Evershine - Tiles Spacers

Tile spacers are plastic objects either made in T or crossed shapes that are placed between the tiles to maintain a constant and consistent spacing between the tiles. The spacer creates a gap that is filled by grout, which would finally give a symmetrical finish to the surface.

Selecting the size of spacer required for a job is often down to personal preference. As such it is recommended that you get the customers opinion on what they would prefer (as the spacers will dictate the width of the grout lines, which are a strong feature of the overall floor/wall design). As long as the job is completed in a way that will be long lasting (i.e. allowing for the movement of tiles for stress relief - 2mm is usually sufficient for walls and 3mm for floors) then the aesthetic side can usually be left to the customer.

Taking British Standards into consideration (as well as common practice) it is recommended that wall spacers are 2-3mm (with 2mm covering the majority of requirements) and floor spacers 3-5mm.

Why do you need to leave grout space between tiles?

The main reason for providing gap between the tiles is to accommodate for slight sizing differences from tile to tile that are created during the manufacturing process. The gap enables the installer to adjust the tile to compensate for these sizing differences and allow for a straight grout line. Due to the technology incorporated in the manufacturing of tile today, there is very little variation in size and therefore grout joint widths are generally much smaller than they have been in the past. Typically, the grout joints should be minimum of 1-2mm. This specification is mentioned in BS 5385-1 of 2009.

Also, tiles are subject to thermal expansion & contraction, and these small gaps prevent any possible cracking of the tiles or their detaching from the basis. Laying tiles with small gaps also prevents problems in case of mechanical damage to one of them. If the tiles were indeed laid out without joints, it would not have been possible to safely remove one of them.

Installing tiles with no grout line would reduce the space between tiles to the minimum but would not eliminate it. The remaining space would allow water to seep between bathroom wall tiles and for dust and dirt to accumulate in the gap between kitchen floor tiles. Hence, without tile joint grouting, tile fixing is half done process.

Tile spacers allow you to keep your floor level and ensure that each tile is properly grouted with the right amount of product. If your tiles are too close together, you risk damage if they expand. They could also become dislodged or chipped. Spacers provide a more secure, durable surface.

How to use tile spacers: starting work

Locate the centre of the room (both length-wise and width-wise) and use a chalk line or laser level to create a gridline. This will ensure your first tile and spacers are aligned in a straight line and in the centre.
Lay your first tile in-line with your reference point (either the chalk line or laser level).
After your first tile is laid, put a spacer on each corner of the tile (ensuring they are flush).
Note: When using floor tiles it is also recommended to use two "square" spacers per side (in addition to the plus spacers on each corner). This provides additional accuracy along the length of the tile. You can turn a "plus" shaped spacer on its side to create a "square" spacer.
Place the next tile against the spacers of your first tile. Then place additional spacers against the remaining corners of the new tile.
Repeat this process, expanding the wall/floor outwards using the spacers at the edges of each tile to keep a consistent distance between tiles.
When you come to an area where you do not need a four sided "plus sign" spacer use a T-shaped spacer. Place the "T-shaped spacer" with the flat end against the wall or other surface. Alternatively, you can break one "leg" off a normal "plus" spacer to make a "T" spacer.
Remove the spacers (using either your fingers or needle/snipe nosed pliers) after the tiles have been placed but before the adhesive fully seals. This time varies however it is usually 20-30 minutes (check the manufacturers information on the product packaging for accurate drying times).
You can now begin the grouting process, which closes the space between the tiles, bonding them together tightly and providing a waterproof seal.