Who this guide is for
- Homeowners who can feel raised edges between floor tiles
- People preparing to brief a tiler about uneven tile edges
- Anyone treating proud tile edges as a trip or chipping hazard
- Owners wanting a clear record before a tiling assessment
What lippage feels and looks like
Run a foot or hand over the floor and note where one tile edge stands above the next. Lippage shows as a catchable step at the joint and can appear at one corner of a tile or along a whole edge.
Describe where you feel the step rather than deciding whether it is the screed, adhesive bed or tile size that caused it.
- A catchable step at a tile edge
- One corner standing proud
- Lippage along a run of joints
- Chipped edges where the step is worst
Mapping the affected joints
Mark on a sketch which tiles and joints show lippage, and whether it clusters in one area, follows a line, or is scattered. A pattern can point a tiler toward a substrate issue versus isolated setting.
Note proximity to doorways and traffic paths where a step is most hazardous.
Showing the size of the step
Place a coin, card or straightedge across the step and photograph it to communicate the height difference without quoting a number. Raking light from a low angle makes the lippage visible.
Note whether the step is consistent or varies across the floor.
Movement and history
Record whether the lippage was there from new or appeared later, and whether anything — a crack, a hollow sound, movement underfoot — accompanies it. Lippage that grows can suggest substrate movement.
Note whether tiles also sound hollow when tapped, as that is a related clue.
- Was it present from installation or later
- Any cracking or hollow sound nearby
- Movement felt underfoot
Briefing a tiler
Bring your sketch, the straightedge photos, and notes on movement before contacting a tiler.
Let them assess whether it is a setting issue, substrate movement, or something else; your record helps them judge scope.
Documentation checklist
- 1Note where you feel a raised step between tiles
- 2Mark the affected joints on a sketch
- 3Note whether lippage clusters, follows a line, or is scattered
- 4Use a coin or straightedge to show the step and photograph it
- 5Use raking light to make the lippage visible
- 6Record whether it was present from new or appeared later
- 7Note any cracking, hollow sound or movement nearby
- 8Flag steps near doorways and traffic paths
Common mistakes to avoid
- Grinding or lifting tiles before a tiler assesses the cause
- Photographing in flat light so the step doesn't show
- Treating a proud edge as cosmetic when it is a trip and chipping hazard
- Missing that lippage near a hollow tile may signal a substrate issue
- Assuming poor setting when substrate movement may be involved
When to involve a professional
- A tiler can assess whether lippage is a setting issue, substrate movement, or something else
- Proud tile edges are a trip and chipping hazard, so keep the area safe while you await assessment
- If tiles nearby sound hollow or are cracking, mention it, as the substrate may need checking
- What is involved varies by tile, substrate and installation, and a professional should confirm the cause
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
What is tile lippage exactly?
Lippage is the height difference between adjacent tiles, where one edge sits proud of the next. It creates a catchable step you can feel, which is both a trip and chipping hazard and a different problem from cracking.
How do I show a tiler how bad it is?
Place a coin or straightedge across the step and photograph it with raking light. That communicates the size of the height difference without you needing to quote a measurement, which helps a tiler judge it.
Can lippage be fixed without re-tiling?
Sometimes minor lippage can be eased and sometimes it points to a setting or substrate issue needing more work. Documenting the pattern and any movement lets a tiler advise; this guide does not prescribe a fix.
Why does lippage matter beyond looks?
Proud edges catch toes and chip under load, so they are a safety and durability issue, not just cosmetic. Flag steps near doorways and traffic paths and keep the area safe until a tiler can assess it.
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