How small can a grout joint be?

Author: Deshaun Bergstrom  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

02 Section 4.3. 8. This section states that under no circumstances should the grout joint be less than 1/16" (1.6 mm). Due to the amount of size variation in the tile, the actual grout joint width may need to vary from what is requested or specified.

Can grout lines be too small?

Grout needs to extend at least 2/3'rds the way deep between the tiles. Anything less than 1/8'' generally requires unsanded grout. Keep in mind that a really small grout joint also will make any lippage errors show up more.

Is it OK to have small holes in grout?

Not a problem, no. The grouts job isn't to stop water, so pinholes would present a problem only in an aesthetic sense. Although if your installer told you the grout is gonna stop water, I'd wonder if he did anything to waterproof behind the tile.

What is the thinnest grout joint?

Wall Tiles: Smaller grout lines (1-2mm) are often preferred for walls, especially when using rectified tiles. However, a small grout joint—even as narrow as 1mm—is recommended to prevent water infiltration. Floor Tiles: Floors experience more movement and benefit from wider grout lines (typically 2-5mm).

How to get grout into small joints?

Sponge: A damp sponge can be used to push grout into the joints. While it may not be as effective as a float, it can still get the job done. Use the edge of the sponge to fill the gaps.

Young Man with great tiling skills -Great tiling skills -Great technique in construction PART 118

What is the minimum size for a grout joint?

ANSI defines the requirement for grout joints in ceramic and natural stone tile installations in A108. 02 Section 4.3. 8. This section states that under no circumstances should the grout joint be less than 1/16" (1.6 mm).

What is the best grout for small joints?

Unsanded grout is a cement grout with less than 1/8” grit. Generally, unsanded grout is used for tile applications with narrower grout joints, from 1/16” to 1/8”. The additional structure of sanded grout is needed for wider grout joints from 1/8” to 5/8” and some even can go as wide as 1”.

What is the smallest grout spacer?

Most customers request the thinnest grout spacing possible, which is why we recommend 1/16th'” for our handcrafted cement tiles. However, you can also use a 1/8th” grout spacer if you're covering a larger area or you want a more traditional look.

Can grout be too thin?

If the grout is too thin, it may not harden properly. This causes cracks and holes to form. The grout needs to be thick enough to expand and contract as necessary with the temperature.

What is the smallest joint for sanded grout?

For cementitious grout, joints smaller than 1/8″ generally should only be grouted with unsanded grout, and joints of 1/8″ and larger should only be grouted with sanded grout. Joints larger that 3/8″ usually need a more heavily sanded grout to accommodate the large joint.

How do you grout small gaps?

10 steps for grouting narrow grout lines
  1. Mix the grout. Pour unsanded tile grout into a bucket and mix it with water, carefully following the instructions on the package. ...
  2. Let the grout rest. ...
  3. Scoop. ...
  4. Spread. ...
  5. Force the grout into the grout lines. ...
  6. Scrape off excess. ...
  7. Apply more grout. ...
  8. Let the grout rest.

Can you fill holes in grout after it dries?

For pinholes, you can simply dampen the grout and push new grout into the holes to do a quick patch. This method only works for small pinholes. Larger holes can mean more damage to the surrounding grout area. To fix larger grout holes in the shower, you need to dig out the old grout and replace it with new grout.

Do grout rakes work?

A dedicated grout rake or a Stanley blade is best for removing existing grout. Grout rakes can be both mechanical and electric. Any electric grout rake is usually 240V and has variable speeds. The Rubi Grout Remover helps to remove grout surrounding ceramic and porcelain tiles.

What is the minimum grout space between tiles?

Grouting for floors and walls

In practical terms, this means that the joints between the wall tiles should be thinner than those between floors. Approximately 3mm for walls and 5mm for floors. In any case, unless otherwise specified, the minimum joint is always 1.5 mm.

What is a zero grout line?

Groutless tile, also known as rectified tile, offers a sleek and modern look that appeals to many homeowners. One of the primary advantages of groutless tile is its seamless appearance. Without the need for grout lines, the surface of the floor appears smooth and uninterrupted, creating a visually appealing aesthetic.

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.

What happens if grout lines are too small?

If the grout line is too tight the tile could chip at stress points once the grout dries. Stress from home settling may also be an issue with little grout space. This is especially important for Glass tile installations as glass is more sensitive to stress cracking than ceramic tile.

What is the thinnest grout you can have?

The quick answer is nothing closer than 1/16th” If you want to know why please keep reading. When re-modeling floors, bathroom or a kitchen almost everybody wants to have the smallest size grout lines between their tiles.

How runny can grout be?

The grout, once mixed, should readily stick to the end of a putty knife. When you grab a glob of grout from the mixing bucket, it should not droop off the putty knife. If the grout is runny and can be poured like a milkshake, too much water has been added.

Is 1/16 grout line too small?

for mosaic or small format tiles, 1/16-inch grout lines are often ideal. this narrow width doesn't overwhelm the tile design.

Can you mix a small amount of grout by hand?

It's best to hand-mix your grout, especially with smaller projects. This will prevent the formation of air bubbles and limit any unfortunate discoloration.

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.

What is a flexible alternative to grout?

ProGrout Flexible. UltraTile ProGrout Flexible has been designed for areas where movement or vibration is likely. Polymer has been added to the formulation to increase flexibility and to provide a virtually impermeable set. Suitable for all tile types, and ideal for wetrooms, swimming pools and underfloor heating.

What is the minimum gap for non shrink grout?

For pouring, allow a minimum clearance of 3″ (76.2 mm) for entry and 6″ (152.4 mm) minimum grout “head.” Forming must also provide for venting to avoid entrapment of air. Provide 1/2″ (12.7 mm) minimum form clearance on all sides and 1″ (25.4 mm) clearance for head.

What grout do professionals use?

Unlike other grout options, epoxy grout does not need to be sealed. Many professionals now opt for epoxy grout over other options because of its unmatched strength and low maintenance.

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