Unless the surface beneath the tile has been thoroughly waterproofed, without grout, you run the risk of having moisture seep into the wall or floor underneath. Plus, grout insulates tiles from one another, preventing damage.
When installing no grout tiles you must choose large-size rectified porcelain stoneware tiles, a special finish that makes the edges perfectly smooth and eliminates any imperfection: this way the slabs will have 90° angles and the contours will be even sharper, thus becoming invisible after installation.
There are three main downsides to skipping the grout when installing tiles: If the tiles are not identical, they will appear unaligned; Dirt can get beneath them and damage them in the long run; Movement can lead to breakage.
From our experience, the magic number for the gap between porcelain slabs is a minimum of 3mm, but we recommend aiming for 4-8mm. This isn't just a number we've plucked from thin air; it's backed by the precision of rectified edges that porcelain slabs boast.
Can You Install Porcelain Tiles Over Concrete? Absolutely!
In general, for porcelain tiles, you should use modified thinset mortar to achieve an optimum bond between the tile and concrete floor. Using modified mortar reduces the chance of cracks forming in the tiles.
ANSWER - Porcelain Tile should be installed with a latex modified thin-set or a polymer modified thin-set. The Custom Marble Granite Mortar I believe is a polymer modified thin-set. For larger tiles 12x12 or larger should use a 1/4" sq. notch trowel.
To lay porcelain slabs outside, they should be ideally applied to a solid substrate base, such as concrete, or a sand and cement mix screed of 4 parts sharp sand (or grit) to 1 part cement. This will prevent the tiles from moving and cracking.
Preparing a subfloor is an essential step for installing floor tile. It provides a level surface that will allow the tiles to properly stay in place. This guide will show you how to prepare your subfloor for a tile installation project to ensure that it's fit to support ceramic or porcelain tile.
ceramic, porcelain, terrazzo, and cement tiles typically require the smallest gaps since they have little variation in size. for these tiles, you'll usually see 1/16 to 1/8 inch of space between tiles.
Plus, it will be hard to keep clean. Water intrusion might be a smaller problem on walls but dirt and cleaning will be an issue. Grout completes the installation of tile, strengthens the system and keeps things from getting under the tile.
The humidity in the environment, and the temperature of the room will also affect the drying times. The shortest time after laying tile that you can grout is 24 hours. However, it is much better to wait at least 48 hours before grouting. This is to give the mortar ample time to set and dry before pressure is applied.
Groutless tile, also known as rectified tile, represents a departure from traditional tiled flooring. Its seamless appearance and streamlined aesthetic have captivated the imaginations of homeowners and designers alike, offering a contemporary alternative to conventional flooring options.
But can you use plywood below ceramic or porcelain tile? You can install tile on plywood, but you must take a few precautions to prevent the plywood from cracking the tile. The best direct underlayment for tile on plywood is cement board or an uncoupling membrane.
Using caulk instead of grout in areas where grout is traditionally employed is not advisable. This is because caulk lacks the structural stability and durability of grout. In tile installations, caulk cannot bear the same load as grout, and it is more susceptible to wear and tear from foot traffic and cleaning.
If the area in which you'd like to install tiles isn't heavily trafficked and is relatively dry—or if you just really hate grout lines—it is possible to install tile without grout by laying the tiles directly next to each other with no space between.
Porcelain tiles tend to be harder, more resilient and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. They are one of the easiest types of tile to maintain but their surface can eventually be eroded by the regular use of corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or acids that can also damage the grout and loosen the tiles.
Yes. Tile flooring is designed to handle water, but it's not completely waterproof. Over time, grout can wither away and cracks can form, creating the perfect entrance for those accidental spills to seep into. Water that gets under your tile can lead to all sorts of problems, including mold growth.
Because sand has a significant grit, there is a higher chance of it scratching delicate tiles such as marble or limestone. Sanded grout is best used with floor tiles, ceramic tiles, natural stone tiles, and porcelain tiles.
The main reason is that they're denser and difficult to work with. Since it's harder, you'll have difficulty cutting through and making the right designs. On top of that, the tiles also tend to be bulkier. So you'd need specialized help if you were to install them at your home.
When it comes to thinset for porcelain tile, most people suggest using modified adhesive to achieve an optimum bond. This means if you only have non-modified thinset on hand, you'll need to add a latex polymer admixture.
Epoxy grout is generally considered the best option for porcelain tile due to its superior durability, stain resistance, and waterproof properties. It's particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor installations where moisture and staining are concerns.
We recommend Mapei Keraquick – it's suitable for all weather types and is perfect for porcelain tiles (it's not advisable to install ceramic outdoors). This particular adhesive can be grouted in just 2 hours and you can use it for an adhesive bed of up to 10mm, making it perfect for 10mm porcelain tiles.