other than uneven spacing...
2006-07-07 01:59:46 · 10 answers · asked by ladyjno7 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
i want little to no space between tiles
2006-07-07 02:00:19 · update #1
ok, I just read all these answers and apparently none of them are from tile professionals, so here goes...
first of all, tile does NOT expand and contract with temperature changes
second, you want as little grout as possible on a countertop.
Your tiles should be butted against each other with NO spacing except for the little nubs that are built into the sides of the tiles (thats what they're for)
When you install your tiles in this manner, there is no need to worry about uneven spacing, just make sure your first row is straight and the rest will fall right into place. Then you will use an unsanded grout, or better yet, epoxy grout (it resists stains much better but is more expensive and harder to use)
Thats all the advice I can give you with the info you provided.
Good luck!
2006-07-09 07:30:54 · answer #1 · answered by jc1129_us 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need some space to seal the tile edges, otherwise it will end up with food particles down between the tiles, causing possible odor problems and allow germs to grow. Check your grout manufacturer's recommendation for minimum spacing.
The other reason you use spacers is to keep a consistent space between the tiles (looks better). You don't necessarily need to use spacers to do this, but will probably want to use something to gage that the spacing is consistent (maybe a nail?).
2006-07-07 03:27:27 · answer #2 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spacers are to give you room for the grout, but they also help to give a uniform spacing. You could do it by eye, but the chances are that you are going to get a little wonky. I would think spacers help the process go faster without having to fiddle around with none of the putting on and pulling off of tiles.
2006-07-07 02:17:01 · answer #3 · answered by carrie p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a chance when the tiles heat up on a hot day you can develop a crack due to the pressure of the tiles pressing against each other. You may even have the tiles lifting instead of cracking . If you want small gaps between the tiles try using tooth picks
2006-07-07 02:12:59 · answer #4 · answered by grahamhoodsa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spacers provide even grout lines and unless you want your tile to look bad spacers are highly recommended. If you want a thin line purchase spacers that are 1/16. They are inexpensive and provide thin grout lines. Good Luck
2006-07-08 02:41:42 · answer #5 · answered by worldly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it would be difficult to add the grout to it. But you can still do it. If you have a good eye, even without spacer they can be straight. spacers are not to make them even, is to give space in between. But if you want a very thin unnoticeable line, use paper layers in between, specially the one they use for dry walls. To make straight lines, now they have special tools for it, and you can follow the lines with a magic razor.
2006-07-07 02:07:17 · answer #6 · answered by Evy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a HUGE chance that your tiles will be uneven... so i'd go for the spacers,.. the make everything straight..
2006-07-07 03:26:15 · answer #7 · answered by Nikki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When we tiled our kitchen we used plastic strapping, found on some boxes that we had shipped to our house. You could ask just about any store if they have any boxes shipped that way to them and ask for the strapping. it makes about a 1\32 gap between the tile and helps keep it even.
2006-07-07 04:51:28 · answer #8 · answered by Jim 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
grout is nothing more then a window cover for your tiles....... if you use tiles that have built in spacers then great. if not then you use the spacers for uniformity nothing more... if you want it to look good and in line then use the spacers
2006-07-07 05:53:18 · answer #9 · answered by bluedanube69 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do it. Just align the tiles manually and leave a small space for the grout.
2006-07-07 05:30:04 · answer #10 · answered by Handyman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