What size tile spacers for shower walls?

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.

What size tile spacers for a shower?

Shower tiles should have a 1/8″ joint between their edge and backer boards or adjacent tiles. For example, if tile is being set on the main shower wall, then leave a 1/8″ expansion joint between the tile edge and adjacent backer board.

How wide should grout lines be in shower?

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). In general, don't create grout lines larger than 3/16 inch, though slate and quarry tiles can work with as much as a 1/4-inch grout line.

What is the standard gap between tiles?

Common practice is 2-3mm for wall tiles and 3-5mm for floor tiles.

What size spacers should I use for 12x24 tiles?

Installing 12×24 Tile: Grouting

We used 1/4 inch spacers to achieve the perfect grout lines that you see here and I would definitely recommend using them, even if you think you're pretty comfortable with tiling.

Tips for Selecting Tile Spacers

How do I know what size tile spacer to use?

If you want a standard look, tile installers recommend grout lines of 1/16 inch for walls and 1/8 inch for floors. For regular-format tiles, between 12 by 12 and 16 by 16 inches, you can stay with those measurements or go up to 3/16, depending on the tile and the look you want.

What is the best size grout line?

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.

What is the smallest grout line for tile?

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.

How wide should tile 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".

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.

What grout is best for shower walls?

Epoxy grout is a better choice for showers, kitchen, bathrooms, and other damp areas because it is stain resistant and requires no sealing, unlike cement-based grout.

Do I have to use spacers when tiling?

If you don't use tile spacers, you risk having your tiles end up crooked. Tile spacers, because they nestle into the corner of each tile, allow for a completely straight, even finish.

Should you use sanded or unsanded grout in a shower?

While you can use either sanded grout or unsanded grout for vertical tile such as bathroom or shower walls, unsanded grout provides a better working material. It sticks better to vertical surfaces with less of the slump associated with sanded grout.

How much space do you need between porcelain tiles?

Porcelain has a very close dimensional tolerance and very clean cut edges. This allows you to achieve a very high quality “architectural” finish. Therefore, only a minimal 2mm grout line/gap is required.

How much space should be between tile and wall?

The Tile Council of North America recommends at least a quarter-inch gap between the tile floor and the walls. Never fill this gap with grout, because tile grout is not flexible. Instead, fill it with an elastic material capable of sustaining the movement of the floor and the movement of the wall.

What is thinnest grout line?

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.

Should grout lines be flush with tile?

After the grout has been “cut off” the face, the next step is sponging the surface and tooling the joint. Tiles with a square edge need to have the grout finished flush with the tiled surface. Tiles with a cushion or radius edge should have the grout finished to the bottom of the cushion or radius.

Can I tile without grout lines?

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

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 many spacers do I need?

After your first tile is laid, put a spacer on each corner of the tile (ensuring they are flush). Note: When using floor tiles it is also recommended to use two "square" spacers per side (in addition to the plus spacers on each corner). This provides additional accuracy along the length of the tile.

Can you use large tiles in a shower?

You absolutely can use large tiles in your new shower! Communication with your tradespeople and planning in the early stages of your project is essential to achieving this seamless finish, that will add that designer look to your bathroom.

How many leveling spacers do I need?

After spreading your tile adhesive, insert leveling spacer underneath the tiles along the 4 sides, use traditional spacers as you normally would to square up the corners. For larger tiles, it may be necessary to “double up”, using 2 leveling spacers for each side.

How many tile spacers do I need calculator?