Tile Regret Is More Common Than You Think
Tile is a long-term investment. Unlike paint, furniture, or décor, tile is not easy—or inexpensive—to replace. Yet many homeowners make tile decisions quickly, emotionally, or without understanding how those choices will perform over time.
The result?
- Tile that feels dated too quickly
- Floors that are hard to maintain
- Slippery surfaces
- Visual overload
- Costly rework
At Daltile Outlet, we regularly help customers who are trying to fix tile decisions rather than start fresh. Many of the tiles involved—both good and bad—were originally produced by major manufacturers such as Daltile. The difference wasn’t the product quality—it was the decision-making process.This guide walks through the most common tile buying mistakes, why they happen, and how to avoid them before regret sets in.
Mistake #1: Choosing Tile Based on Looks Alone
Tile looks very different:
- In a showroom
- Under bright lighting
- In small sample sizes
What looks stunning on a display board can feel overwhelming—or underwhelming—once installed across an entire room.
How to Avoid It
- Take samples home
- View tile in natural and artificial light
- Lay multiple tiles together to see repetition
- Step back and imagine the full space
Tile is not art on a wall—it’s a surface you live on every day.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the Space Where Tile Will Be Installed
Tile must match function, not just style.
Common Misapplications
- Wall tile used on floors
- Polished tile in wet bathrooms
- Smooth tile on outdoor patios
Each space has unique demands.
How to Avoid It
- Confirm tile is rated for the intended application
- Prioritize slip resistance in wet areas
- Choose durability for high-traffic zones
Performance always comes first.
Mistake #3: Going Too Trendy in Permanent Areas
Trends change quickly. Tile does not.
High-Risk Trend Choices
- Bold encaustic patterns everywhere
- Ultra-high contrast grout
- Highly specific color palettes
These choices often age faster than expected.
How to Avoid It
- Use trends as accents, not foundations
- Keep large surfaces neutral
- Let décor—not flooring—carry personality
Timeless tile rarely feels boring—it feels flexible.
Mistake #4: Underestimating Grout’s Impact
Grout is not invisible.
Common Grout Mistakes
- Choosing stark contrast unintentionally
- Selecting white grout in high-traffic areas
- Ignoring grout width consistency
Grout can either elevate or distract from tile.
How to Avoid It
- Test grout samples with tile
- Consider mid-tone grout for floors
- Match grout to tile for seamless looks
Grout should support the design—not steal attention.
Mistake #5: Buying the Exact Square Footage Needed
This is one of the most expensive mistakes.
Why It’s a Problem
- Tile cuts create waste
- Mistakes happen
- Repairs may be needed later
Outlet and discontinued tile may not be available again.
How to Avoid It
- Buy 10–15% extra minimum
- Buy 20%+ extra for complex layouts or discontinued tile
Extra tile is insurance—not waste.
Mistake #6: Not Considering Maintenance Requirements
All tile is durable—but not all tile is low maintenance.
Examples
- Marble stains and etches easily
- Natural stone requires sealing
- High-texture tile can trap dirt
Maintenance expectations should match lifestyle.
How to Avoid It
- Ask how tile should be cleaned
- Understand sealing requirements
- Be honest about upkeep habits
Low maintenance doesn’t mean low quality—it means smart choice.
Mistake #7: Choosing Tile That’s Too Small for the Space
Small tile can overwhelm large areas.
Common Issues
- Too many grout lines
- Visual clutter
- Difficult cleaning
Large spaces benefit from larger tile formats.
How to Avoid It
- Use large format tile in open areas
- Reserve small tile for accents and wet zones
- Balance scale with room size
Scale matters more than most buyers realize.
Mistake #8: Skipping Layout & Pattern Planning
The same tile can look completely different depending on layout.
Pattern Mistakes
- Slivers at walls
- Poor centering
- Overly complex layouts
These issues are visible forever once installed.
How to Avoid It
- Dry-lay tile before installing
- Center layouts in visible areas
- Keep patterns simple for large surfaces
Planning prevents regret.
Mistake #9: Overlooking Installation Quality
Even great tile fails with poor installation.
Warning Signs
- Uneven tile (lippage)
- Cracked grout
- Misaligned patterns
Buyers notice installation flaws immediately.
How to Avoid It
- Hire experienced installers for complex projects
- Use leveling systems for large tile
- Don’t rush curing time
Installation quality is part of the tile choice.
Mistake #10: Assuming Outlet Tile Is Lower Quality
This myth costs buyers money.
The Truth About Outlet Tile
- Same material quality as retail
- Often surplus or discontinued styles
- No performance difference
Outlet pricing reflects availability—not inferiority.
How to Avoid It
- Judge tile by specifications, not origin
- Focus on performance ratings
- Ask why tile is discounted
Smart buyers see outlet tile as an opportunity—not a compromise.
Mistake #11: Not Thinking Long-Term
Tile should still look good in:
- 5 years
- 10 years
- 20+ years
Short-term decisions often lead to long-term dissatisfaction.
How to Avoid It
- Ask: “Will I still like this later?”
- Consider resale impact
- Choose flexibility over boldness
Longevity is value.
Mistake #12: Not Asking Enough Questions
Tile buying is technical.
Smart Questions to Ask
- Is this tile suitable for my space?
- What maintenance does it require?
- How slippery is it when wet?
- What happens if I need more later?
Education is the best protection against regret.
Tile Buying Mistakes FAQs
Is regret more common with bold tile?
Yes—especially when trends fade.
Is natural stone a bad choice?
No—but it requires commitment to maintenance.
Can grout fix a bad tile choice?
Sometimes—but it can’t fix everything.
Is it better to play it safe with tile?
For large areas, yes. Personality can come later.
Does outlet tile increase risk?
No—lack of planning increases risk.
The Takeaway: Regret Is Preventable
Most tile regret doesn’t come from bad products—it comes from rushed decisions, missing information, or unrealistic expectations.
When buyers:
- Understand performance
- Match tile to space
- Plan layouts carefully
- Think long-term
Tile becomes one of the most satisfying investments in a home.