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Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Tiling

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  • Selecting Tile
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Tips & Techniques

Great Grout Spacers

Use these craft supplies as an easy-to-handle alternative to conventional spacers.

Issue 281 – Feb/Mar 2019

When installing ceramic floor tile, a lot of people use 1/8-in. tile spacers to maintain grouting space. These spacers are small, hard to handle, and must be sliced to fit against a wall. I like to use Popsicle sticks instead, which are sold as “craft sticks” at arts and crafts stores. They are inexpensive and easy to remove when you’re done.

—March Coover, Dallas

Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller

From Fine Homebuilding #281

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Previous: Using Tile Leveling Systems Next: Edge Trim for Tile Transitions

Guide

Tiling

Chapter

Installation Materials

View Comments

  1. User avater
    RonaldTague | Mar 08, 2019 02:09am | #1

    wonedrful

  2. User avater
    JohnMartin12 | Mar 09, 2019 03:31am | #2

    nice one

  3. User avater
    PatrickMclaren | Aug 16, 2019 01:31am | #3

    Very informative!

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Tiling

Tiling

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Selecting Tile
  • The Basics
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Tools & Techniques
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Installation Materials
  • Membranes & Substrates
  • Adhesives & Mortars
  • Grout
  • Sealers & Caulk
  • Spacers, Hardware & Trim
Preparation
  • The Prep Job
  • Repairs & Surface Prep
  • Installing Backerboard
Tiling Floors
  • Layout & Installation
  • Setting Specialty Tiles
Tiling Walls & Backsplashes
  • Preparation
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  • Walls
Tiling Showers
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  • Waterproofing
  • Shower Pans
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  • Video Series: Tile a Shower
  • Video Series: Tile a Barrier-Free Bathroom
Grouting, Sealing & Caulking
  • Grouting
  • Caulking
  • Sealing
Maintenance & Repair
  • Maintenance
  • Tile Repair
  • Grout Repair

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