Large tile combined with minimal grout joints creates a host of installation issues and this article both explores and explains some forthcoming changes as well as challenges in achieving an aesthetically pleasing and correctly installed rectified tile product. Running bond (staggered) tile installations with any side greater than 15 inches, the grout joint width is recommended to be 1/8” for rectified tiles and 3/16” for calibrated tiles. Installation of rectified tiles allows grout lines much narrower than the standard width and as thin as less than 1/8-inch. ” Even with the most modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, no two porcelain tiles are identical. So in general there is not a specific standard for the size of a grout joint especially when you consider what a large tile is and there being no reference to rectified tile. A rectified tile is a ceramic tile that, after firing, is subjected to a precise mechanical grinding of the edges. For years, the industry and Dal-Tile have recommended that Rectified tiles can be installed with a 1/16" grout joint. JanFreeman. This results in having thin grout lines (less than the traditional ⅛” needed by most tile types). Back to Flooring & Floor Covering Next topic | Previous topic. The minimum grout joint width should be increased by the amount of edge warpage it has; assuming it … All Rights Reserved. And tile as large as 48” is becoming common. I have read they are designed to be butted up beside each other (ie no grout visible at all); and elsewhere that 1.5mm is the minimum; but still elsewhere that 1.5mm is the minimum on walls but 3mm is the minimum for floors. Editorial Note: There are other rep groups that will provide statements about the suitability of the use of large format rectified tile with the 1/16th grout line. Rectified tiles are consistent in size and therefore ideal to combine with narrow grout joints. Rectified tiles laid with 3mm & grey grout. Flooring & Floor Covering. Tile Variation (Differences in Shape) There is less variation in rectified tiles, which produce the same size tile. Rectified Tile Installation Preparation. All rights, Creative Solutions to architectural library management. Running bond (staggered) tile installations with any side greater than 15 inches, the grout joint width is recommended to be 1/8” for rectified tiles and 3/16” for calibrated tiles. This means larger grout lines, 3/16 inch for example, are necessary to achieve a polished look without emphasizing these variations. As they are baked in the kiln, there is a slight amount of shrinking and warping. Rectified tile is available in both porcelain and ceramic. A small grout line width, about 1/16 inch, is possible if the flooring tile is consistent in size (also called a rectified tile as mentioned above). The size of grout lines for tile is something that comes up on almost every tile installation. This thickness leaves room for the natural variation in size… JanFreeman. Grout lines on walls usually do not exceed 1/16 inch because the tiles need to be stacked to help support them during installation. It is because the exclusivity of this tile comes from its finishing. Even with rectified tiles, it is not recommended to lay tiles without grout. Go to page 1, 2 Next. Finished grout lines will vary from 1/16" to 3/16". Both porcelain and ceramic tiles can create up to a 1.5% variation in size during the firing process. © Copyright 2020 Daltile. Due to this precision, rectified tiles are the perfect choice for fitting with a finer grout joint creating a clean, even and seamless finish. In response, the new TCNA (Tile Council of North America) Handbook addresses this issue by recommending that the width of the grout joint used be determined by the ANSI A108.02 specification which states that the actual grout joint size shall be at least 3 times the actual variation of facial dimensions of the tile. Uncured setting material may bleed through the joints and discolor the grout. Choosing a Grout width small grout Joints. The Appropriate grout joint width for Rectified Tiles Provided by Jeff Eassa of Daltile Rectified tiles continue to increase in popularity, particularly in the commercial arena. All ceramic and stone large format tile (greater than 15”) requires a minimum 1/16” grout joint according to ANSI. To simplify: Rectified tiles, regardless of size, shall have a grout joint width no less than 1/8". A rectified edge allows for smaller grout lines because the tile has been more precisely cut (unlike our other handmade tiles).There is less irregularity with rectified tiles, so less spacing is needed between each piece. We recommend unsanded grout for joints up to 1/8 inch wide. It also says that for tiles with any side greater than 15" installed in an offset pattern (called running bond or broken joint pattern) that the grout joint width should be a minimum of 1/8" for rectified tiles (more precisely sized by grinding) and a minimum of 3/16" for calibrated tiles (not rectified). The very thin grout line makes for an almost-seamless look (especially if you choose a grout color that closely matches the color of your tile). Rectified tiles continue to increase in popularity, particularly in the commercial arena. This creates a clean, symmetrical, seamless appearance that some modern homeowners prefer. Tile longer than 15” tends to have slight variations to it that cause complications for successful installation in a brick joint pattern. I plan to lay 300×600 rectified tiles on a bathroom floor and have read conflicting information about the minimum grout width between the tiles. The issue at hand seems to be that the TCNA based its ruling on field experience with a broad selection of tile, whereas some vendors are confident that their quality controls are sufficient to allow for the much reduced "margin of error." So, for those that aren’t a fan of the “natural look” or “classic look”, rectified tile grout lines will do wonders. Ann Sacks Reveal metallic glass tile, Available through Empire Kitchen & Bath. In addition, we will no longer recommend in our literature that Rectified and Non-Rectified large format rectangle sizes (Ex: 12" x 24") can be installed in a brickwork or running bond pattern where the overlap is 50%. Quarry tiles can also need larger grout joints — up to a 10mm joint — because they are subject to thermal movement and will expand and contract in different climate. Small ceramic tiles can be very forgiving but large (18 to 20 square inch tiles) demand perfect installation conditions … Shower designs that feature impressive large-format tiles make envied focal points. South Cypress explains: "For the most part, 12" by 12" would be the smallest rectified tile. It's a nice neat job. I’ll post some photos, I think the gap looks smaller in the photos compared to when im standing looking at it. Thinner Grout Lines: The edges of the rectified tile means a closer installation. $165/12” x 24” tile. