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Lippage is a condition in floor tiling where one edge of a tile is on a different plane to an adjacent tile. In plain terms this means that one tile is higher than another giving the finished surface an uneven appearance. When large tiles are used on surfaces with compound falls to a floor waste, lippage is inevitable.

The Australian Standard AS 3958.1 (Guide to the installation of Ceramic Tiles) states a maximum 2mm lippage between standard tiles.

A perception of lippage may not necessarily be due to poor workmanship. Sometimes highly reflective surfaces or the angle of natural or manufactured light accentuate otherwise acceptable work.

There may also be an amount of tile warpage which will influence the final outcome.

If you are unhappy with the tiling work that has been performed you should discuss the matter with your builder who has the ultimate responsibility for construction workmanship. If further assistance is required the Ceramic Tilers Association may be able to assist in resolving outstanding matters.

2 responses to “Tiles and Lippage”

  1. Nilesh Patel says:
    June 5, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    Hi
    i built the home with impressions home builders. the floor tile looks me uneven surfaces and has different sizes of gaps between two tiles all over the floor. the builder representative checked the floor with tiling tradesman who installed the tile. they informed me that it is within tolerances( lippage should not exceed 2 mm).
    According to me, i never have seen any houses where the floor is with uneven surfaces and different sizes gap.

    I would like to investigate further with tiling association about the work has been done properly or not. Could you please reply me with available options?

    Thanks
    Kind regards,
    Nilesh Patel