Best grout for tight-fitting mable tile
Hi all,
I am doing a tile job in a customers bathroom, and we’re using 12×12 marble tile on the walls, going up 4′. The customer wants no space between the tile. The only place to put grout is the small bevel on the edge of the tile, Which looks to be about 1/16″, or less. Just wondering how to get a good bond with the grout, and which type of grout works best, and whether to use an additive or not. Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance…
Redo- it
Replies
Is this a wet or dry area of the bathroom? I rarely design grout joints less than 1/16" for several reasons. It can get kind of difficult to properly pack grout into the space between tiles if the joint is too narrow, which can lead to water penetration problems. Generally I use latex-modified grout because of the added flexibility, however in order for modified grout to do any good in terms of helping to cushion the tiles from expansion and contraction, there needs to be sufficient space between the tiles. Grout mfg's will often specify a minimum joint width with this in mind. Making the joint too small could potentially increase the risk of cracking in the tile and grout, what little there is. Under no circumstances will I ever set tiles without a grout joint.
A 1/16" inch joint between the tiles is still a pretty crisp, clean look. If I were you, that's the lowest I'd go. Pick a compatible color for the grout (I would use unsanded, latex-modified), and it will look fine... personally, I think marble tiles set any closer together than that wouldn't look right.
Andy
Thanks for your reply andy... this is in both the shower area and on the walls throughout the rest of the bathroom.... The customer bought this tile at a tile store and the owner assured her that this application would be fine with no grout lines other than the small bevel on the edge of the tile piece itself. I on the other hand have my doubts due to the fact that the tile pieces will actually be touching each other with no room for exspantion. I will speak to the owner of the tile store myself and see if he can convince me it will be fine... lol. I think it's gonna be a hard sell for him.
Redo-it
The guy at the tile shop didn't know what he was talking about (tile with no grout joints in a shower???). This idea is a guaranteed failure. Besides the fact that there is no room for expansion and contraction between the tiles (which would likely result in the tiles cracking), water would leak all over the place and the installation would not last very long. I would insist on 1/16" grout joints between the tiles, if the h/o isn't happy with that they should be able to return the tile, especially given the misinformation they received.
If for some reason you do agree to do this as the h/o's want, do not warranty the job unless you like working for free. I would also cover up any signs or lettering you have on your truck, and wear a bag over your head between your truck and the front door so the neighbors won't know it's you.
This kind of stuff really bugs me- it seems like tile is being marketed as the next great DIY product: anyone can do it- it's easy. The result is a lot of these tile stores spreading blatantly incorrect information to homeowners in the name of making a sale (the big boxes are certainly guilty of this too.) While installing tile may not be the hardest thing in and of itself, like many aspects in building it takes some knowledge and effort to do it right.
I couldn't disagree more...what else is new?!
12 x 12 marble tiles are intended to butt against one another. That is why they have beveled edges. These edges create a wider grout line. Use a latex modified grout, UNsanded, and work it into the joints. It is fine enough and the joint is wide enough to be filled. Just because you can't see the space doesn't mean it's not there. BTW, do NOT thin the grout too much to make it easier. THIS is what causes shrinkage and cracking.
Be sure to set the tiles in thinset and on CBU's. No greenboard.
My two cents, AndyL. Guess we gotta agree to disagree.
Redo
I have done 12x12 Taiwan green marble in a huge bathroom I built and lived in for over five years and in a house before I lived in for 15 years. I butted the tiles tight together and grouted with unsanded grout with liquid latex mortar additive. In over five years and fifteen in the other there wasnt ever a problem.
JMHO
Be well
Namaste
Andy
"Attachment is the strongest block to realization"
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