Buzz
Tile, whether on walls or floors, is known for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and effortless cleaning and upkeep. However, installation can be tricky, as any DIY enthusiast soon discovers. While the task appears simple, it demands precision, and even small mistakes can turn into noticeable flaws if not handled correctly.
A common issue is tile lippage, which occurs when neighboring tiles are uneven, with one slightly raised, forming a visible and tactile edge. This can result from poor installation, warped tiles, or an uneven base. According to industry standards, acceptable lippage for tiles with grout lines up to 1/4-inch wide is 1/32-inch, and for wider grout lines, it’s 1/16-inch. (For reference, a credit card is about 1/32-inch thick.)
If your floor or wall tiles are already installed and grouted, and you notice lippage, but removing and replacing them isn’t feasible, what can you do? You’re left with only two practical solutions.
Start by taking measurements
Prior to any action, assess the lippage. As mentioned, a certain degree of lippage is typical (and often unavoidable), but the lighting in the area can highlight it, making it appear more severe. A simple method is to glide a credit card across the floor or wall. Encountering a hard stop indicates a lip exceeding 1/32-inch (for larger grout lines, use two stacked credit cards to check for 1/16-inch lippage).
Should the lippage surpass these thresholds, document each occurrence. If the entire floor is affected, removal might be the best option. For isolated spots, a fix could be feasible.
Alternative 1: Smooth it out
For minimal lippage impacting only a few tiles, consider grinding the edge to level it—or at least make it seem level—using a hand sander or angle grinder (or, as a last resort, low-grit sandpaper). Selecting the appropriate sanding pad for your tile type is crucial, and proceed with caution. This approach is unsuitable for significant lippage but may allow for the careful sanding of a few edges, followed by polishing and sealing the area.
Alternative 2: Use grout
If sanding tiles isn’t your preference, another approach is to address the issue by building a grout “ramp.” This method requires precision, as the ramp should blend seamlessly—and it’s only effective for slight lippage. With 1/8-inch lippage, a grout-based fix will stand out noticeably.
For small lippage, begin by filling the grout line as usual, then apply additional grout along the lipped tile, leveling it to the top of the lip. During cleanup, use a sponge to gently shape the grout, creating a smooth transition from the lower to the higher tile. Proceed carefully—once the grout hardens, adjustments will require removal and reapplication. Done correctly, the lippage will be visually masked, and the gradual grout slope will prevent tripping hazards.
