I'm currently in the midst of a shower renovation due to a crack in the shower pan, which has already put a dent in our savings. Today, after the contractor finished laying the first round of MSI Lakeview Jade tiles from Home Depot, I noticed several issues – the tiles don't align well, and some are sticking out more than others. We definitely didn't choose uneven tiles on purpose, so I'm worried about the quality of the installation. The contractor assured me this is normal for ceramic tiles, but I'm unsure if I should be concerned or if things will improve after grouting. Can anyone offer some advice? Check out these photos for reference: [first photo](https://imgur.com/a/ODJdJQ9) and [side photo](https://imgur.com/a/0x1fpOB)
4 Answers
I’d definitely be cautious here. It sounds like your contractor might not have the best skills. I've been through a similar experience, and I found that cheap tiles can indeed vary in size, which can cause alignment issues. However, the quality of the installation matters a lot too. From what you shared, it looks like the thinset isn't applied correctly, especially in the corners. I'd recommend looking for a new tiler who understands how to handle patterns better – it can make a huge difference!
I'd rate this about 88% bad based on the pics. If it were me, I'd want to push for a redo. After grouting, some imperfections may show even more, and you don't want to end up stuck with a tile job you’re unhappy with. It’s worth it to get it done right the first time!
Honestly, from those photos, it seems like a pretty poor job. The tiles aren't just uneven; it looks like the installer isn't using the spacers correctly, which messes up the grout lines. A skilled DIYer would likely do better. I would suggest you consider finding someone else for this job if it doesn't meet your standards. Don’t settle for an installation that looks this rough!
Quick note on finances: if you had a shower pan failure, check if your insurance can cover the costs, as mine did for two past incidents. They might cover it since it's a renovation for a failure. Just a thought!
Thanks for the insight! I just added another photo of the half wall to show more context.