Loose Shower Tiles: It Is Worse Than You Think
August 8, 2025
After tiling hundreds of bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas across New Zealand, we have seen the best and the worst of tile work.
Some mistakes are purely visual and affect the overall look of the space. Others are functional problems that can cause serious damage and cost thousands to fix.
We group these mistakes into two main categories: Aesthetic Issues and Functional Issues.
Aesthetic Issues
These problems may not stop your tiles from working, but they make the whole job look sloppy and unfinished.
1. Incorrect or Inconsistent Spacing
Uneven grout lines are one of the most obvious signs of a poor tiling job. This usually happens when spacers are not used correctly or tiles are not aligned with care.
2. Messy Trim Finishes
Trims around edges, corners and transitions should be clean and consistent. Poorly cut trims, visible gaps or mismatched finishes instantly cheapen the look of the space.
3. Poor Tile Layout Planning
We often see layouts where small slivers of tile end up in corners or edges because no planning was done before starting. A well-planned layout makes a huge difference to the final appearance.
4. Uneven Grout Colour or Finish
Grout that dries in different shades or is not applied evenly can make even expensive tiles look bad. This is often due to inconsistent mixing or poor application technique.
5. Mismatched or Inappropriate Tile Choice
Using tiles with different thicknesses, patterns that do not line up, or finishes that do not suit the space can ruin the overall design.
Functional Issues
These mistakes can lead to leaks, damage or complete tile failure. They often go unnoticed at first but become bigger problems over time.
6. Lippage
This is when one tile edge sits higher than the one next to it. It creates an uneven surface, can be a trip hazard, and is especially noticeable in certain lighting.
7. Improper Fall Gradients
In wet areas, floors must have the correct slope for water to drain away. If the gradient is wrong, water pools and eventually causes leaks, mould and damage.
8. Skipping or Incorrect Waterproofing
Waterproofing is essential in bathrooms, showers and balconies. Without it, water will seep through to the substrate and cause rot, mould and structural issues.
9. Using the Wrong Adhesive or Technique
Not all adhesives suit all tile types or conditions. Using the wrong glue, not enough coverage, or skipping backbuttering can cause tiles to loosen and lift.
10. Rushing the Priming, Adhesion and Setting Sequence
Skipping surface priming, ignoring curing times, or rushing the installation weakens the whole system. These shortcuts are a major reason for early tile failure.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
Great tiling work is about more than just sticking tiles to a wall or floor. It requires planning, the right materials, proven techniques and an understanding of New Zealand building code requirements.
At Ray Tiling we combine precision workmanship with industry best practices to make sure your tiles look great and perform for years to come. We also provide PS3 waterproofing statements when required.
If you are planning a tiling project or suspect your current tiles were not installed correctly, get in touch with us today to discuss your options.
