How big should grout lines be for 12x12 tile?

The manufacture specifies 3/16 of an inch for grout spacing. The tiles are not exact in size. They can be off as much as 3/32 of an inch. If I go smaller than 3/16 of an inch on my grout spacing would this cause the grout to crack.

How big should tile grout lines be?

As a general rule, floor tiles should have grout lines of 1/8 inch or larger, depending on the type and size of tile. Special types, such as slate or quarry tiles, often do not have edges uniform enough to work with tight spacing. These tiles usually are spaced with grout lines 3/16 inch or wider.

How wide should grout lines be?

Actual finished grout spaces will vary from 1/8" to 1/4" if 3/16" spacers are used. If smaller spacers like 1/8" are used, it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile. Finished grout lines will vary from 1/16" to 3/16".

What size notched trowel for 12x12 tile?

What size trowel for 12×12 wall tile? A ¼ inch x ⅜ inch square notch trowel works well for most 12 x 12 tiles (30cm x 30cm).

What is the minimum grout line?

Smallest size grout lines should not be less than 1/16″. This is an acceptable space that can be properly grouted. When the space between tiles is so little like 1/32″ which is often referred to as “credit card lines” or “penny lines”, it's not possible to fill that space all the way through the bottom of the tile.

Grout lines explained, width selection . How to decide what your tile spacing should be.

What size tile spacers should I use?

The general rule is to use tile spacers of 2 - 3mm for a ceramic wall tile installation and tile spacers of 5mm for a ceramic floor tile installation, but there are numerous factors that can influence the size of the tile spacers you use. Porcelain, granite and marble tiles are generally installed with a 3mm spacer.

How thick should thinset be under tile?

Plan for a layer of thinset 3/16-inch to 1/8-inch thick beneath your tile. A 3/16-inch layer of thinset will be enough for tiles with a smooth back to bond the tile to the floor or backer board. For natural tiles with an uneven surface on the back, you may need to spread a 1/8-inch layer of thinset during installation.

Can you use 12x12 tile on walls?

You can still put it on a wall. It will just be an extra durable wall. Just about any 12 x 12 inch tile is commonly referred to as a 'floor tile' simply because of the size without taking any of the above into consideration. This is simply another example of misinformed dealers, stores, and installers.

Do you put mortar on back of tile?

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For large format tile, glass tile, natural stone or any tile set on exterior surfaces, “back buttering” the tile is recommended. Use the flat side of the trowel to get an even coat of mortar filling all the spaces in the surface of the tile.

What is the thinnest grout line for tile?

First, the smallest grout lines, less than 1/8 inch, are ideal for rectified tiles. Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout. All other cuts of tile, from tumbled to chiseled to punched, contain slight variations in shape and size.

What is the smallest grout line for shower tile?

For instance, tiles up to 8-by-8 inches square — small-format tile — require grout lines that are 1/32 inch up to 1/8 inch. Regular-format tiles (up to 16-by-16 inches square) call for grout lines 1/8 inch wide for floors. Large-format tiles, 18-by-18 inches wide, require a smaller grout line (1/32 inch).

How deep should grout go between tiles?

Typically, we recommend grout joints being no less than a 1/8 of an inch however some precision cut tiles and stone can withstand a smaller grout joint. Grout joints also exist is to accommodate tiles that expand and contract during cooling and heating cycles.

How do I make my tile look seamless?

The very thin grout line makes for an almost-seamless look, especially if you choose a grout color that closely matches the color of your tile. It is for this seamless appeal that these tiles are a popular trend in many homes and offices.

Can I tile without grout lines?

Well, the short answer would be a simple no – you should not attempt to install tile without grout.

Can I use a 1/2 trowel on a 12x12 tile?

Keep in mind that floor tiles experience more traffic, so you can use the larger ½ X ½” trowel on most floor installations of 12×12 tile. For wall installations, use the smaller ¼ X ⅜” trowel size.

How much tile do I need for a 12x12 room?

Since a 12 by 12 ceramic tile is one square foot, the number of square feet equals the number of tiles you need to cover the floor space. However, you should allow for cutting tiles to fit or breakage, so add 20 percent to your measurement.

Can I use grout as thinset?

Can you use grout as Thinset? No- it's not advisable to use grout in place of thinset- as these two don't boast the same structural strength. As such, grout isn't able to effectively stick tiles to the concrete subfloor as well as thinset does.

How long do you have to work with thinset?

Let thinset set (or slake).

Once mixed, let the thinset slake (which is a fancy word for don't touch it) for 5-10 minutes.

Do you leave spacers in when tiling?

Tile spacers should be removed around 20-30 minutes after the adhesive begins to set on your tile floor. You don't want to remove them too soon, because this can cause your tiles to shift. And, conversely, you don't want to leave them in for too long, because this can lead to stuck spacers.

How long leave grout before wiping?

Let the grout set for 15 to 30 minutes, and wipe up the excess grout with a dense grout sponge soaked in water. (If you think it's going to take you longer than 30 minutes to grout all of the tiles and be ready to move onto cleanup, you may have to work in smaller sections.)

How much space should be between tile and shower base?

Leaving a 1/16″ gap between the tub and tile will prevent the tile from cracking when the tub expands. Plus, a 1/16″ gap allows the caulk to properly fill the space and waterproof the transition between the tile and tub or shower.