Uneven Subway Tile: Is It a High-End Trend or a Huge Mistake?
You see pictures of stunning kitchens and bathrooms featuring subway tile with a wavy, textured surface. It catches the light perfectly, adding character and a custom feel. But then you look at your own project, and the unevenness just looks… wrong. You start to second-guess everything.
Is that uneven subway tile a sophisticated design choice or a clear sign of a botched installation? The answer is critical, as it determines whether you have a chic backsplash or a costly tear-out on your hands. Understanding the difference is the key to getting the look you want without the DIY nightmare.
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The Allure of Imperfection: Why Uneven Subway Tile is a Top Trend
The trend towards perfectly imperfect surfaces has taken the design world by storm. Homeowners are moving away from flat, mass-produced finishes and embracing textures that tell a story. This is where intentionally uneven, or “undulated,” subway tile shines. These tiles have a gently wavy surface that mimics the look of classic handmade ceramics.
Artisanal tiles, like Moroccan zellige, are crafted by hand, so no two are exactly alike. This results in subtle variations in color, texture, and shape. This “flawed” character is precisely what makes them so desirable; the uneven surfaces reflect light in dynamic ways, making a space feel brighter and more alive.
Distinguishing Design from Disaster
So how do you tell a trendy, wavy tile from a terrible installation? Intentionally uneven tiles have a smooth, undulating surface across the face of each tile, but the edges should still be relatively consistent. The goal is a textured look, not sloppy or random placement.
In contrast, a bad installation, known as “lippage,” is when the edge of one tile sits higher or lower than the adjacent one. This creates sharp, uneven edges that look unprofessional and are difficult to clean. If you run your hand across the surface and feel sharp lips between tiles, you’re likely dealing with lippage, not a design feature.
The DIY Nightmare: When Uneven Means a Botched Installation
Tile lippage is one of the most common and frustrating outcomes of a poorly executed tile job. It happens when tiles are not set on a flat plane, causing some edges to stick up. The causes are almost always preventable and often stem from a few critical mistakes.
The number one cause of lippage is an uneven substrate. If the wall or floor you’re tiling over has bumps, dips, or is not perfectly flat, the tiles will mirror those imperfections. Other common causes include using the wrong size trowel, mixing mortar inconsistently, or simply not pressing each tile firmly and evenly into place.
How to Achieve the Perfect “Imperfect” Look
If you love the character-rich look of wavy subway tile, achieving it successfully is all about careful selection and installation. Even though the goal is an “imperfect” aesthetic, the underlying work must be precise. This prevents the intentional waviness from turning into unintentional lippage.
Choosing the Right Wavy Tile
When shopping for undulated or zellige-style tile, pay close attention to the degree of variation. Some have a very subtle wave, while others are more dramatic. Keep in mind that a more textured surface can be slightly more challenging to clean. Also, consider the glaze—a glossy finish will highlight the waviness more than a matte one.
Installation Secrets for Textured Tile
Even with wavy tiles, the goal is for the edges to meet as flush as possible. Using a tile leveling system—a set of clips and wedges—is non-negotiable. These systems lock adjacent tiles into the same plane while the mortar cures, drastically reducing the risk of lippage. It’s the single best way to ensure a professional, flat finish, even for a DIYer.
Proper mortar coverage is also essential. Apply thin-set with a notched trowel, ensuring the ridges are all combed in the same direction. When you press the tile in, this allows air to escape and the mortar to collapse evenly, creating a solid bond with no hollow spots.
Preventing and Fixing Unintentional Lippage
Preventing lippage is far easier than fixing it. The success of your tile project is determined before the first tile is ever set. Meticulous preparation is the key to a flawless finish that lasts.
The #1 Cause of Tile Lippage and How to Prevent It
Your substrate must be flat. This cannot be overstated. Before you mix your mortar, check the wall or floor with a long level or straightedge. Mark any high spots to be sanded down and any low spots to be filled with a patching compound. A perfectly flat surface is the foundation of a lippage-free installation.
If you’re installing a backsplash, ensuring a clean and smooth transition to other materials is also important. For instance, a well-executed tile to shiplap transition relies on both surfaces being perfectly flush to avoid an awkward seam.
