Bad tiling job - what to do

[Dwillie123]

I've just had a new kitchen installed and the company has done a great job on everything except the tiling. There are multiple areas of fault including ; unfinished edges under cabinets, chipped/badly cut tiles, inconsistent grout gaps and bad trim edges.
I chose white metro tiles and black grout and appreciate that this could have made the job harder plus a portion of my window area isn't the flushest of walls but I still feel that the tiling is not acceptable. I'm on good terms with the guys and would hope I can either get them to fix it or if not I'm happy to get a tiler in.
My main question is will there be a lot of damage if I get someone to basicly take the tiles off and start again. Personally I think this would be the best way to deal with it and I'd be much happier doing that and am prepared for that but I obviously don't want to ruin my nice new kitchen.
Any thoughts/advice desperately needed??

 

[John Benton]

Pictures would definitely help to evaluate the quality of the tile installation if possible

 

[Qwerty]

A common problem we are seeing time and time again.

Do you have any photos of it please?

Do you know what adhesive and grout was used?

Are the walls stud or solid?

 

[One Day]

any photos?!

it shouldn't be too hard to remove and re-do, without damaging the kitchen.
I probably speak for most though when i say that i would politely decline black grout with metros.
uneven tiles like metros will create uneven joints, and the huge contrast with black grout makes it even worse.
Not to mention the staining on any unglazed edges...

 

[Dwillie123]

It's at my new property which I haven't moved into so I can't get photos until tomorrow

Not sure think the grout was standard topps tiles in black and again unsure on the adhesive sorry again can check it all tomorrow.

Walls are plasterboard dot and dabbed, which were plaster skimmed before kitchen install

 

[Dwillie123]

Ok I'm open to compromise/change but I like the look of the black grout with white tile. If I redid it with a flush white tile would that be any easier or should I just stear clear of black grout all together

 

[One Day]

Ok I'm open to compromise/change but I like the look of the black grout with white tile. If I redid it with a flush white tile would that be any easier or should I just stear clear of black grout all together

if you want really crisp lines as you should, your tiler needs rectified tiles, not pressed ones with rounded, uneven edges like metros.
It is of course possible to make a nice job using metros and black grout, but requires HUGE effort and time. Both of which cost money better, and easier spent on better tiles in my opinion.

 

[One Day]

I'm kind of defending the tiler here, but I appreciate he's likely done an appalling job!

 

[Dwillie123]

if you want really crisp lines as you should, your tiler needs rectified tiles, not pressed ones with rounded, uneven edges like metros.
It is of course possible to make a nice job using metros and black grout, but requires HUGE effort and time. Both of which cost money better, and easier spent on better tiles in my opinion.

So if I went for something simple i.e a plain white rectangular tile that would be easier for the tiler to get my desired finish?

 

[One Day]

So if I went for something simple i.e a plain white rectangular tile that would be easier for the tiler to get my desired finish?

definitely. go for something with clean sharp edges and try to get a 'rectified' tile. that means they will be consistently sized.

 

[Tommythetiler80]

Morning, I do hope you get your problem resolved in a satisfactory manor. Being a tiler myself I can definitely say that when a customer says that they'd like to have black grout it can just challenge even the most patient of tradesmen, not to mention it can wreck your tools , buckets and sponges! And even surrounding areas so great care must be taken to avoid unnecessary staining from the black pigment in the grout.

 

[Martyn Leeds]

Think we need pictures before making the black grout the main issue.

Walls were new dot & dabbed plasterboard, so I'd assume a good enough flat surface was there to start with..

 

[Dwillie123]

 

[Dwillie123]

These are some of the pics hope this helps

 

[Time's Ran Out]

From your first post I get the impression the tiling was done by the kitchen company and NOT a tiler (as you suggested getting a Tiler in to rectify).
Your photos indeed confirm this as that is totally unacceptable workmanship.
No one with pride would leave such a mess both in the standard of tiling and the 'clean up' or not as in this case.
It will most likely be tubbed adhesive and so all off and start again with the kitchen company providing all costs would be my recommendation.
Stand by for the onslaught!

