Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time.
Marble tile grout line width.
Minimum grout lines the quick answer is nothing closer than 1 16.
If you want to know why please keep reading.
Grout polished marble with tight joints up to 1 8 inch with nonsanded grout since sanded grout will scratch the surface of the marble.
Grout must adjust for these differences between tiles so understandably there can be some variation in the width of a grout joint.
Let s talk about grout size options.
If smaller spacers like 1 8 are used it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile.
Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform with precisely defined edges requiring the least amount of grout.
Tcna recommends a minimum 1 8 grout joint for rectified tile and minimum 3 16 grout joint for calibrated tile.
Special types such as slate or quarry tiles often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing.
If you are going for high contrast or retro style wider grout spacing gives you the opportunity to make a statement with your grout.
As a general rule floor tiles should have grout lines of 1 8 inch or larger depending on the type and size of tile.
Thinner grout spacing for subway tile creates a more subtle effect and wider grout lines a more dramatic one.
The tile council of north america and accompanying tile organizations recommend an average grout joint width of 3 16 inch for every 1 16 inch variation in the size of the tiles.
For example if you take two 12 inch tiles and compare them side to side and there is a variation of 1 16 inch in the two tiles you are recommended to use at least a 3.
Actual finished grout spaces will vary from 1 8 to 1 4 if 3 16 spacers are used.
Facial dimensions of the tile is 1 8 the actual grout joint will need to be 3 16.
Generally it is advisable to use a grout joint at least two times the average difference between the largest tiles and the smallest tiles.
Grout lines for floor tiles.
The secret no professional will tell you is there is really no set or absolute proper size for your grout lines.
The wider spacing will help to accommodate placement of tile and maintaining straight lines.
There are some guidelines that need to be followed but the actual size is more of a personal choice than it is a set width.
The size of grout lines for tile is something that comes up on almost every tile installation.
When re modeling floors bathroom or a kitchen almost everybody wants to have the minimum grout lines between their tiles.
All other cuts of tile from tumbled to chiseled to punched contain slight variations in shape and size.
Most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches but larger versions are available.
First the smallest grout lines less than 1 8 inch are ideal for rectified tiles.
