daltile rittenhouse square is a quality tile

Hi: my contractor just told me today that 1/8 is a standard distance. I like that distance, aesthetically. I've seen even wider, which is a whole other look. You might want to set up both options in the space, maybe post a photo to this site? Good luck!

I'm using a matte subway in an off-white, but I selected a grout as close to the tile color as possible. It was all about what I was trying to accomplish for the tile. I would not change grout based on gloss/matte. I would go by the color that gave me the overall look I wanted with the tile. The subways I'm using are handmade, so they have wavery, imperfect edges, and they're probably close to 1/2" thick. I want to enhance the shape/texture of the tile itself, so I opted for a grout that would disappear. If you want to enhance the presence of the tile a bit more, since yours has a lower profile, then I think a light grey would look nice, especially with the countertops. Have you looked into the beveled subways? They might give a nice enhanced tile look, too, similar to the use of darker grout.

From what I've learned from Bill Vincent, sanded grout is used for larger grout lines and unsanded for smaller ones or very delicate tile. You might also consider epoxy grout for your kitchen, since it's indestructible, mold-resistant, and doesn't need sealing, although it costs a bit more and your tiler might upcharge a little for the installation. I'm about to tile mine myself and plan on using the same epoxy grout (Laticrete's Spectralock) that I used in the bathroom, which I'm loving for its smoothness and consistent color. Most folks seem to go with 1/16th for a 3x6 subway tile, although some use 1/8th (bluekitobsessed, yours actually look like 1/16th to me?). If you take a stroll through the John Bridge tile forum, you'll see all kinds of examples of the different spacings in grouted tile. Here's one at 1/8th. From what I have read by the experts, it's OK to use your existing kitchen drywall for a backsplash. As long as it's in decent condition, you don't have to replace it with hardibacker, which is meant for places like showers that get lots of serious water exposure. I'm sure Bill V will wander by soon and give you the real skinny from the pro's perspective. Enjoy! Here is a link that might be useful: John Bridge's tile forum