Sometimes the help that tile installers seek may be closer than they realize. Numerous tile manufacturers place installation tips and techniques on the cardboard box, many of which are based on the industry standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and industry recognized best practices. These instructions can be found on tile packaging: “Tile should be checked before laying. Claims cannot be accepted after installation. Mix tiles from different boxes and rotate them for a more natural and non-repetitive look.”
These statements provide a common-sense approach to eliminate tile shading issues. Blend tiles from four or five boxes to evenly distribute the shading for a pleasing look.