Can you do tile without 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?
Do you have to have a gap between tiles?
When laying wall or floor tiles, it’s important to leave the right amount of space around each tile. For smaller tiles is advisable to use small spacers. As the tiles increase in size a larger gap becomes acceptable. The large format 18 inch tiles should have ¼ inch space in between.
Is there such a thing as waterproof grout?
Contrary to popular belief, ceramic tile and grout, by themselves are not waterproof. Water can penetrate through cement-based grout and work its way through the substrate. To prevent water damage, you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible.
How big a gap can you grout?
Fill gaps up to 1/4 inch in width with caulk. If you have tile on the wall adjoining the tub, select a caulk that matches the color of the grout. If your gap is smaller than 1/8 inch in width, use regular caulk; fill gaps larger than 1/8 inch with a sanded caulk.
What is the best waterproof grout?
Epoxy grout is water resistant and made from resins and fillers that help it work like a sealing adhesive. Epoxy grout is a better choice for showers, kitchen, bathrooms, and other damp areas because it is stain resistant and requires no sealing, unlike cement-based grout.
Can silicone be used instead of grout?
Silicone is advantageous to fill gaps over grout because it ensures watertight sealing. The sealing is so secure that it’s airtight as well! As a result, no bacteria can enter between the tile gaps. Grouts mixed with latex are waterproof.
Should grout be level with tiles?
The shaping of the grout is important for aesthetic reasons; you always want grout to fall just a bit below the surface of the tile because the grout is much softer than the tile and needs that added little bit of protection from traffic. Otherwise, it will wear away before its time.
Is it hard to grout tile?
Grouting is not difficult to do well, but it is even easier to do poorly. 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.
