10 Mistakes People Often Make When Laying Tiles – and How to Avoid Them

10 Mistakes People Often Make When Laying Tiles – and How to Avoid Them

   At first glance, laying tiles might seem like a simple process,
but in practice there are countless details that often go unnoticed.
Just one mistake can ruin the result, causing tiles to crack or even
requiring the entire job to be redone.

Here, we’ve gathered the 10 most common mistakes — and practical tips
to help you avoid them

1. Poorly Prepared Surface
   Tiles won’t lay properly if the surface isn’t prepared correctly.
Beginners often install tiles on dusty, damp, or uneven floors.
The result? Tiles eventually loosen or crack.
   How to avoid it: The surface must be clean, dry, and level.
When necessary, use a self-leveling compound or primer.
 

2. Skipping Grout Joints
   Some installers skip joints, thinking the look will be “cleaner.”
It might look nice at first glance — but it’s one of the biggest mistakes.
Tiles need space for thermal movement. They expand and contract — in other
words, they “breathe.”
   How to avoid it: Leave at least a 3 mm gap between tiles. This reduces
the risk of cracking and lifting, and allows grout to create a more polished
and refined finish.

3. Choosing the Wrong Adhesive
   Not all tiles require the same adhesive. Many people use cheap
“universal” glue, which is often too weak for heavy or large-format tiles.
   How to avoid it: Select the right adhesive for the specific tile
type — for example, for porcelain or large-format tiles, use a flexible,
reinforced adhesive such as MAPEI Keraflex Maxi S1.

4. Uneven Adhesive Application
   Many installers dab glue in spots instead of spreading it evenly across
the surface.
This creates hollow gaps under the tiles, which eventually leads to cracks.
   How to avoid it: Use a notched trowel and spread adhesive in uniform
lines across the entire surface to ensure each tile is fully bonded.



5. Soaking Tiles or Excess Moisture
   In the past, it was common practice to soak tiles in water before
installation.
Modern tiles and adhesives no longer require this, and too much moisture
actually weakens the adhesive.
   How to avoid it: Lay tiles dry. The surface can be slightly damp,
but never wet.

6. “Eyeballing” Tile Alignment
   Lining up tiles by eye is one of the most common mistakes.
It might look straight at first, but once the job is finished,
the misalignment becomes obvious.
   How to avoid it: Use a laser level or other professional tools — they’ll
save you from uneven lines and crooked layouts.

7. Ignoring Grout
   Sometimes installers skip grout entirely or choose cheap, low-quality
materials. The result? Water seeps under the tiles, leading to mold and
moisture problems.
   How to avoid it: Use a water-resistant, high-quality grout
(for example, MAPEI Ultracolor Plus). A well-chosen grout color not only
adds elegance to the design but also protects against damage.

8. Rushing the Job
   The “let’s just get it done quickly” attitude almost always leads to
poor results. Inexperienced installers overlook important details when
rushing — and that often ends in costly repairs or even a full redo.
   How to avoid it: Work patiently. Place each tile carefully, double-check
alignment, levels, and joints.

9. Ignoring Quality Tools
   Thinking “any tool will do” is a big mistake. Cheap trowels and low-grade
tools simply can’t deliver precise results.
   How to avoid it: Use professional-quality tools — notched trowels, spacers,
leveling systems, and more.

10. Working Without a Professional
   One of the biggest mistakes is attempting to do everything yourself without
any experience. Tile installation might look simple, but without the right
knowledge and skills, the results can be disastrous.
   How to avoid it: Hire an experienced tiler for big or complex projects — or,
if you want to do it yourself, bring in a pro as a supervisor and advisor.
They can guide you, offer tips, and help prevent costly mistakes — saving you
time, stress, and money.



IDEAL’s Tip
   Tile installation is built on small details — and each one matters.
Choose the right materials, quality tools, and experienced professionals.
   This way, you’ll achieve not just a beautiful look, but a durable,
high-quality result.

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