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles can create up to a 1.5% variation in size during the firing process. Browse Forums. Made in the USA … They are 1.6mm thick. Rectified tiles laid with 3mm & grey grout. Copyright © 2002-2011 Library Resources & its licensors. There are some guidelines that need to be followed but the actual size is more of a personal choice than it is a set width. However, the tile floor in my aunt’s house has what would normally be an insignificant ¼” grout line. For more information about installation requirements read our expert advise, How To Install Large Format Tile. Grouting tile too soon, before the setting material has set-up, can lead to problems. There are primarily two reasons for a rectified tile: a larger tile size (i.e., greater than 15" or 16" in any direction) and minimal grout lines. Note the side where no regular border appears; that's where the tile was cut. It's always relative to the quality, type and size of tile that you're after, but rectified tiles usually cost more than non-rectified tiles of a similar standard, because there's a bit more work that goes into producing them. Daltile recommends that large tiles have a 1/8” or 3/16” minimum grout joint for the most successful installation. The edges of the rectified tile are what make it different. The issue of ceramic tiles cracking grows exponentially as the size of the tile gets bigger. The Appropriate grout joint width for Rectified Tiles Provided by Jeff Eassa of Daltile Rectified tiles continue to increase in popularity, particularly in the commercial arena. $165/12” x 24” tile. There are primarily two reasons for a rectified tile: a larger tile size (i.e., greater than 15" or 16" in any direction) and minimal grout lines. Share. First: 1 of 2: Last: Reply. They are more dimensionally consistent in length and width, straightness of sides and rectangularity of non-rectified tiles. For years, the industry and Dal-Tile have recommended that Rectified tiles can be installed with a 1/16" grout joint. A small grout line width, about 1/16 inch, is possible if the flooring tile is consistent in size (also called a rectified tile as mentioned above). by JanFreeman. Keep in mind, however, that there is still a little ‘wiggle room’ during installation. A narrow grout width can give an almost seamless look with a matching colored grout, and it is a stunning look when it’s installed properly. will be significantly more stringent than calibrated tile. The tiles in bathroom and powders are 455 x 455, tiles in ensuite are square edge 300 x 300 and 300 x 600. Use a 4' straight edge to pick out the ones that are out of tolerance. TCNA recommends a minimum 1/8" grout joint for rectified tile and minimum 3/16" grout joint for calibrated tile. With the rise in popularity of long porcelain planks, even though the edges of such tiles may be rectified and the tiles may not have any wedging, the widening of the grout joint width may be necessary to address any inherent warpage that those products tend to display along an edge or diagonal due to their elongated shapes. Should grout be darker than tile, lighter or match? A rectified tile is one that has had all sides mechanically fin-ished to achieve a more precise facial dimension. This kind of tile is cut down to an exact square, at a 90-degree angle. This mechanical finishing most commonly includes the use of pre- Even small variations can throw off the pattern of the tile if adjustments are not made in the grout joint. Non-rectified tile are tiles with natural uneven edges that require a wider grout line. Rectified tile is not an exclusive kind of tile of its own. But, allow tile to set firmly before grouting. These tiles provide a very clean, symmetrical look, and allow for extremely fine grout lines of 3mm or less (typically using unsanded grout, which is most appropriate for thin grout lines). For example, if the edge warping of a rectified tile is 1/32", the minimum grout joint is 1/8" + 1/32" = 5/32". Share. I just know the builder will say 3-5mm is standard..... so I probably don’t have a … A tight, 1/8" grout space will allow the pattern to flow nicely from one tile to the next. Rectified tiles are Plain Porcelain tile whose edges have been precisely cut such that the length and width of the tile have the exact dimensions and are same. Some parts of this article are going to be a little rougher reading than most. If the stagger of the brick joint pattern will be greater than 18”, ANSI and Daltile recommend that the offset not be greater than 33% to avoid unevenness. That being said, when we install a porcelain, rectified tile of the size you have, we use a 1/16th grout joint and grout specified for that size (the client may not provide the grout - that is our job as a professional who understands the correct products for each application). Leading grout experts share how to select the perfect type of grout for your tile. They also suggest adding to this width the amount of edge warping on the longest edge. Page 1 of 2 21 replies. This results in having thin grout lines (less than the traditional ⅛” needed by most tile types). When Do You Need a Rectified Tile? 