QUESTION

Grout Joint Width - I have a remodel job being done on our master bath. 13x20 tiles are being used both in the shower and the main floor. I told them I don't want any grout line to speak of. The shower is almost complete. They pushed the tiles totally together (which I don't think is right) and there are gaps in other areas. I have as of today talked to a business that sells tile and asked them about this and they said there has to be a grout line in between the tiles, whether it is 1/16, 1/8 but tht there has to be space. Is this right and what is the smallest space that can be used? These people told me that there has to be some sort of a grout line because of possible movement in the wall.

I plan on this same tile to be used on the floor in the bathroom so I want to get this right. Please Help!!! ASAP!

ANSWER

ANSWER - Tiles should have gaps called grout joints to compensate for the irregularities of the tile dimensions, to support the tile edge, and to keep water from readily reaching the back side of the tile.  Some tiles have spacers/lugs on the side that give it a predetermined grout joint width.  Most don't have lugs.  4-1/4 x 4-1/4 inch tiles normally have lugs and have a 1/16 inch wide joint and you must use a non-sanded grout because sanded grout won't fit in that tight of a joint.  Most tiles should have at least a 1/8 inch wide joint.  Some tiles require an even larger grout joint width to help compensate for the irregularity of the tile dimensions.

The wall should not significantly move and the grout joints will not compensate for walls that move.

Good Luck!