The tile council of north america and accompanying tile organizations recommend an average grout joint width of 3 16 inch for every 1 16 inch variation in the size of the tiles.
Grout size for 12x24 wall tile.
Let s talk about grout size options.
They also suggest adding to this width.
This movement can cause the grout to crack and if sufficiently severe can cause tile to crack.
Grout lines for floor tiles.
Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time.
Using 12x24 tiles in bathroom should tile run same direct.
Also make sure you get a quality tile since 12 x 24 is a very large tile and i ve seen a lot of breakage with cheaper tile done by inexperienced tilesetters.
Grout that is insufficiently packed into the joint.
If insufficient force is used while grouting wall tile it is easy to bridge the joint where the grout does not penetrate to the back of the joint.
This most often occurs with wall tile.
Tcna recommends a minimum 1 8 grout joint for rectified tile and minimum 3 16 grout joint for calibrated tile.
As a general rule floor tiles should have grout lines of 1 8 inch or larger depending on the type and size of tile.
Actual finished grout spaces will vary from 1 8 to 1 4 if 3 16 spacers are used.
The difference is not really noticeable visually but can make a big difference to the quality of the installation.
Daltile recommends that large tiles have a 1 8 or 3 16 minimum grout joint for the most successful installation.
Special types such as slate or quarry tiles often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing.
For example if you take two 12 inch tiles and compare them side to side and there is a variation of 1 16 inch in the two tiles you are recommended to use at least a 3.
Finished grout lines will vary from 1 16 to 3 16.
If smaller spacers like 1 8 are used it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile.
With your 12 24 tiles you should use a 1 2 notched trowel on the wall and back butter each tile but just with a skim coat.
Grout joint for staggered brick joint patterns.
Most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches but larger versions are available.
The wider spacing will help to accommodate placement of tile and maintaining straight lines.