Should I Put Grout Between Floor And Wall Ceramic Tiles

Grout lines for floor tiles.

Should i put grout between floor and wall ceramic tiles.

Grouting is not difficult to do well but it is even easier to do poorly. Therefore grouting around the base of a tile shower floor seems to make a lot of sense. Since grout doesn t contain latex it can crack with movement. Grout is often considered the last step in a tile installation the one that pulls.

A newly tiled shower floor or countertop is a sight to behold and you ll want to keep it looking its best. Grout fills the joints between tiles. The tile council of north america recommends at least a quarter inch gap between the tile floor and the walls. The sole purpose of grout is to fill the spaces between tiles after the tiles have been glued in place on a floor or on a wall.

Years of use can leave grout looking discolored. If your surface is not level the grout will slope from one tile to another. Work in a small area at a time roughly a 3 x 3 foot section. Most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches but larger versions are available.

One key to success is to remember that grout has a limited working time and can dry before you know it if you grout an area that s too large the grout will set up and become difficult to work with or remove. Use a hard edged rubber grout float and hold it at a 45 degree angle. Grout keeps water out and gives your walls and floors a cleaner look. Special types such as slate or quarry tiles often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing.

This paste can be tinted different colors and is often used between tiles. Place the two tiles upright against the wall. Use this method for both pre mixed and powdered 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.

Grout requires a crevice to hold onto and can prevent tile edges from chipping. Place a fourth tile against those two tiles and on top of the tile to be cut. Spread the material in sweeping arcs pressing it into the joints to fill them completely. When you install ceramic tile on the floor you must take care to create an expansion joint between the walls and the tiled floor.

You should also keep in mind that when tiling over a corner your grout grout joint. It will also account for the space needed for the grout line. This will leave an expansion gap between the tiles and the wall that will allow the floor to expand without causing cracks. Never fill this gap with grout because tile grout is not flexible.

Also grout size should be considered when there is a difference in the angle of a surface. Water should not be able to leak into the walls or down below the shower even if there is not grout or caulk installed at all around the base of a tile shower floor. Pour a quart to half gallon of grout on the tiles.