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).
Finished grout lines will vary from 1/16" to 3/16". However, the actual finished grout spacing will vary from 1/8" to 1/4" if 3/16" spacers are used. If smaller spacers, like 1/8", are used it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile.
You get thin grout lines by putting the tiles really close together (use 1/16'' spacers). Some tiles have built-in self-spacers.
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).
If the grout is too thin, it may not harden properly. This causes cracks and holes to form.
TCNA recommends a minimum 1/8" grout joint for rectified tile and minimum 3/16" grout joint for calibrated tile. They also suggest adding to this width the amount of edge warping on the longest edge. For example, if the edge warping of a rectified tile is 1/32", the minimum grout joint is 1/8" + 1/32" = 5/32".
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.
Non-Sanded Grout / Unsanded Grout
Unsanded grout, such as Keracolor U, is the same as sanded grout but without the sand. The lack of sand particles allows it to flow between very small grout lines, typically utilized for smaller format tiles.
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.
If the grout is runny and can be poured like a milkshake, too much water has been added. You can fix the problem by adding more powdered grout and blending the mixture until the grout thickens. This is why I always mix only part of a bag of grout at one time.
for mosaic or small format tiles, 1/16-inch grout lines are often ideal. this narrow width doesn't overwhelm the tile design.
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
The width of the joints between tiles. Sanded grout is better for spaces larger than 1/8 of an inch because unsanded grout shrinks during the curing process. Use unsanded or epoxy grout for spaces smaller than 1/8 of an inch. Grout is also for creating a nice-looking finish to your tile, so its color is important.
Groutless tile offers numerous advantages, including easy maintenance, a seamless appearance, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. However, it also comes with some disadvantages, such as installation complexity, limited design flexibility, a higher upfront cost, and a colder feel underfoot.
The recommended spacing for grout is a minimum of 1.5mm for rectified tiles and 3mm for pressed tiles. You would not want to go wider than 5mm for your grout lines.
Waiting too long to wipe grout could result in unsightly grout haze. Don't wait too long to wipe off grout!
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.
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.
Smallest size grout lines should not be less than 1/16″. This is an acceptable space that can be properly grouted. When the space between tiles is so little like 1/32″ which is often referred to as “credit card lines” or “penny lines”, it's not possible to fill that space all the way through the bottom of the tile.
First, the smallest grout lines, less than 1/8 inch, are ideal for rectified tiles. Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout. All other cuts of tile, from tumbled to chiseled to punched, contain slight variations in shape and size.
Grout line widths are a personal preference. There is no such thing as an ideal size for grout lines, although we must admit that small tiles do tend to look their best with narrow grout joints.
Unsanded Grout Is Best for Narrow Grout Lines
Sanded grout is thicker than unsanded grout, making it difficult to work into narrow grout joints.
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.
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.