Making sure the gap between tiles is proper and aligned is regarded as an important step of wall and floor tiling. It is also the trick and the thing that you need to grasp and check to the smallest details before installation. Compared with pricey laser equipments, there is a common solution and that’s tile spacers. Though simple and little, they do can help you a lot. Without them, your tiling project may end up with a disaster. In case your sweet house becomes a mess, you need to know the principles of how to use a spacer. Otherwise, judging gap size only by eyes is very likely to ruin the finished look of your design and make you do the work once again. 

The most significant principle of using spacers is to make sure your tiles laid down straight. Tile spacers have many shapes. Each shape has its corresponding application. The most versatile should be the cross-like spacer. You can also find round top spacer with a T-shaped bottom or a knob top for easy removal. Most spacers are made of plastic so that they can be used many times. Remember to wash them as soon as possible every time after finishing a tiling, hence adhesive is hard to wipe away and will make the measurement inaccurate.

As mentioned above, the reason why using spacers during tiling is to make tiles settled orderly without relying on other costly methods and tools. Don’t rush to cut the tiles to fill the corners or joints between two surfaces. It is the last thing you should think of, as fragmentary tiles will destroy the beauty of your tiling project. The very first thing you should do is to make a layout. A well-designed layout grid can help you achieve an even and symmetrical tiled surface.    

Spacers come in different materials and sizes. The size of spacers will determine the consistent gap of the grout line. There are several common options: 1/4”,1/2”, 3/4”, 1/8”, 1/16”. It is considered 1/4” and 3/8” are the two most popular sizes that can make the stone and glass mosaic wall tiles present a concise look after grouting. Generally speaking, the minimum spacing for floors is no less than 3mm and for walls is 1.5mm. The measurement of the tiles and the final look you expect are going to decide which size of spacer you should apply. However, it is actually not a fixed rule that you must follow. It changes with the situation. For example, it is workable to both use smaller and bigger spacers to have your tiles fit best on the wall or floor in the case of less-cutting. But many times you have to stick to the rule. For instance, small spacing will help make the maintenance easier because the grout will stay tight and you will not necessarily re-grout the tiles often. And there is another tip. When tiling a floor, choose small spacers rather than the big ones, as experience tells it is the only way to have a flawless and even flooring.

When tiling any type of tile, you are supposed to find the grout that perfectly fits your tile. The purpose of tile grout is to stick the tiles tightly together and keep the gap from moisture and any dirty debris. There are many grout options in color and brand. If you expect your shower room convey an aura of coziness, then combination of light colored tile and darker color grout may be your top choice. Also, lighter color grout can make your room space look more open, especially when going with large-size decorative ceramic tile.   

When you make your final decision of the spacing size, you should also be noted that tile and grout need maintenance. Having frequent cleaning and repairing can your tiled wall or floor stay sparkling as long as possible. 

MM-Mosaic is one of an experienced tile producers providing a great variety of mosaic tiles online in numerous color, pattern and shape. Welcome to visit us at http://www.mm-mosaic.com/ for more innovative wall and floor tile design ideas.