Tiling might look straightforward—pick a tile, stick it on, and voilà! But in reality, there’s a world of detail behind getting that clean, professional finish. As trusted Melbourne tilers, we’ve seen all kinds of DIY tiling gone wrong—from minor missteps to full-blown disasters.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common tiling mistakes homeowners make and, more importantly, how the experts at ChumzTiling fix them. Whether you’re considering a weekend DIY or just want to know what to watch for when hiring a tiler, this is for you.
Why Knowing Tiling Mistakes Matters
Bad tiling isn’t just an eyesore—it can lead to water damage, uneven floors, loose tiles, and expensive repairs down the line. Understanding common pitfalls helps you:
- Avoid unnecessary costs
- Improve your home’s value
- Ensure a long-lasting, quality finish
So let’s jump into the most frequent tiling issues we encounter around Melbourne.
1. Poor Surface Preparation
The Problem:
Homeowners often rush into laying tiles without properly preparing the surface. Dusty, uneven, or damp substrates can cause tiles to lift, crack, or shift over time.
How We Fix It:
At ChumzTiling, our tilers thoroughly clean, level, and prime all surfaces before a single tile is laid. For bathrooms or wet areas, we ensure correct waterproofing using compliant systems as required by Australian Standards (AS 3740).
💡 Pro Tip: Never tile over old adhesive or flaking paint. It’s a ticking time bomb.
2. Using the Wrong Adhesive
The Problem:
There’s no one-size-fits-all tile adhesive. Using the wrong type—especially on surfaces like porcelain or stone—can cause poor bonding.
How We Fix It:
Our Melbourne tilers assess tile material, substrate, and room conditions before selecting an adhesive. We often use polymer-modified adhesives for extra grip and flexibility, especially in high-traffic or wet areas.
Explore our tiling services in Melbourne
3. Incorrect Tile Layout
The Problem:
It’s surprisingly easy to mess up tile placement. Crooked lines, poor centering, and misaligned grout joints are all too common.
How We Fix It:
We take layout seriously. Before applying adhesive, our tilers dry-lay tiles to test patterns and ensure symmetry—especially around focal points like doorways, mirrors, or bathtubs.
✅ Real-World Example: In a recent Brighton bathroom reno, we shifted the layout by just 2cm to align tiles perfectly with a window. It made the space look instantly more polished.
4. Not Accounting for Expansion Joints
The Problem:
Tiles expand and contract with temperature changes. Without room to move, they can crack or tent (yes, tiles can pop off the floor like tents!).
How We Fix It:
We leave expansion joints at the perimeter and sometimes within the tiled area, depending on the room size and material. These joints are filled with flexible sealant to absorb movement.
5. Uneven Grouting
The Problem:
Grout might seem like a finishing touch, but poor application or the wrong type can ruin the whole look—and cause leaks in wet areas.
How We Fix It:
Our team ensures even grout lines and uses mould-resistant grout in bathrooms and kitchens. We also apply a sealant where needed to extend durability.
🔧 Fun Fact: Epoxy grout, while more expensive, is stain-proof and perfect for splashbacks and high-use zones.
6. Ignoring Waterproofing in Wet Areas
The Problem:
Tiling over a non-waterproofed surface, especially in showers or around bathtubs, is a recipe for disaster—and mould.
How We Fix It:
As licensed Melbourne tilers, we strictly follow local waterproofing regulations and issue compliance certificates. We apply membranes that form a watertight barrier under tiles.
Learn more about our waterproofing and bathroom tiling services
7. Cutting Tiles Incorrectly
The Problem:
Poor tile cuts don’t just look bad—they often lead to cracks or sharp edges.
How We Fix It:
We use professional wet saws and tile cutters for clean, accurate cuts, ensuring no jagged edges or excessive tile wastage.
🧱 Quick Tip: Always round off or smooth cut edges when tiling around pipes or fixtures—especially if kids are around!
8. Skipping the Professional Help (When It’s Needed)
The Problem:
DIY is rewarding, but some tiling jobs—especially in bathrooms or large spaces—require professional expertise.
How We Fix It:
We offer free consultations and will always tell you if a job is something you can tackle yourself or if it’s better left to licensed tilers. We’re here to support, not oversell.
FAQs About Tiling Mistakes
The Chumz Tiling Difference
At ChumzTiling, we’ve helped hundreds of Melbourne homeowners fix—or avoid—tiling mishaps altogether. Whether it’s fixing DIY issues or starting fresh, our team combines experience, care, and compliance in every project.
Great tiling isn’t just about tiles—it’s about the preparation, the precision, and the passion behind the work.
Want to chat about your project, get an expert opinion, or just need some advice? We’re always happy to help. Because at the end of the day, we love what we do—and we want you to love your tiled space too.
