What Is the Right Grout Size & Other FAQs About Grout
Many homeowners consider grout color the primary factor when selecting grout. However, choosing the correct grout size for your tiling project is just as important. While many people do not like the look of grout, it serves a purpose in your tile’s look and function. When you familiarize yourself with this material, everything you learn will ensure you get better results with your tiling project.
How to Choose the Right Grout Size for Your Project
The type of tile being installed mainly determines the grout joints. The minimum required grout joint is 1/16″ for ceramic tile and natural stone. However, you must also consider the tile size, dimensional consistency, and the pattern being laid.
1. Pressed Tile:
Pressed tiles have slightly rounded edges and can have differing calibrations. For this reason, no less than a ⅛” grout joint is recommended.
2. Rectified Tile:
A rectified tile or stone (honed or polished) has a very straight (machine-cut) edge, giving it a more consistent size. These tiles can be set with a 1/16 to ⅛” grout joint.
3. Tumbled Natural Stone:
Tumbled natural stones (i.e., travertine, marble, slate) have rounded, uneven edges. To account for the inconsistency in the edges, you will need to have a larger grout joint. The recommended joint is no less than ⅛”. The less consistent the edges, the wider the joint should be.
4. Handmade/Handmolded Tile:
Handmade tiles have a more organic edge, and a smaller grout joint highlights the irregularities of the tile. This will also increase the time for installation. The recommended grout joint for most handmade tiles is 3/16″.
5. Mosaic Tile:
Mosaic tile should not be less than 1/16″. The joint will be matched to what is on the rows of tiles on the sheet. Mosaic sheets of glass, ceramic, or stone tiles are either mesh-mounted or paper face-mounted. It is important to read the manufacturer’s installation instructions before beginning your tiling project.
6. Quarry Tile:
Quarry tile should have a grout joint no less than ⅜”.
7. Running Bond/Brick Joint Patterns:
Tiles with an edge 12″ or longer can have a certain amount of warpage, which can be a tripping hazard (lippage) when laid in a running bond or brick joint pattern. This can be eliminated by using a ⅓ offset and increasing the grout joint. The grout joint should be a minimum of ⅛” for rectified tiles and 3/16″ for a non rectified (pressed tile).
The above guide, when taken into consideration, will ensure a beautiful tile installation. Tile size, edges, calibration, and layout are all important in deciding the best grout joint for your project. Factoring in the characteristics of your chosen tile will give you the best possible outcome.
More Grout FAQs to Know
Here are a few more common questions homeowners have about using grout to install tiles. Add the following information to your knowledge about grout size to plan a more successful project.
How Do I Choose Grout Color?
The location and purpose of your tiled surface will determine the shading of the grout. For example, using a darker shade of grout for a kitchen wall will help conceal food and beverage spills and stains. A brighter shade can make the room feel bigger and lighter on a bathroom wall. A darker grout on a shower floor will look consistent in coloration longer than a lighter color.
What Are the Common Types of Grout?
Grout has been changing over the last decade as technology improves durability. Sanded and unsanded grouts were the standard types of grout in the past. However, most grout companies are moving to fine aggregate grout, which can be used in tile applications from 1/16″ to 3/4″. These are typically fast-setting, polymer-modified grout, which has better color-consistency. Because of their higher polymer content, they have a reduced absorption rate and increased stain resistance compared to standard-performance cement grouts. The technology of the newer fine aggregate grouts makes it a much more attractive choice for homeowners than the cementitious grouts of the past. Ready-to-use grout is also now available in translucent. It is not really clear, but it will morph with the color of the tile surrounding it. This is a great option for glass and mosaic installations.
What Are Tile Spacers?
Tile spacers are common tools that create even spaces between your tiles. Common spacers are available in ⅛”, ⅜”, 3/16″ and ¼”. There are wedge spacers that can be used for jobs requiring less than an ⅛”. Special spacers, called Progress, are also available to help set large tiles. Progress forces the tiles to be set at the same height consistently. These spacers are available in linear for stacked sets, t-shaped for offset joints, or crosshair for tiles set in an X.
Atlas Marble & Tile sells premium tiles for any bathroom, kitchen, or mosaic. Our experienced team can help you choose tile combinations to create a more cohesive aesthetic. If you have questions about our tiles or need design suggestions for your project, contact us.
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