Contractor installed wrong grout width and patter

11 years ago

My contractor's crew just started installing new ceramic tile in my home and when I came to look at the work after the first day I noticed they are using a 1/16" grout line rather than the 1/8" we discussed ahead of time. Also, the pattern being laid is different than the picture I sent to him ahead of time. The pattern we wanted was straight from front to back with each tile offset by about 1/3 the length of the neighboring tile on the left and right. They have installed about 200 sq ft so far with no grouting yet. I'm unsure if he didn't convey our preferences to his crew or if the crew themselves are doing the wrong thing. The pics below show the pattern and width that is being installed vs what we wanted.

I'm wondering what I should do in this situation? Is it outrageous to expect them to redo it? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Featured Answer

juudean

11 years ago

Our tile was to be pretty tight as well, with 1/3 pattern. We like the way it turned out.

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Comments (10)

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JudyG Designs
11 years ago
If you gave specific instructions, then it should be redone.

I must comment, though, I like the way it is more than your inspiration picture which I find somewhat busy with the grout lines so obvious.
Lynda
11 years ago
I like it better the way it is done - makes it look more like real wood. It will also be easier to keep clean with less grout. However, if you don't like it, and if it's not the way you requested, I think you should have them redo it.
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Daren Johnson
11 years ago
If you're unhappy make them rip it out! I a contractor myself and this is why I rarely work with a big crew. I myself would go with an 1/8 gout and 1/3 1/3 1/3 alternating so it's not such a staggered obvious grout line. Anything smaller than and 1/8 would require unsanded grout and it isn't as durable at sanded. If you don't like it now it will always bother you. They should have done it right the first time.
sandradclark
11 years ago
Is that a rectified tile? It is intended to be laid with the tightest grout line possible. That is the beauty of this tile. In any case if it was not installed to your instructions, your contractor needs to make it right. You must have him come to your house along with the installer & straighten this out per your instructions. The sooner the better.
kittnkaboodle
11 years ago
The pic with no grout looks like someone just set tiles on your floor and never finished them.
juudean
11 years ago
PS you'll note that the pattern is a hodge-podge. We decided not to obsess.
Collin Docter
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you to everyone who responded. All the feedback was very helpful, appreciate it!
sally1360
11 years ago
I can't tell the length of your tile but I believe anything 24" or longer needs to be offset by 1/3. The tiles often are not completely flat and if they're offset by 1/2, it causes lippage. Have them taken out and reinstalled properly. I also would want them to pay more attention to the color variance so that the tiles blend better. Good luck!
Depo
11 years ago
Your tile is beautiful and I think you will grow to appreciate the 1/16" grout lines. As to the offset of 1/2 as opposed to 1/3, what are the manufacturer's recommendations? As someone else mentioned, lippage is a problem if not laid properly. Skim over the tiles with socks on and see if you feel any high spots. If so, make them re-do it.