Replies

1. 
   DanH | Sep 08, 2009 05:08am | #1

   You can easily start WWIII with this question.

   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
1. 
   edwardh1 | Sep 08, 2009 05:48am | #4

   I never realized it was an issue/ difference of opinion thing. Must be, like caulking the bottom of the tile at the tub flange or leaving it open. Amazes me that someone has not "solved/resolved these questions years ago,

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Sep 08, 2009 03:23pm | #6

   Actually, its less of a controversy than some might let on.For a "mud man" -- someone who makes his living by building dry-pack mortar beds and walls, the question is almost moot. Those guys can build a shower stall that is strong enough that there is no flex, not even at the corners.but for most tilers, the use of backerboard is the rule. And the backerboard is hung on the studs, which may or may not be stiif enough, or flat enough. In such stalls, there is corner flex, which could crack the corner grout.So use caulk -- like another said, there's color-matched stuff available.

   I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
   And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
   I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
   So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)

2. 
   Mongo | Sep 08, 2009 05:32am | #2

   If this is lightweight frame construction, like cement board over wood framing, then caulking is your best bet. If you grouted the corners, as the walls flex the grouted corners could crack whereas the caulk will flex.

   You can buy color and texture matched caulk so the caulk color/texture matches your grout.

   If you have floated mud walls with reinforced corners, then you can grout.

3. 
   FastEddie | Sep 08, 2009 05:32am | #3

   If you go to a real tile shop you can buy sanded and unsanded caulk in colors to match the grout.  The theory is that the most likely place for the shower walls to crack is in the insode corners, so you caulk it with a meterial that has a little flex.  That's what I do.  Others don't agree.

   "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

4. 
   JTC1 | Sep 08, 2009 02:26pm | #5

   I use color matched, sanded or unsanded, caulk to match the grout.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.