Renovating your home is an exciting journey, but making the wrong tile choices can lead to costly mistakes. From picking the wrong size to ignoring maintenance needs, many homeowners make avoidable errors that affect both the aesthetics and durability of their tiles.

At Novoglobe Exports, we help homeowners choose the right tiles for their space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 most common tile mistakes and how to avoid them!

1. Choosing the Wrong Tile Material

Not all tiles are created equal. Some are designed for walls, while others are made for floors. Common mistakes include:

• Using wall tiles on floors (they are thinner and not built for foot traffic).
• Installing glossy tiles in wet areas (they can be slippery).

Solution: Choose porcelain or ceramic tiles for floors, and glossy or textured tiles for walls depending on your needs.

2. Ignoring Tile Size and Layout

Tile size can make or break a space. Small tiles in big rooms create too many grout lines, while large tiles in small spaces can look overwhelming.

Solution:

• Large tiles (24×48 inches) are great for spacious areas.
• Medium-sized tiles (12×24 inches) work well for most rooms.
• Small tiles (4×4 inches, 6×6 inches) are best for backsplashes & decorative walls.

3. Not Considering Slip Resistance

Slippery tiles can be dangerous, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Many homeowners only focus on looks and forget about safety.

Solution: Choose matte or textured tiles for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.

4. Choosing the Wrong Grout Color

Grout isn’t just functional it affects your tile’s overall look! Mistakes include:

• White grout is in high-traffic areas (it stains easily).
• Dark grout with light tiles (creates a harsh contrast).

Solution: Choose neutral grout colors that match your tiles for a seamless look.

5. Overlooking Tile Placement and Patterns

Tile patterns can make a space look more stylish—or completely mismatched if done incorrectly. Common errors:

• Not planning the tile layout before installation.
• Failing to align grout lines properly.

Solution: Lay tiles out before fixing them permanently to visualize the final look.

6. Forgetting About Tile Durability

Some tiles look beautiful but aren’t built for heavy use. Mistakes include:

• Using low-quality tiles in high-traffic areas.
• Choosing porous tiles that stain easily in kitchens.

Solution: Select high-quality porcelain or ceramic tiles for long-lasting durability.

7. Not Preparing the Subfloor Properly

Even the best tiles won’t last if they are installed on an uneven surface. Common mistakes:

• Installing tiles on an unleveled floor (leads to cracks).
• Not using proper adhesive.

Solution: Ensure the subfloor is level and use the right adhesive & grout for a long-lasting finish.

8. Rushing the Tile Installation

• Poor installation can lead to cracked tiles, uneven surfaces, and weak bonding.
• Not allowing grout to dry properly before using the area.

Solution: Hire a professional tile installer or take time to follow proper installation steps.

9. Ignoring Tile Maintenance & Cleaning Needs

Some tiles need more care than others. Mistakes include:

• Using harsh cleaners on natural stone tiles.
• Not sealing porous tiles like marble and travertine.

Solution: Choose tiles that match your lifestyle—porcelain and ceramic are low-maintenance, while natural stone requires sealing.

10. Not Ordering Extra Tiles

• Ordering the exact number of tiles needed is a big mistake.
• Tiles can break during installation or may not be available in the future for repairs or replacements.

Solution: Always order 10-15% extra tiles for future needs!

Choose Wisely with Novoglobe Exports

Avoiding these common tile mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration during your renovation. At Novoglobe Exports, we help you make the right tile choices—whether you need durability, style, or affordability.

Need expert advice? Contact us today for personalized tile recommendations!