What's the smallest size grout lines for installation? Every manufacturer recommends 5/64″. The smallest grout line should not be less than 1/16”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tile adhesive is made specifically to bond tiles to the subfloor or the walls. Grout is used specifically to fill in the space between the tiles and further seal the spaces from water, bacteria, and dust. Though some of the ingredients may be shared between the two compounds, they are not interchangeable in any way.
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).
Unsanded Grout Is Best for Narrow Grout Lines
Sanded grout is thicker than unsanded grout, making it difficult to work into narrow grout joints.
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. However, if you want to install a more intricate pattern like parquet or herringbone, you may have to use a larger grout line.
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 instance, thicker grout lines give more of an Old-World appearance, while modern designs may call for thinner grout lines. If you're unsure, you can always speak with an interior designer to determine which grout line width is best for the project.
High quality tile spacers from Rubi suitable for wall or floor tiling. Free Order & Collect: You can choose to Order & Collect your order for free from all of our 56 Tile Giant stores.
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.
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.
Most of the major non-shrink grout manufacturers, such as MasterFlow, FiveStar, etc, list a minimum application thickness, often 1".
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.
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.
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.
First, the grout pad thickness should be kept as small as possible, preferably between 10 mm and 25 mm, to reduce the shrinkage and settlement effects. Second, the grout pad material should be compatible with the concrete foundation and the base plate, and have adequate strength, stiffness, and durability.
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.