How wide are grout lines when tiling a backsplash behind a kitchen sink.

Question

I was told 1/16 of an inch. But that seems awfully small.

Answer 1

You can use pennies as spacers I've done it many times. If you do make sure that you use grout that doesn't have sand in it. Any grout line that is wider then 1/8th inch use sanded grout  

Answer 2

It really depends on the tile.  Mosts tiles will have little tabs built in to the sides that will determine the smallest space available between the tiles.  You can always use spacers to make it bigger.

If you go with smaller spacing between, make sure you use a grout with fine sand.

Answer 3

I use matchsticks as spacers.  They are around 1/16".  That is all that is required.  There are plastic spacers available that can be recessed and stay in place beneath the grout.  But I am one of the 'old-timers' and prefer to use matchsticks.

Answer 4

For 4'' tiles up to 1/8'' , 6'' up to 1/4''

Answer 5

The only rule is what pleases your "eye."  Smaller grout lines (1/16inch) mean less maintenance.  After all, a lot can fly on to the backsplash behind a kitchen sink.  I just had 18x18 tiles laid with 1/16-inch grout lines in my foyer.    I think what is more important is the grout color.  Making sure it blends NOT contrasts (or stands out) with the tile.  

For maximum grout protection, I recommend purchasing a Tile Lab's SurfaceGard Penetrating Grout Sealer (20 year guarantee) from Home Depot.  Also, available is a plastic bottle with a roller tip for easy grout sealer application. Wait 72 hours after grouting before sealing.  Nothing will penetrate this sealer.  The sealer company in Calif. has outstanding customer service reps that will guide you.  I applied 2 coats to my foyer.  It was so easy and I saved over $100 in a contractor's labor cost.

Answer 6

As long as they are even it's really personal preference. Some people even use contrasting grout color to make the lines stand out --not my tastes, but it works for some people.

Answer 7

Small grout lines such as 1/16" can be nice - with the right type of grout (with out sand ) it doesn't crack as easily.

Spacers from a home improvement flooring section have different common spacers -  and the sizing of the grout lines depends on your choice of tile size and personal taste.

For 12" tiles - 1/8 to 3/16" looks nice.

Use sanded grout for these wider joints.

The joint space must look good to you,  I like a 3/16" to 1/4" Joint on the floor, http://www.homeplansforfree.com/Free-Bat... with 1/16" to 1/8" max for 4" wall tiles. http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Copper... is installed with 1/16" spacing. When grouted 1/16" looks like 1/8" or wider.

lf tile spacing is less than 1/8" - use unsanded grout.

Answer 8

you get spacers to put between the tiles

that makes sure they are all uniform

they are uber cheap for a huge bag

and then you pull em out and throw them away