1/16 th grout width I want but 2 installers want 1/32!
susanlynn2012
12 years ago
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Samantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agofloorman67
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Attn Bill V, Mongo & other tile experts- Grout Line too skinny?
Comments (8)It used to be that 1/16th was called out for rectified tiles. With the new specs for manufacturing, you start getting more variations in tile size. Even in rectified, believe it or not. The new installation recommendation, which has actually been around for a few years, is to have the grout line 3-times the size of the variation within the tiles. This usually comes down to an 1/8th inch grout line. Lippage can also be an issue based on the pattern. A stacked pattern might not show lippage whereas a running bond could. The larger the tile, the more chance you have of lippage with offset patterns. That's all due to the tiles not being perfectly flat. A slight warp, pillow, or pringing (like the pringles potato chip). The grout needs depth. Otherwise it'll just pop out. So a 1/32nd gap with a beveled edge, you may not have durability, because the installer may not pack the joint (if there even is an actual joint) with grout. So: Not to dump on the guy who plans on going 1/32nd...but I'd nix that. Someone who tells me they're going with 1/32nd, I think they're just going to lightly butt the tiles together and get whatever grout penetration they can. And it'll likely be nothing more than topical grout with very little actually packing whatever gap there would be between the tiles. With the new specs, 1/8th inch is the new standard. You could still go 1/16th if the tiles and pattern allow for it, the installer is comfortable with it, and it's called out in the specs...but I'd not advocate going less....See MoreDifference visually between 1/8 and 3/16 grout joints?
Comments (3)If the box doesn't say rectified it's not rectified. There is no standard on tile rectification and it should state it on the box anyways no matter what country it comes from. The tile edges could be wonky and also differ in sizes if it's a basic non-rectified tile. You also need to take into consideration how Flat the tile is because a bowed or cupped tile with an 1/8" joint would be a lippage nightmare. A 3/16" grout joint with a basic non-rectified tile is perfect! Don't pressure your installer to do a joint you want when the tile cant be set with it. That's looking for problems right there. good luck....See More1/16 inch grout lines on subway tiles?
Comments (7)Agree with Mongo that you should consider a more rectified tile. Any variation of facial dimension or wedging will impact how closely the tiles can be aligned and yes, must be compensated for by a larger grout joint. We like Adex Neri tile for this purpose (as ONE example), and while not available at big box stores, it is not an expensive tile AND (very important for us and our clients), it has many finishing pieces available for a very tailored and custom look. Here's a link to Adex: http://adexusa.com/portfolio-item/adnz836-neri-field-tile/ Second point, the grout selection must meet the specifications for the tile and the installation. It is true that sanded grout requires thicker grout joints, however there are newer high performance grouts specified for wet areas AND can be used with 1/16th grout joints. There are several but we prefer Laticrete PermaColor and they also have a Laticrete Select specified for this application. Here's a link: https://laticrete.com/~/media/marketing_information/permacolorsellsheet.ashx Obviously the surface prep is important for any installation to obtain a flat and even tiled surface. Keep in mind that professionals will have different products they are comfortable with. Specifying a 1/16th" grout joint is not unreasonable for your installation as long as the tile you choose is appropriate (flat and rectified with minimal facial dimension and uniform size), the appropriate grout is used, and the installer is qualified (as Mongo stated). That being said, we have never installed a subway tile with more than a 1/16th" grout joint. Our clients, like you, would never accept the appearance (nor the excessive maintenance). Here's a tub surround we just completed with Adex subway tile, 3x6. Good luck with your project....See MoreTiling Shower Herringbone with 1/32" Grout lines, Having Issues
Comments (10)Where you went wrong was allowing the client to dictate grout joint size. No grout joint is allowed to be less than 1/16" TCNA standard. Did you find 1/32" spacers? The tile itself will tell you what the smallest allowable joint would be. Minimum 3 times size variance. "they are not all the exact same size and thickness" Sounds like the tiles were saying return me for a better quality tile before you started. That should have been pointed out and options discussed prior. Start over but stick to your guns. Research industry standards. Show the client the details in writing. They will be located in your copy of the TCNA handbook. Also explain the shadows from lippage that will surely be visible with this material. Yes you are in a pickle. Hope all works out. NOTE cement board is not waterproof and it appears you have only applied Redgaurd in the corners. Bigger pickle!...See Moresusanlynn2012
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agosusanlynn2012
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agosusanlynn2012
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agosusanlynn2012
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agosusanlynn2012
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agosusanlynn2012
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agosusanlynn2012
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agofloorman67
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agofloorman67
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agosusanlynn2012
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agofloorman67
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agofloorman67
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agofloorman67
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agofloorman67
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agosusanlynn2012
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSamantha111
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agofloorman67
12 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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