t to drown them in excessive amounts of grout. Unseen in the photo is the right surround, where the grout is a whopping 1/2″ wide. Presumably, they thought nobody would notice because it’s white. However, by removing the old grout prior to adding the new, you can avoid this disastrous outcome altogether.
#8 Let Colorblind Individuals Choose Tiles
What’s worse than combining white and off-white? Mixing off-white with a shade that can only be described as “cigarette yellow.” This tile work is undoubtedly an eyesore. It’s crucial to exercise better judgment from the start. Take a short color theory course or find inspiration on Pinterest. Anything to achieve a cohesive tile design without blending these two colors ever again.
#7 You Missed a Spot!
This tiny bump may seem insignificant, but amidst the sea of tiles, it stands out like a sore thumb. It doesn’t take the most advanced oscillating multi-tool to rectify this issue, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to have one. Leaving these bumps on the tiles during grouting often ruins the entire aesthetic. Fortunately, this particular flaw is easily fixable.
#6 Slap Some Caulk on the Disaster
We’re not entirely sure what the thought process was here, but it seems that a generous application of white Alex caulk was the solution to this lackluster tile job. While it’s not the worst we’ve seen, it’s far from visually appealing. Matte caulks are readily available on the market, and though they may cost slightly more, there’s no reason not to attempt a better blend with the existing grout, especially if you can invoice the client.
#5 Grout Matters: Budgeting Lessons
Caulk and grout may be affordable materials, but it’s crucial not to skimp on the grout. Cutting corners in this area can lead to severe shrinkage, ultimately ruining an otherwise decent tile job. If the grout doesn’t appear right, the tile won’t either. Remember to plan accordingly, ensuring you have the correct amount and consistency of grout to avoid callbacks.
#4 Grout Sponge? Never Heard of It
Failing to thoroughly remove excess grout can result in unsightly streaks like the ones seen in the corners. If you’re not meticulous in this step, you’ll be left with stubborn grout residue that’s difficult to remove. In this case, it’s a re-grouting project, so we can’t blame the original installer. While it’s commendable that they used grout instead of caulk, the execution could have been much better. A good decision with poor implementation.
#3 Plan, Lay, and Avoid Odd Results
Failure to plan your tile layout can yield peculiar outcomes. In this instance, you can almost see the tiler’s wheels turning. Perplexed by the realization that they would be placing cracked tiles on the inside corner of the door, they found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. Their solution? Crafting an oddly shaped L-shaped tile by breaking it instead of skillfully cutting the corner notches with a diamond blade.
Plan your layout meticulously and always keep a 4-inch angle grinder with diamond blades close at hand.
#2 Less Mitered Corners, More Safety
We all appreciate the beauty of well-cut corners, but stubbing your toe on one can be excruciatingly painful. Mitering outside corners is crucial when working with tiles in kitchens and bathrooms. Neglecting this vital detail could lead to severe damage for unsuspecting homeowners. Those corners are sharp!
#1 Ah, Tuck It In
The worst example of tile work was uncovered at the local ballpark, which hosts both minor league games and major league spring training. Apparently, some tiles had fallen off due to mold or dampness. The fix? Simply secure the new tiles to the wall using liquid nails!
Why bother fixing the tiles when you can just glue them back on? At least they’re staying put this time! While you’re at it, don’t bother ensuring the tiles are even or bothering with the inconvenience of grout. After all, grout is for the faint-hearted.
Put an End to Your Tile Nightmares
We hope you’ve enjoyed our article on the most disastrous tile jobs. If you’re an expert in tilecraft, feel free to get in touch and share any horror stories you may have encountered. We understand exactly what you’re looking for!