Tile discoloration…whose fault?

3 years ago

Hi! I’d love to see if anyone can shed some light on an issue I’m having with newly installed tile. It has significantly discolored … like stained. Won’t wash off. It’s only in the tiles that get wet. The top tiles (shown here) are unaffected. They do not change when dry.

Could this be a defect in the tile or the grout? Or the install? We did have it professionally installed.

The same tile guys are doing two more bathrooms in my house so if an installer issue I’d really like to know. Of course they’re saying it must be the tile.

The tile is from Floor and Decor. It’s by Canvas and called Meringue II Matte.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks so much!

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Comments (10)

millworkman
3 years ago
What did he apply the tile to the wall with for thinset? What is the waterproofing system behind the tile?
ci_lantro
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Submerge a few loose leftover tiles in water for a few hours and see if that replicates what is happening with the tile in the shower. The pattern of the discoloration on several of the tiles (around the margins) looks like they are absorbing water. Soaking a few tiles will either confirm or disprove.
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Katie Covington
Original Author
3 years ago
I believe Durabase WP. I’d have to ask about the thinset. Do you think these would cause it?
PRO
Quicklok Cabinets
3 years ago
Floor and Decor is all you had to say. 2nds and 3rds, with a bunch of mixed dye lots. Your tile pro should have much better trade sources.
J Mig
3 years ago
The question that occurred to me to ask, was whether this tile was marked as being able to be used in a shower/tub situation. I have two tubs and showers that have floor and decor tile, and I have not had this kind of discoloration at all. I also used Mapei grout and thinset and sealed my tiles well.
Katie Covington
Original Author
3 years ago
It did say it was suitable for showers.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
3 years ago
"Floor and Decor is all you had to say. 2nds and 3rds, with a bunch of mixed dye lots."

Here we go with the "If it's big box it's bad' myth. No one has ever shown a bit of evidence that the products sold at the big boxes are inferior.
PRO
Lomo
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Whrn they take back the culls on a job and put them right back on the shelf, you bet it is inferior. This is why pro wholesaler sources do not take returns. They don’t want a couple of boxes of this dye lot, and that dye lot, and a box of wavy mis stamped patterns, in the middle of their stock. Not to mention that most do not buy stock from the lowest bid slave labor state owned factories. Thinking of F&D for that one. If they source foreign production, they own the factories and hire the labor. Thinking of Emser on that one. Or, they produce 90% of their product right here, in the US. Thinking of Daltile on that one.
Katie Covington
Original Author
3 years ago
Ok so faulty tile?? (Of note I submerged tile in water overnight and zero discoloration).
millworkman
3 years ago
" Ok so faulty tile?? "

Maybe, maybe not. That's why I asked the earlier questions as SOMETHING is holding water.