I tiled my backsplash with 6x3 subway tile..1st time ever..did not space them, do I NEED to grout?

Question

also I did not beat them into place just pressed them into place..I was working off advice from friend will that be ok? it looks good without grout but someone said I need to grout it

Answer 1

if your tile is a wall tile, then there should be a slight built in space. Use an unsanded grout to keep all those nasty things from getting into the joints. Beating them in isn't that big a deal if you presses them in good.

Answer 2

Yes, you need to do both items otherwise your work is doomed to fall apart in the near future. The beating them in is not actually a beating but an even tap to seat them properly. If the tile is not seated securely & evenly there is a good chance moisture will get behind it and lead to its failure. Once the mud hardens behind it too, the tile will not be held in place evenly and the chance of coming loose exist.

Backer-Board is required to provide you with an " Even" surface, you can even out the surface your working on if you wish but for most of us it is so much simplier to just put the backer-board up and continue to work from that even surface.

Grout is necessary to prevent moisture & debris from getting behind the tile. The tile will expand & contract as the temperture of the surrounding environment changes. To allow for this expansion you need to provide a slight gap between the tile and nearby surfaces ( including other tiles) and this is filled in with the grout, which also prevents moisture from getting behind the tile causing failure & deterioration of the mud & backer-board.

Personally, any new job is a learning experience. You did it once so I would take it down, prep the area properly and redo it the proper way so that you'll really be happy over time with the job done today. If you're satisfied with the job you ended up with, even if it begins to fail - then it won't matter what anyone else thinks is a proper install or not. it is your job, your place meant to please " You."

Answer 3

I think its okay if its your kitchen back splash, if it was a shower or tub you'd probably be in trouble since they get much more wet.

In kitchens its really more decorative, if its behind the sink though be careful with splashing. Is there any space at all to get some grout in?

I used 16" square slate tiles in my shower, and they were butted up directly to each other with no spacers, but used just a little grout in between to seal it up. Then I applied 2-3 coats of stone/tile sealer to make it more water tight.