Tiling Shower Herringbone with 1/32" Grout lines, Having Issues
Ronald
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (10)
millworkman
5 years agohemina
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Grout issues with new tile installation
Comments (3)I wouldn't remove the grout unless there was some kind of structural problem with the installation. I removed my grout haze by spraying on vinegar and wiping clean but it was on porcelain tile with epoxy grout which are both fairly bulletproof. I had the same problem with my grout being a rainbow of different colors because the clowns who did my kitchen floor had no idea what they were doing. I bought myself some Aquamix Grout Colorant (I used the same color as the original grout) and followed the instructions on the bottle. It turned out beautifully. Just like new. If you apply this particular grout colorant, you will not have to seal the grout since in addition to coloring it also seals....See MoreAttn 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 More1/16 th grout width I want but 2 installers want 1/32!
Comments (38)Samantha, Absolutely, lack of expansion joints could have also been the part of the problem, which is unrelated to grout joint size. When installing, manufacturer instructions comes first, then the standards second if there is missing or conflicting information and instruction. If there is a failure, an inspector (or a court) will first use manufacturer specs and instructions, because they are the liable responsible party in a claim, so their information takes presidence. Thats what installer must follow first if there is conflict, and if there is missing information, the TCNA/ANSI standards come in. Now, many manufacturers refer to the TCNA/ANSI standards. Additionally, some manufacturers do not offer all needed information which then the TCNA/ANSI standards kick in. Every installer should be well versed in both. There are many tile and stone manufacturers who still allow for ultra thin grout joints. In regards to the standards changes you mention in grout joint sizes, indeed the TCNA/ANSI has made recommendations for the first time concerning grout joint size and spacing. To completely understand the new changes you have to understand how recommendations are made. When they say "in general", these are not absolute standards. Simply guidance lacking any other source taking presidence. When they say "absolute", these are standards that are never to be strayed from. The new changes on grout joint width is an "in general recommendation" or situational recommendation. Ultimately, the project owner should choose the grout joint they desire. -from the TCNA website. Please view the TCNA link for more information. It explains it pretty well. If you have tile cut or manufactured to tight size tolerances, you can have any joint size you wish. Of course, as I stated before, not all tile is able to be installed with the ultra thin grout joints. Again this is situational. There is no absolute standard for tile joint width. Tile it is a finish topical product, relying on the subfloor/framing/substrate structure for rigidity and in-range deflection for its stability and structure. Now if you continue to believe otherwise, that the tile system itself aides in overall system stability and structural integrity and/or that grout joint size matters at all when tile sizing is withing parameters, I really dont know how else to convince you. Since this obviosuly matters a great deal to you, I would suggest you buy a copy of the standards. Its relatively inexpensive. Then you can read for yourself in context. Also I would suggest that you start reading up on tile manufacturers installation guidelines and instruction for various products you may be interested in, as they take presidence, although they usually are in line with the standards. Here is a link that might be useful: TCNA Standards For Grout...See Moredouble herringbone tile size and grout thickness for bathroom
Comments (11)Thanks so much for your question! This particular tile is the Santa Monica 4x12 from Tilebar. If you are considering this install, then yes, we highly recommend a great tile installer. Keep in mind also that the labor on this particular pattern is more expensive than a standard install if budget is a factor. For this project, it added an interesting design detail but also a warmth that reflected the style of what our clients were going for perfectly. Thanks again!...See MoreRonald
5 years agoMint tile Minneapolis
5 years agoMongoCT
5 years agoAvanti Tile & Stone / Stonetech
5 years agoCreative Tile Eastern CT
5 years agoenduring
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoUser
5 years ago
Related Stories
BATHROOM DESIGNConvert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — the Tiling and Grouting Phase
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
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESTop 10 Tips for Choosing Shower Tile
Slip resistance, curves and even the mineral content of your water all affect which tile is best for your shower
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNDesigner Trick: Take Your Shower Tile to the Ceiling
Tile the whole wall in your shower to give your bath a light and lofty feel
Full StoryMOST POPULARIs Colorful Grout the Next Big Trend in Tile Design?
See how grout in 7 eye-catching colors is spicing up kitchens and bathrooms abroad
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNWhat Grout Color Should You Choose for Your Tile?
More than an afterthought, the right grout contributes to your tile scheme by creating a cohesive, eye-catching unit
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNHow to Choose Tile for a Steam Shower
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
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNSubway Tile Picks Up Gray Grout
Heading into darker territory, subway tile offers a graphic new look for kitchens, bathrooms and more
Full StorySHOWERSShower Design: 13 Tricks With Tile and Other Materials
Playing with stripes, angles, tones and more can add drama to your shower enclosure
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESStyle Update: Tile Gets in Line
Install Your Tile in a 'Stacked Bond' Grid for an Clean, Modern Look
Full StoryTILE10 Fresh Tile Ideas You Might Have Missed This Week
See a roundup of new tile styles, patterns, materials and more featured in this week’s articles
Full Story
Creative Tile Eastern CT