Hello All,
What is the appropriate tile-spacing for a four-inch (4″) tile used in a bathroom? I watched a show called Log Cabin Interiors this weekend and the host was installing tile in the foyer. He made a generalized comment that a 6″ tile should be spaced with a 1/2″ grout cavity, and a 4″ tile should have a 3/8″ grout cavity.
There is a reason why I’m asking, but I thought I would see if there were some subs that specialized in installing tiles. Also, is it necessary to use a masonry grout material, or is there reason why an elastomer cannot be used?
Just curious. BTW, the grout spacing in the bathrooms are less than what was stated, but I suppose I was looking for minimum values for a rule-of-thumb.
Replies
Larger the tile, larger the grout line usually. Doesn't always have to be that way, it seems to look better.
For a 4 inch tile, I would probably go an eighth of an inch. I think a quarter or three eighths would look over powering.
Just my opinion.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
Kartman,
I installed 4" tiles on the countertops in our kitchen and bathomm vanities. I used nickels as spacers in the kitchen and pennies on the vanities. I agree with Boris that the wider grout lines would be too much for 4" tile. Just my opinion...
If ignorance is bliss then apathy is sheer heaven...
Thanks for the response guys! I wanted to know, because the grout lines in my showers (all of them) are very thin. And when I say thin, I would imagine that 1/16" is about the thickest I can spot it anywhere.
In fact, cleaning grout is getting to be a bit tricky. Before using any particular shower (spec home, first occupants), I sealed the grout with grout sealer from HD. I followed the directions and everythnig seemed fine for about 8-10 months. Clean the showers regularly, but still certain staining (mildew, bacteria, or something) started to rear it ugly head.
Looking towards the future and before selling this home I'll probably have to re-grout, which makes me think it may be easier to just re-tile. I learned post-sale that the builder wound up firing the tiler, roofer, and framing subs for poor work quality. Unfortunately, this does me no good unless the roof starts leaking (again) or the house falls down (I could arrange this).
Next time use "AquaMix Gold 15". This stuff is insainly expensive (over $80 per gallon) but is guarantied for 15 years. The average bathroom would only need a quart or so.
It is really good stuff, and unlike the stupid cheap stuff penetrates into the grout and really sets up to seal water from entering the grout. It will allow vapor to pass however, so the shower base can actually dry out. Great stuff.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
AquaMix, huh, I'll have to go look for this. Thanks!
Kartman --
I would say that grout width is mainly a matter of personal preference.
My own opinion is that 1/2" on 4" tiles is waaay to wide!
The only other thing I have to add is that traditionally, grout lines were much tighter than they are today. So if you're going for a period look, you might want to keep that in mind. Most of the "old" houses I work on (1900-1920s) have 1/16" grout lines or less. I like to think that back then, a tight grout line was proof of your skills as a tilesetter.
Ragnar
Ragnar, that's 1/2" for a 6" tile and 3/8" for a 4" tile suggested no the show I watched. Yes, I supose a tight grout line could show one's skills, but unfortunately the skills that did the tile ni my home suck bigtime. :) They suck in appearance and in their ability to suck water and contniue sucking the mildew/bacteria once the water evaporated.
Also, would it be uncommon for a combination shower-tub to use large tiles, like 12"?
Kartman,
Even 3/8" on a 4" tile is pretty damn wide!
The biggest factor I use when selecting tile (or any other flooring material) size is by answering this question: how will the size of the tile relate to the size of the area being covered?
In a very small area, like a shower stall, I think 12" will look too large. I'd recommend 4", or even 1" hex, etc. Of course, my tastes are pretty well anchored in the 1910s, and your tastes may be completely different. In the end, it's your house, so you get to make the decision. If you like the modern look of the big stuff, go for it!
One thing that I can say in favor of the big tiles --- less grout lines, and therefore, less area to mess with in terms of sealing and general maintenance. Oh -- on a 12" tile, maybe a 1/4" to 3/8" grout line would start looking proportionate.
Ragnar
Edited 11/19/2002 4:20:12 PM ET by ragnar
Ragnar,
I am only trying to a) make-up for the poor intial install (which is a mess) and to potential preiar/replace with a low-maintenance solution. You points are well taken and I was searchnig to determine if it were normal to have thin-as-a-hair grout line or just a tiler being cheap in additional to poor on skills.
Many 4" tiles have lugs that self space them for a 1/16" joint. Check with your manufacture. Grout joint size is based upon the uniformity of the tile. If you use a hand made tile that will vary in thickness and in size a wider grout joint hides those differences. You may also want a wider joint for the look.
Hi Archyii
I've quit using the lugs on 4" tile and space them at 1/8 " because the unsanded wall tile grout thats usually used in that spacing isn't durable enough. I always use the sanded grout for its durability, and I've found it doesn't work too well in the 1/16" lug spacing.
go with 1/8" max on 4" tile, kartman. even that will look silly. i like the use of the nickel as a spacer. it should be just about right. it sucks paying out insane amounts of money for good sealers but there's no way around it. you'll be glad you did.
Im to cheap to use nickels and pennies. I cut up old credit cards and use them. It works for me
At Darkworks cut to size made to burn......Putty isnt a option