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. Lippage should be no more than 1/3 the width of the grout joint. Made in the USA … They are 1.6mm thick. More. So tile with a 3/16" grout joint should have no more than 1/16" lippage. ... Only available in certain sizes (the standard minimum size is 300×300 mm) Rectified tiles are usually more expensive than regular ones. What is rectified tile? Once the new document is adopted, it will hopefully bring more clarity to the marketplace regarding what is and what is not rectified tile. 01 Nov 2010. TCNA recommends a minimum 1/8" grout joint for rectified tile and minimum 3/16" grout joint for calibrated tile. For example, if the edge warping of a rectified tile is 1/32", the minimum grout joint is 1/8" + 1/32" = 5/32". Rectified tile can be installed with smaller grout lines, which can make the space of the tile appear bigger, and therefore, the space looks bigger. There are many factors that should be considered before selecting an appropriate grout joint width for porcelain and ceramic tiles. Rectified tiles generally allow for thinner grout lines at least 1/8”. Rectified tiles with a square edge can have tight tile joints but if your tile has a cushion edge, you would most likely need a 3-5mm grout joint. This gives you the impression of a seamless look across an entire floor. Large format tile installation needs to be considered differently from regular tile installation. Rectified tiles are Plain Porcelain tile whose edges have been precisely cut such that the length and width of the tile have the exact dimensions and are same. A small grout line width, about 1/16 inch, is possible if the flooring tile is consistent in size (also called a rectified tile as mentioned above). The benefit of rectified tiles is that they may be laid closer together, with as little as a 1.3mm, to create a nearly seamless look. So in general there is not a specific standard for the size of a grout joint especially when you consider what a large tile is and there being no reference to rectified tile. Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout. Medium-sized grout line widths — 1/8 to 1/4 inch — require the use of sanded grout and are... Large Grout Joints. All other cuts of tile, from tumbled to chiseled to punched, contain slight variations in shape and size. The secret no professional will tell you is there is really no set or absolute proper size for your grout lines. Non-rectified, hand-crafted or artisanal tiles, on the other hand, have variation in shape from tile to tile, and also within the same tile. Even with rectified tiles, it is not recommended to lay tiles without grout. 7. As a result, Dal-Tile is changing its recommended grout joint width to be 1/8" for all of its Rectified tiles. However, from the contractor’s perspective, installations have become more time consuming and difficult to ensure compliant installations when attempting to install a Rectified tile with a 1/16" grout joint. As a result, Dal-Tile is changing its recommended grout joint width to be 1/8" for all of its Rectified tiles. To simplify: Rectified tiles, regardless of size, shall have a grout joint width no less than 1/8". That includes grout joints too. In order to minimize size variation from one tile to another, more than what can be achieved by calibration alone, a tile can be rectified. We have several mosaics that are 1" by 1" or 2" by 2" and are cut (and therefore technically rectified), but they are mesh mounted and the grout joint is predetermined." Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout. Rectified tile is cut during production so that every tile is the exact same size, and the edges are cut so precisely that tile can lay closer together. This would be immediately noticeable and unattractive. However, large tile can be challenging to install. … Daltile also recommends a minimum grout joint of 3/16” to decrease any unevenness in large and heavy tile installations. Grout line widths are a personal preference. Quarry tiles can also need larger grout joints — up to a 10mm joint — because they are subject to thermal movement and will expand and contract in different climate. You Want a Clean, Precise Grout Line. Those tiles look great. The difference is not really noticeable visually, but can make a big difference to the quality of the installation. As stated, the grout is rectified porcelain ceramic tile so there isn't a pillowed edge. In response, the new TCNA (Tile Council of North America) Handbook addresses this issue by recommending that the width of the grout joint used be determined by the ANSI A108.02 specification which states that the actual grout joint size shall be at least 3 times the actual variation of facial dimensions of the tile. A small grout line width, about 1/16 inch, is possible if the flooring tile is consistent in size (also called a rectified tile as mentioned above). The edges of the rectified tile means a closer installation. Rectified tiles are a relatively new option in the tile industry. Ann Sacks Reveal metallic glass tile, Available through Empire Kitchen & Bath. The wider spacing will help to accommodate placement of tile and maintaining straight lines. The concrete style shading of our Rectified Light Grey Matt Porcelain Floor Tile is perfect for creating an urban-inspired project, its rectified precision-cut edges allow for 2mm grout joints giving the surface fewer distractions and a seamless feel. Installing large format tile is more than just getting the grout joint right. Rectified tiles with a square edge can have tight tile joints but if your tile has a cushion edge, you would most likely need a 3-5mm grout joint. Although it is ultimately up to you how wide you make your grout lines, there are a few guidelines when it comes to achieving the perfect look: First, the smallest grout lines, less than 1/8 inch, are ideal for rectified tiles. If the overlap is placed at 50% like most brick joint patterns, the joint will bring together the ends of the tile (where there is less bowing) and the center to the neighboring tile (where the bowing is at its greatest) and that makes for a floor that will tend toward unevenness.