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Subway tile uneven sides

6 years ago

Contractor did a terrible job with the tile and is unwilling to fix the side because he said it 'looks' perfectly straight.. Would caulking the end straight down help? We went with a gray grout so I'm not sure if I should caulk the side white or gray?

Kitchen · More Info


Comments (14)

  • 6 years ago

    That's not going to help. Have you already paid this person for the whole job? If not I'd hold back until he is willing to fix this mess.

  • 6 years ago

    That's bad, it all needs to be redone. Take a level and put it next to it I bet it's not straight, even if it was perfectly straight that is not how you end backsplash (and I'm not a pro lol).

  • 6 years ago

    That looks terrible. He didn't even get the spacing correct. Yikes. I would not accept this at all.

  • 6 years ago

    The tiler should have started at that left end to avoid those tiny cut pieces in such a prominent place. And it IS NOT PERFECTLY STRAIGHT. It should be redone. I hope you didn’t pay in full. If so, you learned an expensive lesson. Where did you get this person?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    If you decide to re-do the tile, have the electric receptacle installed horizontally (not vertically the way it is now), so it fits better with the subway tile. The tile installer should have suggested that too, but it is clear he is inexperienced, so an inexperienced person would not have known that.

    Edited to add: Just noticed that the cut-out for the electric receptacle isn't right. How is the outlet supposed to be recessed into the backsplash with that cut-out.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Schluter edge should have been used.



  • PRO
    6 years ago

    SO sorry - this is not good. Yes there are some spacers in there but where they weren't used, the grout lines are crooked. And where is the electrical box? How did he plan on securing that outlet?

  • 6 years ago

    I think you could have the tiler cut it out down a straight edge and cover with schluter trim

  • 6 years ago

    Oh geez that’s not right. Of course he said its fine. Not

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Cmon, it’s their first time tiling.

    Kidding aside (not really) what was you plan for edging the tile? Schluter is great but goes in as the tile is being installed not after, they sell tiles with finished ends, cap tiles, pencil tiles. Lots of options but someone has to plan it.

    That outlet though!

  • 6 years ago

    I am terrible with straight and that doesn’t even look straight to me. :(

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Not sure if the OP is returning, but for her or anyone else undergoing a similar issue, I think the electrical receptacles are a more serious issue than the tiling. No electrician did that, that is certain. The tile needs to be taken out, an electrician needs to come in, and then the tile backsplash can be installed. This time by someone who is an actual tiler. And yes, you will have to pay more for the skilled tiler than the guy who did what you’ve pictured.

    Here are pics of what the receptacles are supposed to look like. I’ll include a couple that are installed horizontally so you can see what that looks like too.









  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Give the man a breathalyzer and a .........




    .bc if he's not seeing what we are all seeing then.....he needs to retire.