Granite tiles have a smooth surface and clean looking edge that leads many homeowners to wonder if they need a large grout joint or space between the tiles. Granite tiles require a minimum of a 1/16-inch grout joint or space between them for installation. Does this Spark an idea?
Straight Lines of Tile
Granite tiles may appear to be perfectly square and even in shape and size. In fact, like nearly all tiles, there are slight irregularities between tile sizes. Some tiles may be very slightly out of square, while others may be very slightly smaller or larger than those that surround them. Spaces between the tiles are there in part to help make up for these size discrepancies. If the tiles were to be butted together with no space, they would not line up in even rows, but would jog and move and even create irregular spaces between corners. Spaces help to keep the rows of tile regular and straight.
Protecting the Stone
While the tops of granite tiles are polished and ground to a smooth surface, the sides of the tiles are not. In fact many granite tiles still retain the saw marks from manufacturing on the sides. Were these tiles to be butted against one another with no space, any movement or flexing of the house, installation or substrate would cause the tiles to rub against one another. Because the sides of the granite tiles are not smooth, they will not slip against one another easily. This can lead to chips, cracks and broken tiles over time. A small space between the tiles helps protect them from this damage.
Moisture Barrier
The space between the granite tiles can be as large as 1/4 inch or as small as 1/16 inch, depending on your preference. Regardless of what size the space is, it must be filled with a substance, either epoxy or cement, known as grout. Grout helps stabilize the tiles in place so damage doesn't occur, and it also helps protect the substrate below. While granite can be sealed to keep moisture out, the tiles cannot be fit tightly enough together to prevent moisture from cleaning solution or spills from getting in. The grout that fills the spaces between the tiles acts as a moisture barrier, preventing moisture damage to the area below the tiles. This, in turn, helps keep the tiles firmly adhered.
Ease of Cleaning
Granite tiles have a very slight bevel to the top of each edge. This bevel is put in place so the tiles can be installed with a very tight grout joint of 1/16 inch. The tile bevels away to allow more grout to fill the space, protecting the tile. If the tiles were to be butted together, this small bevel would still provide space between the tiles. Dirt, dust, crumbs and other debris can become easily trapped in this small bevel, which can make the installation unsanitary. Widening the gap enough to allow grout to fill it properly will help make the installation easier to clean.
Tags: between tiles, against another, grout joint, space between, space between tiles