Essential Tools for a Level Finish
Beyond a flat substrate, the right tools make all the difference. As mentioned, a tile leveling system is your best defense against lippage. These inexpensive clips and wedges are worth their weight in gold for the professional results they produce. They are especially critical when working with larger tiles or complex patterns where lippage is more common, such as in certain herringbone tile problems.
| Characteristic | Intentional Uneven Tile (Wavy/Zellige) | Unintentional Lippage (Installation Error) |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Unevenness | The tile face is intentionally undulated or curved. | Adjacent tile edges are at different heights. |
| Overall Look | Organic, light-reflecting, artisanal, and textured. | Sloppy, unprofessional, and creates harsh shadows. |
| Feel to the Touch | A smooth, rolling surface across each tile. | Sharp, abrupt edges between tiles. |
| Grout Lines | Can be slightly irregular but follow the tile shape. | Grout lines are uneven and highlight height differences. |
| Solution | Install on a flat surface using a leveling system. | Prevention is key; fixing requires removing and resetting tiles. |
Grout’s Role with Uneven Surfaces
Grout can either be your best friend or your worst enemy when dealing with uneven tiles. The right grout color and application technique can help disguise minor imperfections, while the wrong choice can put every flaw on full display.
For handmade or wavy tiles, a grout color that closely matches the tile will create a more monolithic, blended look that softens the irregularities. A contrasting grout color, on the other hand, will outline each tile and make every slight variation in spacing and height much more obvious. For a seamless look, some even explore groutless options, though a dry stack tile approach requires perfectly manufactured tiles.
Grout Line Size Strategy
With intentionally uneven tiles, slightly wider grout lines (e.g., 1/8″) are often more forgiving than very narrow ones. The extra space helps accommodate the natural variations in the tile edges. For a beginner, using a bright white grout with white tile is a great way to hide minor imperfections and achieve a clean, cohesive look.
Is Uneven Subway Tile Right for Your Home?
Ultimately, the choice between a perfectly flat subway tile and a textured, wavy one comes down to personal style. The undulated look offers a unique, high-end feel that adds warmth and character to a space. It’s perfect for those who appreciate artisanal craftsmanship and want their tile to be a focal point.
However, if you’re a perfectionist who prefers clean lines and absolute uniformity, traditional, flat subway tile is a safer choice. By understanding the critical difference between intentional texture and unintentional lippage, you can confidently choose and install the right subway tile to create a beautiful, professional-quality finish in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes uneven subway tile?
Uneven subway tile can result from a variety of factors, including an improperly prepared or uneven wall surface. Inconsistent mortar application or a lack of planning the layout can also lead to an irregular finish. Sometimes, the tiles themselves are designed to be slightly irregular to achieve a handmade look.
Is uneven subway tile considered a bad installation?
It depends on the type of tile and the degree of unevenness. Some tiles, like handmade or zellige styles, are intentionally irregular, and a wavy surface is part of their charm. However, excessive height differences between tiles, known as lippage, can be a sign of poor workmanship or an uneven substrate.
Are wavy or irregular subway tiles a style?
Yes, tiles with a deliberately uneven surface, often called “undulated” tiles, are a popular design trend. This style mimics the look of handcrafted tiles, creating a unique installation where the surface reflects light in interesting ways. This look adds character and an organic texture to spaces like backsplashes and shower walls.
How can you fix minorly uneven subway tiles?
For slight unevenness, sometimes called lippage, there are a couple of potential fixes that don’t require removing the tile. One option is to carefully grind down the higher tile edge to make it more level with the surrounding tiles. Another method is to use extra grout to create a subtle ramp between the uneven edges, which can help conceal the difference.
What is tile “lippage”?
Lippage refers to the difference in height between the edges of adjacent tiles. When one tile edge is noticeably higher or lower than its neighbor, it creates an uneven surface. While a very small amount of lippage might be acceptable, industry standards often specify a maximum allowable amount, such as 1/32 of an inch for wall tiles.
How can you prevent an uneven subway tile installation?
The best way to avoid an uneven finish is to ensure the wall surface is perfectly flat and properly prepared before tiling begins. Careful planning of the tile layout and the consistent use of tile spacers are crucial for achieving straight grout lines. Communicating with your installer about acceptable levels of unevenness, or lippage, before the job starts is also recommended.
Final Words
Uneven subway tile, often referred to as Zellige or “handcrafted-look” tile, is a high-end trend that celebrates “perfect imperfection.” Designers favor its organic texture and the way its undulating surface catches light, adding warmth and soul to modern spaces that can otherwise feel sterile. It’s an intentional choice for a bespoke, artisanal aesthetic that standard, machine-made tiles simply can’t replicate.
However, it can become a “huge mistake” if expectations aren’t managed. The uneven edges and varying thicknesses (known as lippage) make installation difficult and can lead to snagged sponges during cleaning. If you prefer a sleek, clinical finish or a DIY-friendly project, this style may frustrate you. Success hinges on hiring a specialist who understands how to blend the variations into a cohesive, intentional masterpiece.
