Laying tiles with small gaps also prevents problems in case of mechanical damage to one of them. If the tiles were indeed laid out without joints, it would not have been possible to safely remove one of them. 1.5 to 2-millimetre gaps are enough for safely replacing a tile without damaging the other ones.

Also Does porcelain tile have grout?

One of the most popular materials for tiles is ceramic, but tiles can be made of different materials, including porcelain. … Any of these types of grout could be used for porcelain grout, so let’s take a look at the properties of each grout.

Subsequently, What is the smallest grout line possible? 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.

How much space should be between tiles? 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. A rectified tile is one which is cut or manufactured to a precise measured size.

How close can you put tile together?

The Marble Institute of America recommends at least a 1/8″ wide grout joint, but states it should never be any less than 1/16″ wide. They also state that the tolerance or variation in grout joint width should not be more than +/- 25% of the width of the joint.

What is the smallest grout line for porcelain tile?

Grout lines need to be at least 1/16” for the grout to even fit, and often larger than that depending on a variety of other factors. For some grouts, like sanded cement grout, 1/8” is the minimum line size.

How narrow can 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″. Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time.

What is the smallest tile spacers?


TAVY 100-Pack 1/32-in Plastic Tile Spacer

  • 1 of the world’s smallest tile spacer.
  • 2-sided design allows for perfect placement in tile intersections and between tiles.
  • Ideal for setting marble, granite and other natural stone.

Can I use 2mm spacers for floor tiles?

It is not recommended to go below 2mm for wall tiles and 3mm for floor tiles due to the requirement of stress relief. … Using a chalk line or laser level when laying tiles and spacers can help maintain a straight line across a floor for even greater precision.

Can you use 1mm tile spacers?

Tile spacers are small, plastic objects that are usually built in either β€œT” or a cross shape. They come in quite a few sizes, ranging from 1mm to 10mm. … To use them, you place spacers at each corner of your tiles as you’re laying them down, and you push the tiles together until the spacer is contacting each corner.

Does tile spacing matter?

When laying wall or floor tiles, it’s important to leave the right amount of space around each tile. … For smaller tiles is advisable to use small spacers. As the tiles increase in size a larger gap becomes acceptable. The large format 18 inch tiles should have ΒΌ inch space in between.

How much space do you need between porcelain tiles?

Because porcelain tile has low water absorption, the Tile Council of North America recommends using bonding materials specifically for porcelain. Due to this low water absorption we do go as low as 1/32β€³ for porcelain tile grout joints. That said, it’s important to know the minimum recommendation is typically 1/16β€³.

How small can grout lines be?

Let’s talk about grout size options

Finished grout lines will vary from 1/16″ to 3/16″. Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time.

What is the thinnest grout line possible?

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.

Can grout lines be too thin?

Grout lines on walls usually do not exceed 1/16 inch because the tiles need to be stacked to help support them during installation.

How do you grout tight spaces?


10 steps for grouting narrow grout lines

  1. Mix the grout. Pour unsanded tile grout into a bucket and mix it with water, carefully following the instructions on the package. …
  2. Let the grout rest. …
  3. Scoop. …
  4. Spread. …
  5. Force the grout into the grout lines. …
  6. Scrape off excess. …
  7. Apply more grout. …
  8. Let the grout rest.

Should grout lines be even?

As mentioned above, grout is one of the most important aspects of any tiling job. … The tiles aren’t as big a determinant as the grout lines are when it comes to improving the overall appeal of your room, so it stands to reason that your grout lines must be straight and even.

How do you fix grout lines that are too big?

Start by dampening any large clumps with clean water, then scrape up the excess grout with a wooden stick. Don’t use metal, as this can damage the grout you want to leave behind as well as the tile. Once you’ve removed the clumps, start in a small section, wet the grout again and scrub it with a scouring pad.

What is the smallest tile spacer?


TAVY 100-Pack 1/32-in Plastic Tile Spacer

  • 1 of the world’s smallest tile spacer.
  • 2-sided design allows for perfect placement in tile intersections and between tiles.
  • Ideal for setting marble, granite and other natural stone.

What can I use instead of tile spacers?

When laying tile, use pennies as spacers instead of store bought plastic ones. Pennies are easier to handle, more uniform and cheaper.

Do professional tilers use spacers?

Good setters don’t need spacers, they use them when it helps them. Wedges are the thing most of our setters use on walls and those U shaped things too.

Can you grout 1mm?

Ideally, your grout joints would be 1-3mm. Often we see 1mm grout joints between wall tiles and 3mm grout joints between floor tiles. Not only does it look better to have smaller joints, it also can minimise issues.

How do I know which tile spacer to use?

Spacers Size

For a standard look, you should have 1/8 inch grout lines for the floor and 1/16 inch for the walls. If you are using regular sized tiles from 16 by 16 inches to 12 by 12 inches, you can go up by 3/16 inches, depending on the overall look you want.