Tiling is one of those home improvements that looks simple on the surface. Watch a few YouTube videos, buy some tiles, adhesive, and grout, and away you go… right?

Unfortunately, many homeowners in Cork, Kerry, and Limerick, where we operate, discover too late that tiling is much harder than it seems.

Small mistakes add up quickly, and what looked like a money-saving DIY project can end up costing more in wasted tiles, poor finishes, or even having to rip everything out and start again.

At PD Tiling, we see these issues all the time when we’re called in to rescue jobs that didn’t go to plan.

To help you avoid that stress, here are 10 of the most common tiling mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping Proper Surface Preparation

The single biggest mistake people make is not preparing the surface before laying tiles. Dust, grease, damp patches, or uneven floors all prevent adhesive from bonding properly. The result? Tiles that loosen, crack, or lift after only a short time.

How to avoid it:

• Clean the surface thoroughly.

• Ensure it’s completely dry.

• Use levelling compound to even out dips or slopes.

A few extra hours preparing the base will save years of problems later.

Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a flawless tiling job — clean, level, and ready for lasting results.

2. Using the Wrong Adhesive

Not all adhesives are the same. The glue you use for ceramic tiles in a kitchen splashback may not be suitable for large-format porcelain floor tiles or for outdoor areas exposed to Kerry’s Atlantic weather. Many DIYers just grab whatever tub is cheapest, and that’s a costly error.

How to avoid it:

• Choose adhesive designed for your specific tile material.

  
  

• Check if it’s rated for indoor, outdoor, wet, or heated floors.

  
  

• Ask your supplier or tiler if you’re unsure.

Using the right tile adhesive for your surface and tile type ensures strong, long-lasting tiling results.

3. Poor Tile Layout Planning

Another frequent problem is not planning the layout before you start sticking tiles down. People begin at the corner of a room and work their way out, only to discover they end up with tiny slivers of tile on the opposite wall. It looks unprofessional and ruins the symmetry of the design.

How to avoid it:

• Dry-lay a row of tiles to see how they’ll fall.

  
  

• Always work from the centre outwards to balance cuts.

  
  

• Use chalk lines or laser guides to keep things straight.

A little time planning the layout pays off massively in the finished look.

4. Ignoring Expansion Joints

Tiles don’t expand and contract much, but the surface underneath them (especially concrete or heated floors) certainly does. Without allowing space for movement, tiles can crack, lift, or push grout lines apart.

How to avoid it:

• Leave a small gap (2–3 mm) around the edges of tiled areas.

  
  

• Use flexible sealant instead of grout at edges.

  
  

• Install movement joints in very large areas.

This is particularly important in open-plan spaces in Limerick and Cork homes where floors run across large areas.

5. Poor Tile Cutting

Uneven edges, jagged cuts around sockets, or tiles that don’t quite fit are tell-tale signs of an amateur job. Many homeowners rely on cheap snap cutters or even attempt to cut tiles with the wrong tools.

How to avoid it:

• Invest in a quality tile cutter or wet saw.

  
  

• Use a professional tiler for precision cuts around awkward areas.

  
  

• Always measure twice, cut once.

Tile cutting is one of the skills that separates DIY efforts from professional finishes.

6. Uneven Tile Spacing

Wonky grout lines draw the eye immediately and make the whole job look sloppy, even if the tiles themselves are beautiful. Homeowners often try to eyeball the spacing, but that almost never works.

How to avoid it:

• Always use spacers for consistent joints.

  
  

• Check alignment frequently as you go.

  
  

• Step back regularly to view the overall effect.

7. Using the Wrong Grout

Grout isn’t just filler between tiles—it’s a vital part of the tiling system. Use the wrong type, and it can crack, crumble, or discolour quickly. Many people also pick a grout colour that clashes with the tile, spoiling the effect.

How to avoid it:

• Choose grout designed for the area (e.g., waterproof grout in bathrooms).

  
  

• Consider colour carefully: contrasting grout highlights patterns, while matching grout creates a seamless look.

  
  

• Seal grout where necessary to prevent staining.

8. Rushing the Job

DIY tiling can be time-consuming, and it’s tempting to rush. Walking on tiles before the adhesive has cured or grouting too soon often ruins an otherwise decent job.

How to avoid it:

• Follow manufacturer drying times exactly.

  
  

• Don’t take shortcuts with curing periods.

  
  

• Schedule the job realistically — most tiling projects take longer than homeowners expect.

  
  

9. Forgetting to Seal Natural Stone

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are usually fine unsealed, but natural stone (slate, marble, limestone) is porous. If it’s not sealed properly, it stains, absorbs water, and becomes difficult to maintain.

How to avoid it:

• Always apply the recommended sealer before grouting.

  
  

• Reseal natural stone tiles every few years.

  
  

• Use gentle, pH-neutral cleaners to avoid damage.

We often see this issue in Kerry cottages and Limerick farmhouses, where natural stone is a popular choice.

10. Neglecting Aftercare

Tiles are durable, but they still need care. Using harsh cleaners, ignoring cracked grout, or never resealing stone can shorten the lifespan of your tiled surfaces.

How to avoid it:

• Clean regularly with tile-safe products.

  
  

• Repair cracked grout promptly to stop water damage.

  
  

• Refresh sealant as needed.

Why Professional Tiling Pays Off

Tiling isn’t just about sticking tiles to a wall or floor. It’s a craft that requires precision, patience, and experience.

While DIY can work for small splashbacks or basic jobs, larger projects are almost always best left to professionals.

At PD Tiling, we bring years of experience to homes and businesses across Cork, Kerry, and Limerick.

Whether it’s a sleek kitchen in the city, a bathroom renovation on the coast, or restoring original tiling in a period home, we know how to avoid these pitfalls and deliver a flawless finish.

Final Thoughts on Avoidable Tiling Mistakes

The truth is, these 10 common tiling mistakes are easy to make — but they’re also easy to avoid with the right preparation, tools, and know-how.

If you want a tiling job that looks fantastic and lasts for decades, it’s worth investing in professional expertise.

👉 Thinking about a tiling project? Contact PD Tiling today for a no-obligation quote. Serving Cork, Kerry, and Limerick, we’ll make sure your tiles are laid perfectly the first time.

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