1/16 inch grout lines on subway tiles?

6 years ago

My husband and I are renovating our bathroom and will be using plain white 3x6 subway tiles on the walls, probably either DalTile from Home Depot or American Olean from Lowes. Aesthetically speaking I'm dead set on 1/16 inch grout lines (we'll be using a medium-gray grout, not sure which one yet), but my contractor seems to be trying to push me toward thicker (3/16) grout lines. He gave two reasons: 1) He said sanded grout will hold up to water better in the shower, and sanded grout requires thicker grout lines; and 2), if the tiles aren't perfectly regular, narrow grout lines give you less space for fudging, essentially, and could throw the alignment out of whack.

What do the tile experts here think about this? Like I said, I'm really committed to 1/16 lines, so if that means buying a higher-end (presumably more regular) tile, I'll consider it. But at the same time I've seen tons of subway-tiled bathrooms on here that use 1/16 inch grout lines, including with non-high-end tiles like DalTile, so it seems like it clearly can be done. And as far as the water concerns go, my understanding is that no grout is waterproof anyway, which is why you always have to waterproof behind the tiles. Is there any reason I shouldn't insist on 1/16?

Featured Answer

MongoCT

6 years ago

Find yourself a rectified subway, as 1/16th" grout joints afford no wiggle room for variations in tile size.

Regardless, it can be a tough installation. Have a conversation with your installer to make sure he's within his comfort zone. More labor (more $$) may be involved on his end to get this installation, or if he opts out, different labor may be involved.

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Comments (7)

PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
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.
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PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
6 years ago
"Is there any reason I shouldn't insist on 1/16?"

The quality of the tile itself will answer your question, you dont simply insist.

The skill level of the installer and the quality of the tile along with the focused detailed prep work will altogether determine the outcome.

Hire wisely and shop for tile wisely.
Kristie Bresz
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
We did a beveled subway tile with 1/16 inch grout lines and I am very happy it. We did the work ourselves and did not have any issues out of the norm of a flawed tile here and there (maybe 5 tiles total out of 3 full boxes of tile) . We did not use a particularly high end tile, just the Jeffrey Court ones from Home Depot and didn't seem to have issues with irregularity. We did use unsanded grout because that was recommended for the tighter grout lines but this is not installed in a bathroom so I can't really speak to how well it would hold up in that situation. My husband has a lot of experience tiling and we are both perfectionists so it came out looking very nice and I really like the tight grout lines. It gives it a very professional look in my opinion. I don't have a closer picture right now but if you want to see one I can get one later and send it your way!

Kitchen Renovation · More Info
chiflipper
6 years ago
Select your Pro installer...find him / her through the tile store where you buy your tile. Please heed our advice, showers are the #1 topic of complaints on this site.
PRO
Creative Tile Eastern CT
6 years ago
https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer
cpartist
6 years ago
My upstairs bath was done with Daltile and a 1/16 grout line. However we got the tile from Daltile and not Home Depot or Lowes.