Spacing between Vitrified Tiles

[tendlu]

For single charged (aka soluble slat) nano vitrified tiles, do we have to provide any spacing between tiles while laying? or these are joint less tiles?

any pros & cons for with & without spacing?

[sreekbda]

Spacer is used for 2 reasons as far as i know:
1. Aesthetics: 2 MM spacer when used with rustic and wood finish tiles gives a good look.
2. Water Proofing: Better water proofing and can be used in balcony tiles, terrace tiles, and bathroom floor tiles.This is because when a paper joint is made instead of using a spacer, there could be slight gaps between tiles.

My tile layer is saying he need 18/- per sft for laying tiles with spacer and 15/- sft without spacer. Not sure whether this 3 rupee difference is realistic or too much. Anybody with knowledge please share your thoughts.

[tendlu]

thanks sreekbda.

does it mean for internal tiles that is not rustic or wood you don't need a spacer?

[tendlu]

what is the recommended minimum SPACER width between tiles if it is being done only for technical reasons and not for aesthetics?

[Nivas]

I was also researching about the spacing of tiles for my construction, most articles on net suggest tile grout line of at least 1/8th inch(3mm) ,anything less than that would greatly depend on the tile dimension accuracy. you can pick up few tiles and arrange it with the PVC spacers and check what pleases your eyes. Grout line is necessary from technical angle, but I have not seen any strict definition of it.

[ardesarchitects]

Hi ,
Tile spacer is nothing to do with quality of tile you use.Its basically used for purpose of proper laying and give a neat look .
Any tile brand claims to be paper joint is not actually paper joint.It give very uneven thin line that is filled with white cement ,that stays for some time and later give away.
A 3 mm spacer gives a very neat look ,it should be filled with either Cementitious Grouts or epoxy grout.Epoxy grouts are stain proof /water proof and very strong.
Spacer can be used for all tiles but its available only in matt/rough/wax type finish only .So when used with glossy tiles there is a clear difference in the finishing.

Regards
Ar.praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
www.ardesarchitects.com
ardesarchitects@gmail.com

[viksat82]

Dear Praveen,
Is 3mm gaping suggested for bathroom utility etc both floor and wall?
And paper joint for living room, bed room etc. Please suggest.

[ardesarchitects]

Hi , Viksat
3mm Spacer can be used for walls and floor in toilets, utility. Paper joint is recommended if the tiles are A- grade with no variations in sizes ( In general 1 or 2 mm difference will happen depending on the grade ).

Regards,
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com
www.ardesarchitects.com
https://www.facebook.com/ardes.architects

[viksat82]

That means,
Go only for A grade for non water application area
and go for paper joint.
In worst case if there is variation in sizes or tile is not A grade, even for living room go with 3 mm gap and go for grouting?

[ardesarchitects]

HI Vikast82
Yes my personal choice is always 3mm gap and epoxy grout for any space. I generally prefer satin or Matt finish tiles since they look fresh and scratch resistant compared to glossy finish.

Regards,
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com
http://www.ardesarchitects.com
https://www.facebook.com/ardes.architects