A crooked tile backsplash can be an eyesore in your kitchen. While minor imperfections may not be noticeable, significant crookedness can detract from the look of your backsplash and kitchen. Thankfully, there are several methods you can use to fix a crooked tile backsplash, both for minor adjustments and more substantial realignment. With some time and effort, you can level and realign your backsplash tiles to look neat and straight.

Supplies Needed

Before starting any work to fix a crooked tile backsplash, gather the necessary supplies. Having these tools on hand will make the process smoother.

You will need:

Grout removal tool – A grout saw or oscillating multi-tool with grout removal blade
Hammer and chisel – For removing mortar
Tiling spacers – To realign tiles
Tile adhesive – To re-apply tiles
Grout – To fill gaps
Grout sealer – To seal grout lines
Shim material – Small plastic or wood shims
Painter’s tape – To hold tiles in place

Make sure to use safety gear like glasses and gloves during the process. Now let’s look at how to fix mild and severe tile crookedness.

Fixing Minor Crookedness

If your tiles are only slightly crooked, there are a couple easy ways to fix them:

Adjust with Shims

You can use small shims to nudge misaligned tiles into a straighter position.

Get shim material – plastic or wood shims that are thinner than your grout lines work best. Cut shims so they are narrower than the grout joints.
Loosen tiles – Use a grout saw or multi-tool to clear out grout on sides where the tile needs to move.
Insert shims – Slide shims into grout lines behind the raised edges of crooked tiles. Tap them gently with a hammer if needed.
Straighten tiles – The shims will push against the tile edges, allowing you to adjust them into alignment.
Re-grout – Once the tiles are straight, remove the shims and re-grout the gaps. Allow to dry completely.

Shimming can slightly adjust tiles that are just barely out of line, often without having to fully remove and reset them.

Re-Grout Off-Center Grout Lines

If the grout lines between tiles are uneven, you can fix this by re-grouting.

Remove old grout – Use a grout removal tool to clear out the existing grout line entirely.
Tape tiles – Tape off edges of tiles on each side of the gap using painter’s tape.
Apply new grout – Re-grout the gap, making sure the grout lines are straight and even. Tool the new grout to shape.
Remove tape – Carefully remove tape before grout fully dries.
Seal grout – Once dry, seal the new grout lines with grout sealer.

This can adjust tiles that are aligned but have uneven grout that makes them look crooked.

Fixing Severe Tile Crookedness

For tiles that are very noticeably out of alignment, more extensive work is required:

Resetting the Crooked Tiles

To properly straighten badly misaligned tiles, you will need to remove and reset them:

Take out grout – Cut out existing grout with a grout saw and clear it out completely from around crooked tiles.
Remove mortar – Use a hammer and chisel to chip away mortar from under the tiles that need realigning.
Reset tiles – As you remove each tile, use tiling spacers and a level to correctly reposition it. Use tile adhesive to re-affix in the proper alignment.
Re-grout – Once adjusted tiles are set, re-grout the seams. Let cure completely.
Seal grout – Apply grout sealer once fully dry.

Though more labor intensive, this provides a permanent solution for severely out of line tiles.

Removing and Replacing Tiles

For extremely misaligned tiles or damage during removal, it may be better to fully replace them:

Remove old tiles – Pry up and take out the crooked tiles along with old grout and adhesive.
Prepare area – Make sure the surface is clean and ready for new tiles.
Set new tiles – Lay new tiles with spacers in the proper position and alignment.
Grout and seal – After tile adhesive cures, grout the new tiles and seal.

If the crooked tiles are cracked or chip during removal, replacement is likely easier than salvaging and relaying.

Tips for Preventing Crooked Tiles

Replacing or realigning tiles is tedious work, so preventing crooked tiles in the first place is ideal:

Use tile spacers – Spacers keep tiles evenly aligned as they are set.
Check edges often – As you lay tiles, continually verify the edges are staying straight.
Start in center – Working outward from the middle helps keep everything aligned.
Use leveling clips – These hold tiles flat and even with the surface.
Align to baseline – Run a level baseline to align the bottom edges of tiles.
Use proper adhesive – A quality tile mortar will hold tiles firmly in place.
Avoid sliding tiles – Dropping tiles into place helps prevent sliding and shifting.
Allow to fully cure – Don’t grout or disturb tiles until adhesive has completely dried.
Check lippage – Any raised edges between tiles can be ground down.

Careful installation is the best way to prevent a crooked tile backsplash. But if you do end up with alignment issues, these fixing techniques can help get your tiles looking straight again.

FAQs About Fixing Crooked Tile Backsplash

What’s the easiest way to fix a slightly crooked tile backsplash?

For minor tile alignment issues, shimming tiles or regrouting uneven grout lines are good and easy methods. Shims can nudge tiles into better positioning, while regrouting creates evenly spaced grout that makes tiles look straighter.

Can I just re-grout to fix crooked tiles?

Re-grouting alone will not work if tiles are visibly out of alignment. It can only adjust tiles which are positioned correctly but have uneven grout that makes them look off. Any tiles shifted noticeably out of line need to be removed and reset.

Do I have to take out all the tiles to fix a crooked backsplash?

You only need to remove tiles that are noticeably crooked and need realignment. Use a grout saw to clear grout just around these problem tiles before prying them off. Adjacent tiles that are still in good alignment can be left in place.

What’s the best adhesive to use when replacing crooked tiles?

Use a quality thinset mortar adhesive to re-set any tiles you remove. Make sure it is designed for the tile material you are using. Latex or polymer modified thinset provides a strong bond.

Should I use tile spacers when fixing crooked tiles?

Yes, tile spacers are essential to help realign and position the tiles properly. Place spacers as you set new or reset tiles to ensure even spacing and straight grout lines.

How do I keep a tile backsplash from getting crooked again?

Use tile spacers, work methodically from the center outward, allow tile mortar to fully cure before grouting, and start tiles on a level line to help prevent crookedness. Setting tiles in a thin layer of adhesive is also recommended.

Why did my tile backsplash end up uneven?

The most common causes are not using spacers during installation, not allowing the tile mortar to fully cure before grouting, inadequate adhesive, improperly prepared wall surface, and failing to check alignment as tiles were being set.

Can any contractor fix a crooked tile backsplash?

Look for an experienced tile setter or contractor familiar with realigning tiles. They will know all the proper techniques to remove, reset, replace, re-grout, and seal tiles for an even backsplash.

Fixing a crooked tile backsplash takes patience and care, but is very doable. With the right approach and methods, you can realign the tiles and restore the look of your backsplash. Paying close attention to tile alignment during the original installation is also key to prevent crookedness.

Conclusion

A crooked tile backsplash is a common but frustrating issue. Thankfully, there are several effective techniques to straighten backsplash tiles, from minor shimming adjustments to fully resetting or replacing severely misaligned tiles. With the right tools and focus on proper tile alignment, you can remedy a crooked backsplash and end up with a beautifully straight and professional result. Paying attention to tile spacing, using levels, and allowing proper cure time during the initial installation will also help prevent uneven tiles. Take care when fixing crooked backsplash tiles, work slowly and methodically, and you can restore the look and function of this important kitchen feature.

How to Fix Crooked Tile Backsplash