What steps would you take to relevel a row of tiles if the first row is not perfectly level after setting?

• A. Remove all tiles and redo the entire area from scratch.
• B. Carefully lift the misaligned tile or adjacent tiles, clean substrate, reapply mortar, re-seat with level alignment, and re-check neighboring tiles for level and lippage.
• C. Add more mortar under the first row without lifting any tiles.
• D. Only adjust the first tile with a wedge and hope others align.

Answer: (B)

When a tile row isn’t perfectly level after setting, the right move is to correct the specific tiles rather than tearing out the whole area. Start by carefully lifting the misaligned tile—or the tiles that share the same plane—with the proper tools, so you don’t disturb neighboring tiles. Clean the substrate thoroughly to remove old mortar, dust, and debris, giving a clean surface for bonding. Apply fresh mortar to the substrate (or back of the tile) in an even bed, combing it to ensure good contact and to avoid voids. Re-seat the tile, using a level to bring the row to true level and to minimize lippage against adjacent tiles; tap gently to settle it and achieve full bedding. Re-check the neighboring tiles to confirm the row is flat and on the same plane, adjusting as needed until the surface is level across the row. Once satisfied, let the mortar cure and proceed with grout, knowing the fix created a solid bond and a uniform surface.