What type of tile spacers do I need?

Taking British Standards into consideration (as well as common practice) it is recommended that wall spacers are 2-3mm (with 2mm covering the majority of requirements) and floor spacers 3-5mm.

What kind of tile spacers should I use?

Choose Tile Spacers According to Size

Typically, grout lines on a tiled wall, backsplash, or shower stall should be thinner, from 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch, while grout lines for floor tiles and other horizontal surfaces should be a bit wider, from about 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch.

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.

Do I want sanded or unsanded grout?

Sanded grout is best for grout lines ranging from 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch. Grout lines wider than 1/2-inch are impractical and will crack and become unstable. Because unsanded grout can also be used for 1/8-inch lines, between the two it is recommended that you use sanded grout.

When should you not use sanded grout?

Sanded Grout Should Never Be Used For Joints Smaller Than 1/8 Of An Inch. If you try to use sanded grout for a tiling project using joints that are smaller than 1/8 of an inch, you're going to have some serious problems. It's a bad idea to use sanded grout for precision joints that are smaller than 1/8 of an inch.

Tips for Selecting Tile Spacers

What is unsanded grout used for?

Non-Sanded Grout: This type of grout is used for joints that are less than 1/8 inch. Used for any width bigger that 1/8 the grout will slump, crack, or not fill properly. Non-sanded grout is smooth textured grout that will not scratch tile.

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 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.

What is standard tile spacing?

Common practice is 2-3mm for wall tiles and 3-5mm for floor tiles. The key difference in tile type, in relation to grout lines, is whether you tile is rectified or not.

What size spacers do I need?

The size spacer you need will be equal to the thickness of the washers used. If a spacer greater than 5mm is needed, you may need to also purchase extended lug studs or purchase wheel spacers with studs.

Should tile spacers be left in?

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.

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.

Does tile spacing matter?

Spacing Between Tiles

No matter which type of tile you choose, it's essential to ensure that the tiles are laid evenly in a straight line with uniform spacing between them. To this effect, the importance of spacing cannot be stressed enough because it has a direct bearing on the final outcome.

What size tile spacers for floor tiles?

Regardless of the type or style of tile (porcelain, ceramic or stone) a minimum of 3mm tile spacers should be used for floor tiles. Depending on the tile, the spacer required can go as high as 10mm. Most commonly a 5mm spacer is used, especially if you're using indoor to outdoor tiles.

Can I lay 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.

Which direction should 12x24 tile be laid?

Choose the Tile Direction Well

Its direction is similar to a brick wall, where the longer side is across the surface. This creates a more pleasant layout and makes the room look wider. For a much smaller space, such as the bathroom, it's best to lay down the tiles the long way, where the longer side is set vertically.

How thick should tile grout be?

The consistency of grout should resemble smooth peanut butter. It should be malleable but not dripping from the trowel when lifted. If the mix is too stiff or dry powder is visible, add more water.

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).

Does sanded grout scratch tile?

While the coarseness of sanded grout may make it a bit more challenging to clean, the sand itself shouldn't scratch most types of ceramic or glass tiles. However, if you have tile with a high-gloss finish, you should spot-test a small amount of the dry grout on a loose tile prior to grouting and installing it.

Which grout to use in shower?

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.

What grout is best for showers?

Acrylic Grout: Acrylic grout is a great option for wet areas like decks and showers. It's intended to be mildew-resistant and retains its color well. Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is less do-it-yourself-friendly than other types. It's a common choice for countertops due to its hardness.

Should there be a gap between tile and wall?

Use caulk to fill a gap between tile and wall. In fact, where a tile floor meets a wall, there should be a 1/8 inch (6 mm) gap between the tile and the wall. This helps account for heat expansion and your house settling. If your tile is flush against the wall, a settling house can crack tiles or grout.