skip to main content

Marble Shower in Master remodel- grout lines wrong..,

11 years ago

I need some advice. We are currently renovating our 1950 master bathroom. I chose bianco Carrara marble for the floors and shower. My floors are 2" hex in the main bathroom and 1" hex in the walk in shower. They both came in mesh sheets with 1/16" grout lines. I've been periodically peeking in to view the progress, and now that the field tile is laid in the entire shower area, I noticed that the grout lines are 1/8". I used 3x6" subways for the shower walls. At first I thought, no big deal, but upon closer inspection, I have noticed even larger grout lines on some of the tiles, specifically the bull nose that we ran vertically at the shower opening where they probably had to catch up to the grout lines of the field tile.

What would you do? At this point, the tile is laid and set, minus grout. It is upsetting on several levels- mainly because this is an expensive remodel and the grout lines were discussed numerous times. The PM hasn't been to the job site in over a week, and the guys doing the construction haven't been around much either. Somebody should have caught this. Please do not say that someone is me- I've got three kids four and under and am 37 weeks pregnant- that's why I hired a contractor!

I realize we are talking about only 1/16" difference, but it is double the grout lines of the floor, and the 1" hex that is also going in the back of the shower niches. Also, I tiled my backslash in the kitchen with 3x6" subways using 1/16" grout line, but it looks 1/8" when finished. Now I'm nervous it's going to look even larger once grouted.

Then I think, since the grout is the biggest area for problems, is it going to become more of a pain in the future?

Help! Do I get over it and live with it or make them redo it?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

KevinMP
11 years ago
I assume you mean that the field tiles are marble subways?
bill_vincent
11 years ago
Could you post pictures of what you're talking about?
Related Discussions
marble shower tiles absorbing water along grout lines
Q
Comments (8)
Now I'm more confused than ever. Do you mean that if it was sealed before it shouldn't be done again until the old sealer is removed? What happens if you reseal something that has been sealed with a different product? Do you spray acetone on, wipe it on? I'm not a technical person at all and I have tried to read the websites on caring for stone and I am really totally learning disable on these types of subjects because I can't follow at at what they are trying to say. Anything you can do to help me understand this will be greatly appreciated.
...See More
What's my best grout choice for tight grout lines in a shower???
Q
Comments (7)
How about TEC XT? Comes in both Sanded and Unsanded versions (for most colors), and is supposed to be more stain resistant and mold and mildew resistant than other cement-based grouts. It does require a longer cure time 7-10 days before getting wet or sealing (doesn't need to be sealed, but can be, with a solvent-based sealer, which we did when we sealed the marble and trav tile in both bathrooms). I sealed it in the MB at 7 days because I needed that bathroom functional "now" LOL. It also requires a drier clean-up (just wring sponge out well when wiping off excess grout, according to the rep with whom I spoke during my grout "research"--there's a video you can watch, too). It's a little stickier than the reg TEC grout, so you might need a bit more elbow grease to remove grout haze, but that's about it. We used the Bright White for the field tile in both upstairs baths (used the reg TEC in Bright White for our kitchen and guest bathroom since the XT either wasn't around then or we just didn't know about it at the time). We used both the Sanded and the Unsanded. The Unsanded is a bit whiter than the Sanded (because the sanded has actual grains of sand, which I'm sure you know), but both seem white enough. We used a very glossy, very white, Porcelanosa large format tile in the MB. Our grout lines are very tight, except for the White Thassos mosaic/border (which came pre-mounted on mesh), and the Unsanded worked very well. We also used it (in Almond) with the split faced trav mosaic in the hall bath which had practically non-existent grout lines in spots. Of course, when I say "we" used any of these products, I mean our wonderful tile guys used them for us!
...See More
Marble tile--no grout lines?
Q
Comments (28)
That would not be a tile that I would ever use in a wet area. There are too many places for soap and skin cell residue to cling. That is difficult enough to clean off of a flat porcelain tile. Put the additional recesses in the mix, and combine it with marble, which has specialty pH balanced cleaning care requirements, and someone is going to be very unhappy in a short period of time. Either the soap scum will win, or someone will break down and try something unsuited to be used on marble to get rid of the scum.
...See More
master shower stall remodel sloppy
Q
Comments (47)
While I would also not want the same contractor ( or his sub ) redoing this, there may be a legality in that you have to give him the attempt at a satisfactory repair. Unfortunately with a tile job in a shower, that can be very difficult to avoid redoing the whole thing. I am not sure if you can have them remove all the grout and redo it with a lighter hand... Ugh This is the stuff that makes feel bad for customers....
...See More
sloyder
11 years ago
do the tiles have built in spacers? If so do they leave a 1/16 gap when placed next to each other?
bill_vincent
11 years ago
Real stone won't have the spacing nubs built in.
enduring
11 years ago
Alynn, can you post some pictures? You have a stellar lineup of helpers :)
AlynnD
Original Author
11 years ago
Sorry I haven't been able to respond. In the meantime, I'm thinking it's going to be fine. I think 1/8" grout lines with the addition of sanded grout is probably the best for our shower. I am over it. Still bothered because it's not what I asked for, but I'm willing to let it go. I'm going to try and post some pictures. It does look great, so it's hard to complain. As the remodel comes to a close, I am just ready to be done! I am also convinced that they used the wrong grout color as well- I asked for silverado which I thought was a light gray, but it looks more like an off white. I give up!

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Why Marble Might Be Wrong for Your Bathroom

By By Any Design Ltd.

You love its beauty and instant high-quality appeal, but bathroom marble has its drawbacks. Here's what to know before you buy

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — the Tiling and Grouting Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 3 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick the right tile and test it out, then choose your grout color and type

TILE Epoxy vs. Cement Grout — What's the Difference?

By By Any Design Ltd.

Grout is grout, right? Nope. Cement and epoxy versions have different appearances, durability and rules of installation

KITCHEN DESIGN Subway Tile Picks Up Gray Grout

By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting

Heading into darker territory, subway tile offers a graphic new look for kitchens, bathrooms and more

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Ways Grout–Yes, Grout–Can Add to Your Design

Choose From a Palette of Grout Colors for a Warm, Unified Look

TILE 3 Key Steps for Grouting That Looks Its Best

By By Any Design Ltd.

Get your grout right to keep your tile beautiful and for an installation that will last

KITCHEN DESIGN Using White Marble: Hot Debate Over a Classic Beauty

By Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

Do you love perfection or patina? Here's how to see if marble's right for you

REMODELING GUIDES Carrara vs. Calacatta Marble: What Is the Difference?

By Debbie Snider

The answer is in the color and veining of these popular Italian marbles

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose Tile for a Steam Shower

By By Any Design Ltd.

In steamy quarters, tile needs to stand up to all that water and vapor in style. Here's how to get it right the first time

BATHROOM DESIGN Room of the Day: Luxe Hotel Look for an All-White Master Bath

By Carol Crotta

A ‘beauty bar,’ marble-lined steam shower and laundry chute are a few of the amenities in this glamorous spa bathroom

Sponsored

J.Holderby - Renovations

4 Reviews

Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

More Discussions

Bathroom vanity search

2

Need recommendations on paint color!

1

Bathroom countertop material

2

Kohler Levity Plus sliding bath door for Kohler Underscore bath tub?

0

Shower curtain rod height

4