Installing tile can transform the look and feel of a space. However, nothing detracts from the beauty of a new tile installation faster than uneven grout lines and tile lips. When tiles aren’t perfectly level, the installation looks sloppy and unprofessional. Fortunately, with careful planning and preparation, you can achieve flawlessly even tile, regardless of the tile type. Here’s how to match tile heights for a top-quality tile installation.

Select the Right Tile

Choosing the right tile format sets you up for success from the start. Opt for tile sizes and shapes that make it easier to achieve level tiles across the installation.

Avoid Thin Tiles

Thin tile formats like mosaics present more opportunities for unevenness. The tiny tiles have little surface area contacting the substrate, making them prone to lippage (height variation between adjacent tiles). For beginners, moderate and large-format tiles are easier to install flat.

Pick Rectified or Calibrated Tile

Rectified and calibrated tile has been precision cut for consistent sizes. The tight size tolerance between tiles means you can achieve tighter, cleaner grout lines. Dimensionally consistent tile also lowers the risk of lippage.

Stay Away from Natural Stone

Natural stone tile tends to have higher variations in thickness that result in lippage. The characteristics that give stone its beauty—veining, fossils, flaws—also cause each piece to be slightly unique. For a beginner installer, ceramic and porcelain provide more dimensionally consistent options.

Match Tile Format Across the Installation

Mixing tile types, shapes, and sizes in one installation adds needless complexity. Choose one uniform tile for each section to keep the substrate work easier. For example, use 12” x 24” rectified porcelain floor throughout the space rather than mixing mosaics, hexes, and larger tiles.

Prepare the Work Area

Preparing the room and establishing an efficient workflow sets you up for an organized installation.

Protect Surrounding Surfaces

Cover nearby countertops, walls, floors, and other finished surfaces with rosin paper, plastic sheeting, or cardboard. Use painter’s tape for drop cloths and dust barriers.

Arrange Tools and Materials

Set up your tools, materials, tile, mixing area, and work stations in the room. Keep everything conveniently located to improve productivity. Group items by task.

Check Room Conditions

Crack windows and doors to keep the room ventilated during the work. Ensure adequate lighting for visibility—use temporary lighting if natural light is insufficient. Maintain a comfortable room temperature between 60-80°F.

Establish Your Process

Map out each step of the installation. Determine the tile layout, sequence of tasks, pattern direction, and workflow between tasks.

Prepare the Substrate

Any imperfections or movement in the substrate will transfer through to the tile. Taking time to properly prepare the surface prevents lippage issues down the road.

Ensure the Substrate is Clean

Thoroughly clean the floor or wall surface. Remove existing flooring if required. Eliminate contaminants like oil, wax, soap, grease, and any loose material.

Check for Surface Defects

Look for cracks, holes, rough areas, or anything that will interfere with a flat tile installation. Fill divots with floor leveling compound. Cut out humps or bulges.

Verify a Smooth, Flat Substrate

Use a straightedge or level to identify any low or high spots. Mark problem areas and grind or fill as needed to achieve a flat surface.

Solidify the Substrate

Reinforce any unstable, flexing, or potentially moving areas. Apply a primer-sealer to porous concrete before setting tile.

Use Appropriate Backer Board

On walls, install appropriate cement, fiber-cement, or fiberglass backer board. Fasten securely to studs. Tape and ‘mud’ joints.

Choose Your Setting Materials

Mortars, thinset, and grouts create the layers beneath and between your tiles. Selecting quality materials designed for your substrate and tile type contribute to a stable, level installation.

Select a Latex-Portland Cement Mortar

Use a dry-set (thinset) mortar compliant with ANSI A118.4 standards. Latex-modified thinsets provide flexibility and better adhesion.

Pick Unsanded Grout for Thin Joints

For grout joints 1/8” and smaller, choose an unsanded grout. The fine texture fills narrow joints without scratching tile.

Verify Products Work Together

Consult manufacturer guidelines to ensure compatibility between thinset, tile, grout, and substrate. Using incompatible materials could jeopardize adhesion.

Mix Materials Correctly

Closely follow packaging instructions for proper mixing and water ratios. Let mortar slake for 10 minutes after initial mixing. Remix before use for a creamy, toothpaste-like consistency.

Work in Small Batches

Mix only as much thinset as you can use within its open working time. Discard any stiff, hardened mortar—don’t add water and attempt to retemper.

Plan Your Tile Layout

A well-designed tile layout establishes a consistent pattern and minimizes small border cuts. Measure twice, calculate meticulously, and draw out your tile plan before spreading any thinset.

Map Out the Pattern Direction

Determine which way the tile pattern should run. Avoid awkward corner placements by setting your central guiding lines accordingly.

Determine Grout Joint Size

Choose a grout joint width appropriate for the tile type and size. Include space for grout joints in calculations.

