Minimal Grout Lines
If you want to know why grout-less installation may cause problems and what is the proper way to reduce grout lines, please keep reading.“
When remodeling floors, bathrooms, or kitchens, almost everyone wants the smallest possible grout lines between their tiles. Some even want to install their tiles with no grout at all.
Since this is what customers often request, many installers and contractors take pride in creating very close grout lines, considering it a sign of high-quality work. However, only a few understand that the look should not compromise longevity. These knowledgeable professionals would say: No! Tiles cannot be put too close together.
Before we explain further, let’s define grout.
What is Grout?
According to Merriam-Webster, grout is a thin mortar used for filling spaces (such as the joints in masonry).
We need to fill the space between tiles to prevent any liquid from seeping through and to avoid humidity that will eventually cause mold and mildew.
Installation With No Grout
Today, car keys are little electronic remote controllers that function with a battery. They are designed to be airtight to keep dust out.
Recently, I had to change my car key’s battery. When I opened it, I was amazed by the amount of dust inside.
When we install tiles without grout, they are not airtight and are in direct contact with water.
Imagine if, in three years, a significant amount of dust can get into an airtight car remote. How much water will seep under tiles that are not airtight?
When water gets underneath, it causes humidity. This humidity then creates mold and mildew.
If you have marble, limestone, travertine, or any sort of natural stone installed without grout, your stone most likely has changed color. This discoloration isn’t because natural stone is bad. It’s due to mold and mildew created by excessive humidity underneath your tiles.
Tiles are a product that can last longer than anything else in your house. However, improper grout lines not only cause mold and mildew but may also allow moisture to seep into the cement underneath the tile. Over time, this moisture can deteriorate the cement, leading to cracks and compromising the integrity of your floor.
What are the minimal grout lines for installation?
Every manufacturer recommends 5/64″.
The minimal 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 as small as 1/32″, often referred to as “credit card lines” or “penny lines,” it’s impossible to fill that space all the way to the bottom of the tile. In such cases, the grout pops up, leaving little holes in your floor.
If you insist on having a very small seam, the proper way to reduce the seam is to use a tile larger than 24″ x 24″, without eliminating the grout that protects your floors. The larger the tile size, the fewer the number of joints. Fewer joints mean fewer areas to grout. Therefore, using larger tiles is the right way to reduce the amount of grout. Besides, large tiles create a spacious feel in the room.
Also, keep in mind that today’s high-tech grouts are stain-resistant and easy to clean, making maintenance effortless. By choosing a grout color similar to your large tiles, those 1/16″ grout lines become virtually invisible, giving your floor a seamless and sophisticated look.
