Is this install ok?

[HW2023]

My contractor is installing beveled subway tiles in herringbone pattern. Is this an ok installation? I feel like the grout lines are very inconsistent. Will the grout fix it? The tile has built-in spacers. Also what is acceptable lippage? Some corners protrude but it’s hard to see in the photos. Is this installation ok? What is the best way to install this with uniformed grout lines and no lippage? Thank you.

[HW2023]

More photos

[jerrymlr1]

No it's not ok. Any other pictures of larger areas? Light grout can help hide a little poor workmanship but keywords here are "a little"

[HW2023]

Thank you so much for your response.

No more pictures as this is the only area that was installed. If we rip the tile out, can we preserve the waterproofing? It’s Kerdi board underneath.

[cx]

For tiles that size and grout joints that width, the acceptable lippage would be 1/32nd of an inch in addition to the inherent warpage of a tile manufactured in accordance with ANSI A137.1. Very difficult to measure with that type tile even if it does meet the A137.1 standard, Poly.

[Kman]

Originally Posted by Poly

If we rip the tile out, can we preserve the waterproofing? It’s Kerdi board underneath.

Hard to say until you start removing it. Maybe if you're lucky he did a crappy job of setting it.

One thing's for sure, if you do decide to remove it, best to remove it sooner than later. The longer it sets, the stronger the bond.

[HW2023]

I removed the tiles approximately 4 hours after they were installed. This is how it looks now, I’m not sure how to remove the waterproofing now. Also, the niche looks a little questionable. I’m thinking about removing the Kerdi board on that entire wall and reading everything, including the niche. Any suggestions?

[HW2023]

Forgot to attach the photo

[HW2023]

Does anyone know what is that white stuff all over Kerdi? I only saw thinset applied over Kerdi bands, but not this white stuff.

[cx]

Thinset mortar comes in white as well as gray, Poly. Some of us nearly always use white, regardless the actual need.

[Kman]

What is it about the niche appears questionable to you?

[HW2023]

Too many seams? The seams appear to be raised due to build up. It’s very noticeable and to touch. Is it possible to lay the tile without lippage when there is so much built up?

[Kman]

Not completely unheard of, but excessive bumps in the wall can be a problem. Is the niche custom built from Kerdi board?

Is the bottom sloped to shed water back into the shower?

[HW2023]

No, the bottom is not sloped. The niche was glued from Kerdi 3 premade shower niches.

[ss3964spd]

The bottom of the niche is supposed to be sloped towards the drain.

Given the wall tile being used I'd guess that same tile won't be used for the bottom of the niche. What's the plan there, a solid surface of some sort? If so, you can install the bottom of the niche with a slope. Not ideal, of course. If those same just-removed wall tiles are to be used on the back of the niche I'd want those installed after the top, sides, and bottom of the niche are installed.