Laying tiles has its little tricks and things that have to be checked down to the smallest detail. One of them is the correct spacing between them. Using simple tools may not get the job done right, and laser equipment is expensive. However, there is a simpler solution to the job and that is tile spacers. These are the perfect solution if you want to lay your tiles straight and keep just the right amount of space between them.
Tile spacers come in a variety of shapes and are different depending on what you want to achieve. Probably the most common is the cross shaped spacer. You can get one at any hardware store and it’s cheap too. All spacers are molded from plastic and this makes them reusable. Be sure to wash them after each use, as tile adhesive will ruin their shape over time.
Why do tile spacers help and why is spacing so important? As said, spacers help to lay tiles in a perfect pattern without relying on expensive methods or ineffective techniques. Before you start cutting and laying the tiles in the room, you will need to set the spacing between the tiles. That’s important because you don’t want to cut tiles to fill in corners or areas next to walls, because this will ruin the design of the floor and you definitely don’t want that. If you refuse to use tile spacers and try to do the entire process by eye, this will likely result in uneven grouts and an unwanted asymmetrical feel. What you want to avoid that asymmetry is to place your tiles in a grid.
When deciding how much space you want to have between your tiles, keep in mind that this will also be the width of your grout line when you’re done with the project. In Australia the standards are that the minimum floor space is not less than 3mm and the minimum wall space is 1.5mm. Sizes vary, but do not exceed 6mm for the gap between floor and wall tiles. These sizes are chosen because they give the final project a uniform and proportional look.
The spacers chosen are determined solely by the look you want to achieve and their aesthetic value. There are also no specified standards on the relationship between the sizes of the tiles and the width of the grouts between them. However, for obvious reasons, the tiles and spacing should be adjusted with a minimal amount of cutting so that they cover the entire area.
There are a couple of tips to know when choosing the right spacer. For example, if you want to tile a floor that has its damage and is uneven, you should not use large spaces and opt for small ones. This will reduce maintenance costs and you won’t have to do the whole process again in a couple of years.
Mosaics and grout need regular maintenance, regardless of the methods, technology, and equipment used to lay them. Once a year or so, the tile should be resealed to prevent moisture from entering.