What is lippage in tile

A close-up of a metal straightedge placed across two light-colored ceramic floor tiles, highlighting a visible height difference or 'lippage' between them.
Photo: Sergei Starostin / Pexels
A detailed close-up shot of an uneven tile joint, showing a distinct vertical offset between the edges of two adjacent tiles, illustrating lippage.
Photo: Vladimir Srajber / Pexels

What is Lippage?

Lippage refers to the difference in height between the edges of adjacent tiles. It's a common concern in tile installations, and its acceptability is defined by industry standards.

According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard A108.02, Section 4.3.7, lippage is defined as 'differences in elevation between edges of adjacent tile modules.'

Factors Influencing Lippage Perception

The ANSI standard acknowledges that several factors can influence how noticeable lippage is. These include the inherent thickness variations and warpage of the tile modules themselves, as defined by manufacturing standards. The spacing between tiles can also play a role, creating either a gradual or abrupt change in elevation.

Furthermore, the way light hits the tiled surface, whether natural or artificial, can accentuate even minor variances. Highly reflective tile surfaces can also make otherwise acceptable variations appear more pronounced. It's also important to note that an uneven substrate beneath the tile can significantly contribute to lippage issues, especially when using the thinset installation method.

Understanding Acceptable Variations

While lippage is a recognized issue, there are allowable variations. These are influenced by the tile's manufacturing standards for thickness and warpage. The ANSI A137.1 standard, for example, defines the allowed warpage for tiles.

When planning your tile project, it's crucial to consider these factors. To help estimate the amount of tile you'll need, including potential waste due to cuts and planning for proper installation, utilize a free tile calculator.

Key takeaways

  • Lippage is the difference in height between adjacent tile edges.
  • ANSI standards define lippage and acknowledge factors like tile variation, lighting, and substrate unevenness that affect its perception.
  • Understanding these factors is key to achieving a quality tile installation.

Related tools

Estimate materials with our free tile calculator on Tile Calculator.

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