5 Common Mistakes When Installing Decorative Wall Tiles — And How to Avoid Them

Decorative wall tiles are a stylish way to elevate kitchens, bathrooms, and feature walls. But even minor tiling errors can ruin the overall look and shorten the lifespan of your design. At Oscar Surfaces, we want your installation to be both beautiful and durable. Here are the five most common mistakes—and how to avoid them—for a flawless finish that lasts.

1. Skipping Proper Surface Preparation

The Mistake:

Starting tile installation without preparing the wall—leaving it dusty, uneven, or painted—causes poor adhesion, uneven tiles, and cracking.

How to Avoid:

• Remove existing paint, wallpaper, or adhesive residue.
• Make sure the walls are clean, dry, flat, and free of debris or structural issues.
• Fill any holes or imperfections with compound, sand smooth.
• Ensure the substrate is stable (backerboard or drywall suitable for tiles).

Think of preparation as the foundation of your future design—solid prep prevents cracks and bubbles.

2. Ignoring Layout and Alignment

The Mistake:

Placing tiles without measuring or planning leads to uneven lines, awkward cuts, and a rushed look.

How to Avoid:

• Mark reference lines using laser levels or chalk for horizontal and vertical alignment.
• Dry-lay tiles to visualize the layout, ensuring balanced cuts.
• Plan focal areas first (e.g., behind a faucet or mirror).
• Keep grout joints consistent using spacers.

A well-planned layout ensures symmetry and professional-quality results throughout.

3. Using the Wrong Adhesive or Application Method

The Mistake:

Using the wrong adhesive, or applying it improperly (spot dabbing), causes weak bonds and loose tiles.

How to Avoid:

• Match adhesive to your tile (e.g., heavy decorative or porcelain) and substrate (drywall, cement backerboard).
• Choose polymer-modified thin set for heavy decorative tiles.
• Use the right trowel notch size (as recommended) to ensure at least 95% coverage in wet areas.
• Apply adhesive evenly—not by dot-and-dab—to avoid hollow spots.

Proper adhesive use ensures long-lasting and waterproof tile adhesion.

4. Neglecting Grout Lines and Spacing

The Mistake:

Poor grout line planning—using the wrong width or incorrect grout type—results in uneven installation, cracking, or color mismatch.

How to Avoid:

• Maintain consistent spacing with tile spacers for uniform grout lines.
• Choose grout type based on gap width: sanded for lines ≥⅛″, unsanded for narrower joints.
• Clean excess grout promptly but gently to avoid haze.
• Seal grout if porous and wait properly curing time before use.

Thoughtful grout ensures neat seams and a durable finish across your tiling.

5. Mis-Cutting or Rushing Tile Cutting

The Mistake:

Incorrect cuts lead to jagged edges, poor fit, wasted material, and sloppy installation.

How to Avoid:

• Use proper tools: wet saws for large/porcelain tiles, manual cutters for smaller formats.
• Measure precisely and dry-fit before cutting.
• Practice cuts using scrap material to refine technique.
• Employ tile nippers or hole saws for detailed work near plumbing fixtures.

Accurate cuts mean cleaner edges and a polished, professional outcome.

Bonus: Don’t Rush the Job

Rushing invites errors. Common consequences include uneven adhesive, poorly cured grout, and tile misalignment.

Take your time:

• Allow proper drying time for substrate, adhesive, grout, and sealants.
• Work in small sections to maintain quality control.
• Plan your timing—don’t tile when drying conditions are unfavorable.

Quality takes time—patience ensures lasting, beautiful results.

Pro Tips for Decorative Tile Installations

• Order extra tile—10–15% more (especially for patterned or handmade tiles)
• Include expansion joints in larger installations to handle movement
• Waterproof in wet areas: Use backerboard and membranes in showers or splash zones
• Choose timeless patterns—avoid overly trendy tiles to prevent regret

Oscar Surfaces' Featured Decorative Wall Tiles

When done right, decorative tile installations transform walls into design statements. Consider these popular picks:

• Moroccan-inspired glazed ceramic for vibrant backsplashes
• Oversized porcelain slabs for seamless fireplace surrounds
• Handcrafted metro tiles for boutique bathroom accents

Explore our full decorative tile collection at oscarsurfaces.com.

Final Thoughts

Avoid these five common mistakes—skipping prep, poor planning, wrong adhesive, sloppy grout, and mis-cutting—and your decorative wall tile installation can be as stunning and durable as you envision. Pair attention to detail with Oscar Surfaces’ high-quality products, and you’ll enjoy a beautiful feature wall that lasts for years.