How can I cover gaps left by a poorly done tile job without using new tile and grout?
Asked by Madison Chu 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 3, 2024
Hey there, I could use some input. Dealing with a not-so-great contractor and now I’m left with a mess to clean up. The tile cuts are all wonky and he tried to cover it up with trim against the tub, which is neither aesthetically pleasing nor waterproof. So, we had to rip it all out. Any ideas on how to fill in this gap that don’t involve more tile and grout? Thanks for any advice you can offer!
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I tried using this product before and found it to be quite flimsy, it didn’t hold up well for me.
Wow, that sounds rough. Have you thought about using flexible shoe moulding as a possible solution?
I would definitely consider hiring a professional tile guy to remove, cut, and replace them properly.
Your best bet may be a wide, flexible rubber trim (a link has been provided) or getting a professional to replace a few tiles that were not cut accurately.
We tackled our shower tile project independently, so redoing those few tiles should not be too difficult.
You have the choice of purchasing the flexible molding for a cost-effective solution or enlisting help to fix the incorrectly cut pieces.
I’d suggest grouting it first and then applying a flexible molding.
Have you considered using a rubber trim that is wide enough to cover the area?
Kind of like this but a bit thicker if they have it.
A floor mat
If quarter round is present on the walls next to it, you can refer to this link: https://a.co/d/e5y5e86
Need to redo certain parts of the tile because it looks really bad
It really baffles me when contractors pull something like this and just walk away, as if it’s acceptable 😑
Hey , this guy really dropped the ball on several occasions. He came to work under the influence and even drank alcohol while on the job. It’s been challenging to keep an eye on him since we’ve been working abroad.
Caulk color matched to the tile after sanding
Simply remove the last row of tiles that are protruding, test the new ones before applying mortar, regrout, and seal with 100% silicone along the tub
If there’s any tile left, I would suggest redoing the damaged ones. Not sure why he didn’t do that 🙄
I wouldn’t give him any money, that’s terrible.
Oh my gosh, I apologize sincerely.
I understand you mentioned not including tile and grout, but simply redoing the ones by the tub shouldn’t be too difficult. That seems like the best choice. There isn’t a perfect way to conceal that.
Do you happen to have any extra tile? You could carefully chisel it out and cut pieces to match the shape. A nail set can help break it out.
That is simply not up to par.
Seriously, did you hire someone unreliable for this? 🤦🏼♂️
I can’t believe someone would consider this result acceptable. My husband (an electrician) and I (a nurse) renovated our entire home with great attention to detail. It’s important to always request before and after pictures from contractors.
How about cutting new tile and grouting it with black along the tub?
https://a.co/d/fiC5guO
Hey , I’ve given this a try in the past. It seems decent and will suffice for now. However, I wouldn’t suggest relying on it as a long-term fix.
If you have extra tiles, you could try cutting new ones to better fit the contour. It requires skill with a grinder. Perhaps your tile installer lacked the skill or was simply lazy.
I should request a refund and find a reliable professional for the job.
Perhaps consider re-trimming using PVC trim instead.
It seems like all they used was a scoring tile cutter. You’ll definitely need a diamond saw for this. You could try chipping them out and replacing them with new ones, but I’m guessing you don’t have a wet saw just lying around. You’ll also need thinset, grout, and some spare or matching tiles. Maybe the contractor has some leftover tiles you could use. I wouldn’t recommend paying them the full amount.
I’m not sure how to solve that problem, but I think using a darker grout would help. White grout gets dirty so fast.
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Oh, ! That could possibly do a good job of concealing the imperfections.
I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I’d probably end up tearing it all out along with the contractor’s paycheck. The tiles aren’t lined up properly, there’s thin-set in the joints, and the grout is overworked. The only solution is to start from scratch. You can’t patch up a poorly done job.
I’m with on this one, I agree.
Oh wow, what was the price tag on this project? It looks like this person is not experienced with tiling at all.
Wow, this is really annoying.
You can cover up the issue with some type of flexible molding in a cost-effective way. If fixing it yourself isn’t an option, consider cutting out the tiles and replacing them. You’ll need a grinder to cut tiles, but it’s not as difficult as it seems.
If you have a large gap in your tiles, consider using black grout to blend it in. You could also try filling cracks with small pieces of another tile or using flexible trim for a waterproofing solution. Another option is a flexible threshold. Feel free to DM me for advice if needed.
This is the project I have been working on.
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It’s a common saying that you get what you pay for. Opting for the lowest bid usually means compromising on quality.
Before hiring someone to square a room, make sure you ask them about their experience. If they can’t answer, it’s best not to hire them. Secondly, check out their tools – if they look brand new or like $100 specials, it might be a sign that they’re not experienced enough. Also, be sure to verify their references properly. Ask for before, mid, and after pictures to track progress. ‘t fall for wannabe contractors who give the real ones a bad name. Another red flag is reluctance to get permits.
Is there any tile leftover? I can carefully remove the incorrectly cut or short pieces and install new ones.
Hey, do you happen to have extra tile available? If you do, could you remove the damaged ones and cut some to size?
“Semi-transparent white” silicone. Matches the tub’s white color. I can’t determine the distance, but if the gap is 1/8 inch or smaller, it should work. If not, you may need to replace 2 tiles. Take a few pieces from underneath your vanity or toilet and switch them. The other gaps can be filled in with “semi-transparent white” silicone.
Hey , the gap is at least one inch in the main areas according to the height of the tub.
Oh, nevermind then!
Make sure to give a shoutout to the professional who completed this fantastic job! Haha
Dark caulk
Thick sealant line