When Installing Floor Tiles During Home Renovation, It's Necessary to Leave Gaps. How Big Should Tile Gaps Be? What's the Best Material to Fill Them? Find Out Now!
I. How Big Should Tile Gaps Be?
The size of the gap needed varies depending on the type of tile:
Porcelain tiles can have smaller gaps, while ceramic tiles require larger ones. For wall tiles, a gap of 1-1.5 mm is recommended; for floor tiles, leave a gap of 2-3 mm. For so-called "seamless" tiles, the gap should be no less than 1 mm. For special-sized tiles, such as mosaics, gaps can range from 3-5 mm. Antique-style tiles generally need larger gaps to highlight their rustic character; some imported tiles also require wider joints to achieve a cohesive overall style. If no gaps are left, tiles may bulge or crack during later use.
II. What's the Best Material to Fill Tile Gaps?
1. Jointing Compound (Grout)
Jointing compound is primarily made of white cement, with small amounts of polymers and pigments added. Most jointing compounds are white, though colored options are also available. However, they can cause discoloration on tile surfaces and are difficult to clean.
2. Tile Sealant (Popularly known as "Mei Feng Ji" or "Aesthetic Joint Filler")
Tile sealant is a common material for filling tile joints and offers excellent moisture and water resistance. It is mainly composed of cured polymers, pigments, and a small amount of additives. Tile sealant has good strength and flexibility, does not pollute tile surfaces, and offers relatively high cost-effectiveness.
3. White Cement
White cement is a common material for filling tile joints, but its color options are very limited. White cement is generally divided into two types: regular white cement and decorative white cement. Overall, when used as a tile joint filler, white cement is prone to yellowing and powdering. However, it is relatively inexpensive.
Conclusion: The above information covers the appropriate gap sizes for floor tiles and the best materials for filling tile joints. We hope this knowledge is helpful to you. For more related information, please continue to follow us.
