Ideally, your grout joints would be 1-3mm. Often we see 1mm grout joints between wall tiles and 3mm grout joints between floor tiles. Not only does it look better to have smaller joints, it also can minimise issues. For example, grout will discolour over time so keeping the joints smaller will minimse this issue.
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.
Many stone and tile manufacturers suggest that grout joints be no less than 1/8″ to 3/16″.
Generally, a flush joint is desired on any square edged tile (including rectified tile), but the ANSI standard found in A108. 10 section 5.3. 4 states, “All grout joints shall be uniformly finished.
It is not recommended to go below 2mm for wall tiles and 3mm for floor tiles due to the requirement of stress relief.
Use QEP 1.5mm cross spacers to achieve an even space between floor tiles, giving a uniform and professional look.
Tile spacers are key to creating a uniformed grout line for a professional finish, Regardless of the type or style of tile (porcelain, ceramic or stone) a minimum of 3mm tile spacers should be used for floor tiles. Depending on the tile, the spacer required can go as high as 10mm.
Grout is applied to fill gaps or as reinforcement for certain structures. Before wiping it, let it set for around 15 to 30 minutes.
Floor grout, in general, usually dries completely after 24 hours, although humidity and other factors can extend this drying time to 48+ hours. Grout haze can sometimes be simply buffed out with a dry towel or cheesecloth, if done immediately within the first 48 hours.
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.
All ceramic and stone large format tile (greater than 15”) requires a minimum 1/16” grout joint according to ANSI. Daltile recommends that large tiles have a 1/8” or 3/16” minimum grout joint for the most successful installation.
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 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 many applications, it may be placed up to 6 inches (150 mm) in depth without the extension. When placing at depths over 3 inches (75 mm) and the surface area is over 2 ft2 (0.19 m2), the product should be extended.
To avoid having to rush to wipe away any misplaced grout, start small. Spread the grout in areas that are 3 feet by 3 feet. Then to finish the grouting in each section, shape the joints and clean the excess grout before you move onto the next section.
Approx coverage: 23-24m² on 300x300x10mm tiles with 2mm grout joints.
Yes, eventually grout haze goes away but you need to take special measures. Just by diligently wiping down the surface with a wet sponge, the haze will remain and won't come off. Will Vinegar Remove Grout Haze? Yes, vinegar remove grout haze.
It is important to wait until the grout has set in before wiping the tiles clean, as premature wiping can result in gouges. However, don't wait too long, or the grout will dry onto the tiles, potentially causing irreversible damage.
You can grout with your finger. First apply the grout with a float, then neaten the grout line by running your finger along the lines. Leave to harden off a little before wiping the excess grout from the tiles' surfaces. After you have wiped, check the lines and again use your finger to create a neat finish.
Make sweeping arcs and work the grout completely into all the joints between the tiles. You can also use your grout float to wipe away excess grout as you go. Work in sections, rather than trying to grout the entire wall or floor of tile at once.
If you choose to pause grouting and continue after, here are some tips to help the grout blend in nicely: Don't leave any excess grout, including the bits of extra grout on the edges. Make sure all of the grout is cleaned off (other than a bit of the filmy haze on the tile!)
A tile spacer is the only way to get a truly professional finish on your project. Without tile spacers, your project will look amateurish, with uneven gaps and crooked tiles.
The common practice is a gap of 2mm or 3mm for wall tiles and between 3mm and 5mm for floor tiles, however it is important to follow the standards within the BS 5385-1 which outline the sizes required depending on the tiles being used and the substrate.