 

[Dwillie123]

Well yes the kitchen company said what they could provide but I was never aware of a subcontracted tiler being used so yes not a pro tiler.
Yes it was evostick rubbed adhesive they left it behind. That was my thought is that achievable without causing too much damage to the walls or units? Yes I'm sure they won't be too pleased however we've begun to discuss a discount which may just be the tiling costs removed.
Any idea how much s full removal and retile would cost it's about 3m2? I'm
In the south east as well

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Prices are not normally discussed in open forum, but you really need not just the tiling costs removed but also the costs associated with the removal of all tiles and repair of walls, cleaning of units and window upvc.
Have a look on this forum 'tilers in your area' to get an indication of costs for 3sq mts of metro tiling.
Don't be concerned about upsetting this kitchen company - this is bad work and you need total removal and reinstatement for the next tiler at their expense as well as compensation for the upheaval.
Make a stand!

 

[Qwerty]

Well yes the kitchen company said what they could provide but I was never aware of a subcontracted tiler being used so yes not a pro tiler.
Yes it was evostick rubbed adhesive they left it behind. That was my thought is that achievable without causing too much damage to the walls or units? Yes I'm sure they won't be too pleased however we've begun to discuss a discount which may just be the tiling costs removed.
Any idea how much s full removal and retile would cost it's about 3m2? I'm
In the south east as well

We don't allow discussion of prices in the open forums I'm afraid.

Feel free to post a new work request in our 'looking for a tiler' section and I'm sure one of our members could quote you.

 

[Qwerty]

John just beat me to it! Mine was the shorter better version though! 😀😛

 

[Italy]

I saw the photos....
I think I have increased the row behind me ....
I'm sorry...

 

[One Day]

These are some of the pics hope this helps

Oh dear oh dear oh dear!
Now that really is very bad.

 

[Dwillie123]

Oh ok did not know that thanks. il have a look into that. I also have a local tiler coming round Monday to look at it and give me some advice.

Thanks for the help I don't think I'm being unreasonable I just think I've got a nice new kitchen and the tiles really let it down but I've just got to be strong and astert myself on them.

 

[Andy Allen]

And be prepared to pay a premium for black grout or maybe compromise and use a different colour.

 

[Dwillie123]

Yes no I am beginning to see the difficulties of my choice and I wish the "tiler" had said he wasn't confident in doing it rather than doing it anyway. I have already begun thinking about using flat rectangular tiles and a different grout.
Is it best to stick with white or are there others that look good but without the difficulties of black.

I've also learnt the biggest lesson is to stick with singular tradesmen who are pros rather than those who try and do it all. Jack of all trades and all that

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I don't think that we are saying you should stick to separate trades. We have many excellent multi traders on the forum and it's more a question of doing your homework prior to accepting a quote and being confident of the outcome. In your case now the manner in which your kitchen company resolve this issue will be paramount in how you will enjoy your new kitchen.
Everyone thinks they can tile, but as it's a finishing trade it's really important to have a skill/experience in that trade to get the required result.
On the subject of tile and grout it's your personal choice and done correctly it will look ok. Ok as it's a popular choice at this time but could date or age as 'in vogue' changes. These tiles do look better perhaps with a mid/dark grey - personal opinion.
Keep us in the loop regarding progress.

 

[Martyn Leeds]

Any shade of grey will look miles better than black, imo.

It shouldn't be too much hassle to remove them and re-tile (with new tiles).

So get your new tiler's quote and hopefully deduct that from the amount owed to the kitchen company..

 

[Flintstone]

That is absolutely disgusting work!!
Black grout and metros is possible to get a reasonable finish without too much trouble but better with dark grey imo, but I think we're jumping the gun a bit as the grouting is the least of the problems here

 

[bsc ceramics]

just so so bad. its hard to believe someone would think that is acceptable way to leave
a customer's house. it makes me so mad sometimes the fella would actually want paying for that. be strong and make em pay. good luck

 

[Dwillie123]

Just had a proper tiler round and he echoed your comments and was just in disbelief really. Couldn't work it out or believe that someone would do that and call that a good job. Basically he said get the kitchen guys to take them off and make good the wall. Then he can come in a do a proper job

 

[Time's Ran Out]

He must have read my post😉

 

[mr white]

If someones cutting corners on tiling what else would they cut corners on? Things that don't get seen normally... I would double check your plumbing/electrics before just recovering your tile costs......And while the tiles are off they could set the sockets at a more uniformed distance from work top, it sticks out more because of the tiles. Hope you get it sorted.