What is grout?

Grout is the material you see between the tiles. Its purpose is to fill the space between the tiles and to support them. There are two major categories of grout:

• Portland cement based grouts
• epoxy-based grouts

There are two basic types: sanded or non-sanded. Sanded grouts should be utilized when grout joints are 1/8" or larger. Non-sanded grouts should be utilized when grout joints are 1/8" or smaller.

Why are spacers used in tiling?

Spacers are designed to allow expansion between tile and stone. Ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles can expand or contract with heat, cold and moisture changes in the environment. The expansion or contraction can rarely be visualized with the naked eye. Yet, it is still present. Ceramic, stone, and porcelain tiles are susceptible to movement. (Many times anti-fracture membranes are utilized because of the movement in structures) Tile installations can be easily ruined by movement or shifts in structures or foundations. Ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile can crack, and lift due to improperly placed or designed expansion joints. I would never do a job without considering the proper spacing for the project.

How do I know where to start on laying out floor tile?

When tiling one room, take the measurement in both directions. This will let you know where to place full tiles or cuts that are necessary. If you find that you have lots of small cuts, (less than 1/3 of a tile) at one wall, it will be more appealing if you shift the tiles so that the larger fuller tiles are used. If needed, you may cut the tile at both ends of the walls.

The best approach is to identify the longest wall and establish the working grid. Working grids are lines on the floor made with chalk, or crayons. These lines may be moved several times during layout to get the best possible look. The idea is to get fullness of tiles wherever possible.