Calculate Amount of Tile Needed

Measure the total area to be tiled. Plan tile layout to determine full pieces needed. Add 5-10% extra for cuts and waste.

Mark Your Starting Point

Snap perpendicular level lines through the center of the installation area. Use cross-marks to establish your middle starting point.

Dry Lay Border Tiles

Dry fit border tiles before installing. Adjust layout lines to avoid slivers or uneven border tiles.

Apply Thinset and Set Your Tiles

With substrate prepped and layout planned, it’s time to spread thinset and set tile. Maintain an even, consistent application of thinset for success.

Apply Thinset with Appropriate Trowel

Match trowel notch size to tile. Use enough thinset to achieve minimum 80% mortar contact after setting tile. Discard worn trowels.

Set Tiles in Thinset Bed

Apply a workable area of thinset and immediately place tiles while mortar is tacky. Use even pressure to fully tamp and embed tiles.

Check Height As You Go

Use tile spacers to maintain even grout joint width. As you place tiles adjacent to one another, verify they are perfectly flush with no lippage.

Follow Your Tile Layout

Stay organized and avoid losing your pattern. Set corner tiles, borders, focal points, then fill in with field tile as marked.

Mix Tiles from All Boxes

Shuffle planks or tiles between boxes to evenly distribute color variation in the pattern.

Achieve Flat Tile Levels

Careful tile setting alone may not prevent all lippage. Be prepared to use these tricks for adjusting tiles that wind up slightly too high or low.

Adjust Within Thinset Bed Timeframe

While thinset is still workable, you can raise or lower tiles with careful pressure. Remove and reset if needed during this time.

Spot-Shim Low Tiles

For minor low spots once thinset has cured, slide plastic tile shims or slivers cut from spare tiles underneath as permanent spacers.

Sand or Rub Down High Tiles

Use an electric sander or rubbing stone to carefully sand protruding tiles flush with surrounding tiles.

Employ Lippage Control Systems

Systems like Tuscan Leveling Caps allow raising or leveling of tile corners during and after install. Some systems can adjust height by up to 1/8”.

Finish With Proper Grout and Sealing

Joint grouting and sealing help complete the installation and prevent ongoing issues. Ensure your final steps are done correctly.

Follow Grout Cure Times

Most grouts cannot be wet-cleaned or sealed until fully cured. Check manufacturer guidelines for wait times to prevent grout softening or color change.

Clean Grout Haze

Use a damp sponge per package directions once grout has set. Avoid excessive wiping or moisture to prevent pulling color from joints.

Caulk Joints As Needed

Replace grout with flexible sealant where tile meets other materials or change planes. Caulk corner joints in moisture-prone areas.

Seal Grout and Tile Surface

Apply grout sealer to inhibit staining from dirt and moisture. Use appropriate tile sealer for added protection on porous stone. Allow full cures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matching Tile Heights

Having the right information helps ensure success on your tile installation project. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about achieving even tile.

How Much Lippage is Acceptable?

Industry standards allow up to 1/32” height variation between adjacent installed tiles. Visible differences draw the eye. Aim for less than 1/64” lippage across your installation.

What Causes Uneven Tile Heights?

Insufficient mortar thickness, substrate flaws, and natural tile variations can all contribute to lippage. Poor lippage control during setting also leads to uneven tiles.

Should I Use Tile Leveling Systems?

Tile leveling systems provide active, ongoing control to align and level tiles. This investment adds cost but helps ensure professional results for DIY installers.

How Do I Prevent Grout From Cracking?

Cracking occurs when grout cannot resist shrinking as it cures. Ensure proper joint width for the tile format. Follow manufacturer mix instructions. Avoid excess water.

Can I Fix Unevenness in the Substrate with Thinset?

Thinset cannot compensate for major substrate flaws. It should only fill minor dips and smooth slight variations. The subsurface itself must be made level first.

How Long Should Tile Last Before Replacing?

With proper installation and care, tile should last 50+ years. Cracked, lifting, or worn tile likely indicates issues with original installation, substrate, or excessive wear.

Achieve Flawless Tile Installations

A perfectly flat tile installation starts with careful planning and preparation. Select the easiest to work with tile format for your skill level. Ensure the subsurface is truly flat across the entire area. Use quality setting materials suited for the project. Compute precise tile layout to minimize cuts and waste. Maintain focus on proper leveling and alignment during setting. Be prepared to make slight adjustments. Allow all materials to fully cure before grouting and sealing. With attention to detail throughout the process, you can execute an expert tile installation with tight joints and stunningly even tiles.

Conclusion

Paying attention to each step of the installation process is crucial for getting perfectly matched tile heights. From selecting the right tile and substrate prep to careful setting practices and proper finishing, every factor contributes to professional-looking results. While it takes time and diligence, correctly leveled tiles are well worth the effort for a beautiful finished space. With the guidelines provided here, you can feel confident tackling your own tile installation project and ending up with flawlessly even floors or walls.