Help, herringbone wrong way!!!

10 years ago

Our tile guy put in the herringbone the wrong way. Should we have him break it out and replace? Of course we don't have the money for this kind of mistake but I don't know if I can live with it like that. There will be white subway on top and a light gray grout but....help we need to decide by tonight!

Featured Answer

12karatisa

10 years ago

I have learned (several times) the hard way. Stay home and supervise workmen in your home.

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Comments (24)

sandradclark
10 years ago
By wrong way, do you mean he did it sideways instead of up & down? Have him change it.
jbtanyderi
10 years ago
He MUST change it.
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nhbaskets
10 years ago
If you specified the direction, it's a redo on his dime.
Judy Mishkin
10 years ago
did you specify which way? then he needs to change it.

i actually don't think it looks bad.
User
10 years ago
"Of course you don't have the money for this kind of mistake", sure hope you haven't paid him yet. He needs to order more and redo. He might damage the subway tile, so make sure he buys extra of that too.
Judy Mishkin
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
looking at it more, i actually like it more this way than up and down. then it would just be busy...this way has zippy movement. one of the reasons i don't like herringbone as backsplashes is its always too few repeats going up and down.
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
10 years ago
If you specified direction (written or in a drawing with signatures at the bottom) then the redo is on his dime and on his time. If you can't remember if there was a direction or not, then you would be hard pressed to get him to redo it without having to pay him (and purchase more tile) again. The best you could hope for is a bit of give on his labor rate. The tile may have to be purchased again if you can't salvage it.
Emily H
10 years ago
I really like the way it looks. However if you told him to put it the other way he is the one who should pay to have it redone.
User
10 years ago
I also like the way it's going but if you don't like it have it redone
User
10 years ago
Looking at it more, the zig zag would drive me nuts. If you specified herringbone, he will need to retile.
PRO
Pamela Carter
10 years ago
Did you specify which way you wanted the pattern to go? I hope so--

Regardless I would definitely have your tiler correct it, it will drive you crazy over time.
Jessica
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks everyone, I'm so torn! He's been doing us a lot of favors so we would buy the tile and he prob wouldn't charge us more in labor. I hate to waste as I've been trying to design on a dime for the whole house - but I def had the vision of it going horizontally. Ughhh!!
Jessica
Original Author
10 years ago
I didn't really specify, I did hold it up when we were talking but I didn't make it clear. I guess I assumed
Jessica
Original Author
10 years ago
That's what I'm thinking, the zig zag is not soothing, the other way is. I feel like it will eat at me if I don't change it lol. I wish I didn't care!!!! I feel a little bratty but I'm a graphic designer and am very visual.
User
10 years ago
No, any professional tile installer would have a detailed diagram of the whole layout. You don't need to purchase the tile, he does. Don't let him get away wth this. Herringbone does not look like that.
Bruce Crawford
10 years ago
He's obviously never worked w/ herringbone. I have herringbone clothes & K bksplsh & have never seen it run this direction. He should correct at no cost to you. Your only costs should be limited to stress endured & schedule time lost.
Jessica
Original Author
10 years ago
ok we are going to change it to be the way we want it...It's just from Lowes and will be about $175 for the new tile. thank you for all of your input! better get to bed as I have to wake at 5 to run around before work, lol
User
10 years ago
Glad it worked out for you. Make sure he doesn't damage the subway tile and be home to oversee the job!
helaurin93
10 years ago
Can you update and show a photo of the work redone with the herringbone in the direction you wanted (assuming it was fixed by now). I'm debating putting a herringbone pattern wall tile on one wall in the bathroom :)
Jessica
Original Author
10 years ago
sure, I will snap a pic when I get home @helaurin93
Jessica
Original Author
10 years ago
@helaurin93 not the best tile job but that's what we got, still happy with it overall and will order a glass door soon.
tandem42
9 years ago
I love it. Now that it's been a year, I bet you often think that was the best $175 you ever spent!
Elaine Gauthier Art
9 years ago
Much better!!