I call this project a "terror" b/c a simple job of installing backsplash tiles was a nauseating rollercoaster ride - even our previous job of a whole house renovation was a smoother ride than this simple 3 day job that turned into a 2 week job!

1. Always check the tile's quality by:
- manufacturing company & country (USA & Italy are usually the safer bet)
- even if a manufacturer uses stones from Italy, the production can still be poor quality
- do a quick quality check for cupping by placing a tile on a flat surface. If it's flat, then it's good. If it's somewhat bowed, then it's not good.

We always check the tile for cupping by holding two tiles face to face before installation.

(We usually go to our trusted vendor for our tiles and never had any problems with them. So we were unpleasantly surprised by the tile's poor quality.)

2. Always anticipate wait-time for "special order" tiles.

3. Always anticipate wait-time for last-minute delivery hiccups by the manufacturer/retail store.

4. Make sure a skilled tile installer install your tiles (communicate that with your prime contractor).