Full Answer
Do you need grout with slate tiles?
Installed correctly, the substrate is optimal and the floor will last for many years. Grouting between slate tiles on the top-most layer is generally completed after the thin-set mortar sets. Since slate is slightly porous, it's a good idea to apply a penetrating stone sealant to the tiles before grouting.
Can you set tile with no grout lines?
Well, the short answer would be a simple no – you should not attempt to install tile without grout. Why's that, you might wonder. It's not like grout adds to the stability of the tile installation (unless we talk about a few exceptional cases) so why is grout necessary?
What kind of tile does not require grout?
Setting real stone tiles in mortar or sand is mind-crunching work. These outdoor tiles are backed with plastic grids with interlocking tabs that simply snap together. Best of all: no grungy grout to repair or refill. Turn your deck into a patio -- they'll cover any level surface.
Can you lay tiles with no gap?
It is not true that tiles do not need to have joints between them, although the name of jointless laying or arranging may indicate this.
What is the thinnest grout line possible?
1/16″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.
How long can tile sit without grout?
Can You Wait Too Long to Grout Tile? There is no harm in waiting more than 24 hours before you grout your installed tile. As long as the tile surface is kept clean and debris is kept out of the seams between tiles, you can allow your mortar to cure for as long as you wish before grouting.
What happens if you don't grout tile?
Additionally, even if you place tiles right next to each other, there is going to be gaps in between the tiles that without grout, the dirt and debris can fall in those gaps which also increases moisture build up and bacteria growth. You think grout looks dirty, try having actual dirt in between your tiles!
Are there alternatives to grout?
Alternatives to traditional cement-based grout include non-cement grout materials such as epoxy grout, latex additives, caulk, silicone sealant, and urethane grout. Also, consider re-design options such as shower panels, laminated wall panels, or paint.
Is there Groutless tile for showers?
Material and Color Options At Verona Showers we offer several options of groutless shower walls and floors stone. Each option offers distinctive colors and designs for every taste, decor, and budget. All of our groutless shower walls and floors are beautiful, luxurious, durable and easy to maintain.
Are grout lines necessary?
Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Grout is an essential part of your tile installation and choosing the right grout can make all the difference between an installation that looks and performs beautifully over time and one that rapidly deteriorates into a dangerous eye-sore.
Can tiles be butted together?
Industry standards do not recommend butting tiles together whether they are a stone tile or a ceramic tile. The Marble Institute of America recommends at least a 1/8" wide grout joint, but states it should never be any less than 1/16" wide.
Why is grouting necessary?
Grout offers a number of valuable benefits: It gives your floor or wall a crisp finished appearance. it helps keep dirt and debris from getting in between and under your tile. It adds rigidity and strength to the tile installation.
Do you need grout lines?
Grout is a necessary and integral part of many tile jobs for several reasons: It keeps moisture out of the substrate, helps keep tile lines straight and prevents tiles from rubbing against one another and cracking.
Can you use no more gaps as grout?
We would not recommend using No More Gaps or any similar gap sealant as a substitute for Tile Grout. You will also find a tile grout much easier to apply.
Can you use Groutless tile in a shower?
Groutless Bath Walls and Floors in Quartz Silestone Quartz material are ideal for all surfaces in your bath, such as walls, floors, shower pan, tub deck, and the vanity tops. Quartz material are durable, and require no maintenance.
Where to lay tile in a room?
Lay out the tiles directly onto the area where you will install them. Begin in the center of the wall farthest from the door with a full tile, and the next tiles out evenly to each side. This places the cut tiles in the corners or edges of the room where they are less noticeable.
What is a rectified tile?
Rectified tiles are porcelain or ceramic tiles that have been ground down to be perfect and uniform in size and shape. This keeps the tile lines from moving and prevents the tiles from damaging themselves if they rub against one another.
Why do you need grout?
Grout is a necessary and integral part of many tile jobs for several reasons: It keeps moisture out of the substrate, helps keep tile lines straight and prevents tiles from rubbing against one another and cracking. If you truly dislike the look of grout, however, and you plan on installing your tiles in a dry area, ...
How long does mortar need to dry?
Let the mortar dry for 24 hours.
Can you put tile without grout?
Warning. Even with rectified tiles, it is not recommended to lay tiles without grout. Grout helps to protect the tiles against movement in case of the house shifting, it also helps make the tiles easier to care for in wet areas. Whenever possible, use rectified tiles with a 1/16-inch grout joint instead.
Can I Install Tile Without Grout?
This is a question I get asked from time to time. The short answer is no, you should not. Although grout does not add to the stability of the tile installation ( unless it is epoxy grout), you still need to grout it.
How big of a grout line should I use for tile?
If they are within 1/16 inch that is the size grout line you can use safely. Please resist the temptation to install your tile without grout. Grout sucks, believe me, I know. By choosing a matching grout, though, you’ll be happier in the end and your tile will last significantly longer.
How much grout should I use for granite tile?
For most granite and marble tile I install I use either 1/32 or 1/16 inch grout lines. In most other tile I will use 1/16 or 1/8 inch lines.
What happens if you rub two tiles together?
If you continuously rub the edges of two tiles together one or both will eventually chip (and you need to get out of the house more, or at least find another hobby). The expansion and contraction of wood or concrete will do the same thing.
Can you butt tile against grout?
Although in some people’s opinion butting the tiles against one another looks better than having even the smallest grout lines, it is not a recommended installation procedure. Even if all the tiles look like they are the same size I can nearly guarantee they are not.
How much lineal footage do you need for a granite countertop?
Most countertops have a lineal footage of 24 inches. Make sure to add for the tiles you'll need to cover the front lip of the granite tile countertop. Have extra on hand for the breakage factor. Don't forget to subtract for the sink, stovetop or other built-ins you will have on the countertop. You'll also need a 25-pound bag ...
Do you need grout for backsplash tiles?
For cutting, have a honing stone available to soften edges. Plastic spacers are needed to support any backsplash tiles. No grout tile or rectified tiles are cut at an angle so that they may not need grout because they are cut to an accuracy of 0.2 mm and don't have the unaligned look.
Can you cut tile for granite countertop?
This helps prevent damage to the plywood from errant cracks or sealing issues that can occur over time. When planning to install a granite tile countertop, you will need to be able to cut tiles for the front lip for a clean countertop look.
Does seamless tile need grout?
Although it may look as if it has no grout to keep it firmly in place as traditional and small tiles do, a seamless tile installation still needs the security of a layer of grout.
What is grout in tile?
Grout has many virtues. It adds stability to a tiled floor, and it makes flaws in both the floor and the tile less obvious, allowing for small shifts and altera tions to make your floor attractive and tile precise.
Can you use colored grout on a tile floor?
You can purchase colored grout or apply a grout colorant after laying the tile to make the grout the same color as the stone. You can also try mixing a little dust from any tile you cut into the grout or applying dust mixed in a sealer over the grout in order to make it blend in better.
Can you use stone without grout?
To use stone without grout, your floor must be in very good condition; the more perfect and level, the better your results. You can use a tool to measure the deflection, or bounce, in your floor, and a bubble level to see if the floor has a general tilt to it.
Is it possible to make tiles exactly the same size?
Tiles are typically not perfect. Though they may seem all the same shape and size on first glance, tiles are rarely exact, and there can be small variations in size and shape. You can buy tiles that are machined to have perfectly matching edges and be exactly the same size. However, these kinds of tiles will be more expensive than ordinary stone tiles. You'll also need to be exact when making cuts to fit tiles around obstacles or when you encounter a place for partial tiles.
