Is a 3/16" grout line too large for a shower application?

Question

I'm redoing my bathroom and I've chosen 3/16" spacers for floor and wall tiles. I'm going to be tiling the shower area and much of the non-shower (non wet) area with 6" tiles. I'm beginning to think that a 3/16" grout line is too large for the wet area. Is this a problem? Will the larger grout line leave more room for water to penetrate the grout? Will it look weird aesthetically if I go with 1/8 or something in the shower and 3/16 in the dryer areas?

Thanks for your opinions!

Answer 1

If a room had two different grout lines on the wall, I would definitely notice. Also, different grout lines would mean different layouts. The 3/16" section would not line up with the 1/8" section. If you think it won't look bad though, that's all that really matters. Try laying the tiles out on the floor, both patterns side by side and imagine what it will look like on your wall.
Now, there is no reason structurally that you can't use a 3/16" grout line in wet areas. If you seal the grout you won't have to worry about water soaking into it. Since the tiles are only 6" though, I would tend to use a smaller grout line. It's entirely up to you, you obviously like 3/16" lines or you wouldn't be asking this Q. Have fun.

Answer 2

Smaller grout lines are better. Smaller grout lines are easier to clean and maintain. Also smaller grout line will hold less mold and mildew. You will regret wide grout lines if you use them. I do alot of tiling. Also use darker grouts they show less staining.