OK, anything is possible, but he'd really have to try hard to set them with lippage if the surface is flat. Maybe they are cheap tiles that are warped? Setting in a brick pattern will highlight warpage in the tiles. I'm assuming he is a real tile setter.......licensed and all. Or. maybe a handyman?

So, doing it yourself this time?

Jaz

Sounds like your better off replacing the CBU,s and starting over, if after the cure time the thinset stayed on the backer then chances are the wrong thinset was used, I can only assume that your tile was a proclain, need to used the appropriate thinset, versibond or equal, If you are installing the tile yourself make sure that you wet the cbu,s if you go with the hardie board. If you use durarock or wonder bouard your good to go, also average thinset pot life is 2 hrs.

it sounds to me like some of the thin set was skinned over by the time the tiles went on. A typical problem with sloppy installers.

Sorry for the absence guys. hard earned vacation was due!!

Don't think its porcelain tile, just glazed ceramic. Home Depot stuff, box says United States Ceramic Tile Co.

Thinset is versibond. All applied on Durock board.

After further asking, I find that the installer is actually a licensed journeyman carpenter, who "also does tile". Like I said before, he was recommended by a family member.

As far as the existing CBU, it no longer exists! Tore everything down to the studs again...gonna give it another go next week.

I have an inlaw who does tile for a living (mostly malls and restaurants) He offered to take a look, and after a lot of sighing and head shaking...well like I said , everything is gone and I'm gonna give it another go!! He offer to have a couple guys from his crew set the stuff for me when I'm ready.
Thanks for all the replies. and I'll report when finished..

Bob