How deep should grout be between tiles?

Author: Erwin Wiegand  |  Last update: Monday, September 22, 2025

Approximately 3mm for walls and 5mm for floors. In any case, unless otherwise specified, the minimum joint is always 1.5 mm. However, the width of the joints depends on the type of tiles as well as the overall area to be tiled. A 5mm min joint, for example, is recommended for areas larger than 3 sq.

How deep should grouting be?

If the grout joint is not deep enough, there may not be enough grout material to form the essential cement particle bonds. The solution is simple: thoroughly clean out the grout joints so the joint depth is at least 2/3 of the tile thickness.

Is grout supposed to be flush with the tile?

Generally, a flush joint is desired on any square-edged tile (including rectified tile), but the ANSI standard found in A108. 10 section 5.3. 4 states, “All grout joints shall be uniformly finished.

How much grout should be between tiles?

The common practice is a gap of 2mm or 3mm for wall tiles and between 3mm and 5mm for floor tiles, however it is important to follow the standards within the BS 5385-1 which outline the sizes required depending on the tiles being used and the substrate.

What is the minimum depth for tile grout?

Clean the area so that it is free from dust and remove enough of the existing grout. This should be 3mm but depending on how thick the tile is; it could go up to 6mm as this will offer the grout a firmer base to adhere to. Use masking tape to isolate the area as required.

How to Grout Tile Floor Like a Pro

How shallow should grout be?

ANSI states in A108. 10 Section 5.3 that grout joints between cushion edge (beveled) tiles should be finished evenly at the depth of the cushion (bevel). This implies that the minimum 1/16" joint width is measured at the base of the cushion or bevel.

How thick should grout be behind tile?

3/16" We recommend a 3/16" grout size for our Ceramic Tile. This thickness leaves room for the natural variation in size, and the perfectly imperfect edges of handmade tile.

What is the standard tile grout gap?

The gap you opt for will depend on a few factors: The size of tile you're using: smaller tiles often look great with thinner grout lines, around 2-3mm. For larger tiles or tiles with uneven edges, however, wider grout lines (3-5mm) can help with alignment and hide any imperfections.

Is it OK to grout tile the same day?

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. Choose a nice and dry day to lay your tile.

Can you use too much grout?

That's why you take care to apply grout in an even layer, making sure there are no air pockets or gaps. If you accidentally apply too much grout on your tile, or if the grout isn't mixed properly and dries unevenly, you might be left with a rough surface that's difficult to clean. If this happens to you, don't despair.

How long do you let tile grout dry before wiping?

As mentioned earlier, the specific recommended waiting time for grout to set and dry will vary based on the product and brand you are using. However, a common guideline is to wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes after applying the grout before wiping off the excess.

Do you really need grout between tiles?

Grout offers a number of valuable benefits: It gives your floor or wall a crisp finished appearance. it helps keep dirt and debris from getting in between and under your tile.

How to make tile look seamless?

There are two ways to achieve seamless tiling. The first involves a mosaic of smaller tiles that disguise the true lines between laid sections of tile. The second is continuous tiles cut to shape and fit together so seams only occur in natural or structural lines.

What is the minimum depth for Regrouting?

The grout should be dug out a minimum of 3mm deep (preferably deeper) so that new grout can have a firm base and a larger surface area of the sides of the tiles to adhere to.

How to tell if tile is rectified?

The first non-rectified or pressed tile back has a regular border around the edges. This non-rectified tile has a regular outline around the edges. Compare that to the rectified tile below where the regular border isn't present on the side where the cutting or grinding took place. This is a tell-tale of rectification.

How many coats of grout is needed?

Allow the first coat to dry for at least an hour before applying a second coat. It generally takes up to three coats to ensure protection. You can test your grout by applying a few drops of water.

What happens if you put new grout over old grout?

You would also notice that adding new grout will not be aesthetically pleasing, as the new layer would be thin. This means that your old grout will be seen beneath, and if you were to only treat one area, you would see the difference in the “repaired” area versus the area that you did not add grout to.

How long should you stay off tile after grouting?

Optimally, no more than 30 minutes should pass for the initial wiping off of excess grout. This process must be performed gently with a wet grout sponge during regrouting. Once the grout application is complete and excess grout removed, there will be a second waiting process.

Can you walk on tile you just grouted?

Grout Must Set and Cure

That usually takes between 48 and 72 hours. If you can avoid walking on your floor for that amount of time, that would be ideal. Once the grout is fully cured, you can walk on your new tile flooring with no concerns about damaging it or causing tile pieces to shift.

What is the depth of grout between tiles?

Approximately 3mm for walls and 5mm for floors. In any case, unless otherwise specified, the minimum joint is always 1.5 mm. However, the width of the joints depends on the type of tiles as well as the overall area to be tiled. A 5mm min joint, for example, is recommended for areas larger than 3 sq.

Should you use sanded or unsanded grout?

Unsanded grout can be prone to severe cracking when it has pressure applied to it, making it unsuitable for most flooring applications. Sanded grout is the go-to choice for most interior flooring installations.

Should grout be flush with tile?

Tiles with a square edge need to have the grout finished flush with the tiled surface. Tiles with a cushion or radius edge should have the grout finished to the bottom of the cushion or radius.

Can grout lines be too thin?

If the grout is too thin, it may not harden properly. This causes cracks and holes to form.

What is the best grout spacing?

For standard patterns like offset or straight set, we recommend a 3/16” grout joint size. If you'd like a tighter install,1/8" is the absolute minimum size we suggest.

How much does a 10 lb bag of grout cover?

The Mapei Corporation Keracolor U 10 lb. Unsanded Grout with Polymer is white, covers up to 100 sq. ft. and can be applied indoors or outside on floors or walls.

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