10 Common Tiling Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them
Sebastian Wright
Published Apr 05, 2026
1/10
Mismatch the Trowel Size
Make sure the trowel you use for the project matches the size of the tile. Larger tiles need a deep layer of thin-set, so you need a trowel with deep notches. When shopping for thin-set for larger tiles make sure the bag has terms such as “medium bed,” “large tile” or “large format” on the bag label.
2/10
Crack the Tile
Depending on the material they’re made from (think porcelain), tiles can easily crack. Too many ruined tiles can become expensive and wasteful. There are a few preventative steps to take to reduce the number of cracked tiles. The best tool to use when cutting tile is a diamond wet saw. When using the saw, make sure to apply slow, even pressure in order to create a precise cut.