Understanding the Different Types of Tile Spacers

Tile spacers are small pieces of plastic or rubber that allow you to achieve consistent spacing between your tiles when installing a floor or wall, guaranteeing your grout lines are even. Tile spacers come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and help to make your finished product look incredibly professional.

Types of Tile Spacers

Some of the main types of tile spacers are ‘T’ shaped, cross shaped, and horseshoe shaped, and each has their own purpose. ‘Checkerboard’ like patterns are best achieved with cross shaped flooring spacers, while ‘T’ shaped tile spacers are best for more irregular, offset patterns. Horseshoe spacers are perfect for wall installations, because they hold their shape and don’t cause grout bulging.

How to Choose best size of tile spacers

When it comes to choosing the correct size of tile spacer, it depends on the type of tile you’re installing. Smaller tiles, up to 8 x 8 inches, typically have a 1/32” or 1/16” grout line, but tile consistency can cause that to fluctuate. 12 x 12” to 16 x 16” tiles typically have between a 1/16” and 1/8” grout line (the latter is usually used for flooring). Tiles larger than 16 x 16 can be a bit trickier, because you need to measure the tiles for consistency. If they’re consistent a 1/16” grout line is typically used, but you can go as small as 1/32”. Always be sure to account for inconsistent tiles that way you can avoid jogging in your grout and keep it looking professional.

Once you’ve selected your best tile spacers, it’s time to start the install. Here’s how to most efficiently use your flooring tile spacers:

• Start in the center of the room you’re laying and create a grid line. You can use chalk or a laser grid.
• Lay your first tile, making sure it’s in line with your grid.
• Place your spacers against each corner of your tile, ensuring they’re flush and straight.
• Place the next tile alongside your first tile, and against the spacers.
• Add more spacers to the corners of the freshly laid tile, and repeat the previous step until your tile is completely laid.
• Remove the spacers (with your fingers or pliers) before the adhesive fully sets. Check the installation instructions to see how long setting takes for the particular thinset you’ve used.
• After the thinset is fully dried, lay your grout.

There are also spacers for tile flooring that you can leave installed before laying your grout. These types of tile spacers have hollow spaces in the base to allow grout to fill in, ensuring proper bonding. Leave in spacers are ideal for larger format tile, and provide extra support.

Buy Best Tile Spacers Online at Tile Pro Depot

At Tile Pro Depot we carry a variety of spacers sure to suit every tile job. We carry RTC spacers along with DTA tile leveling spacer systems, so your installs will always be symmetrical and avoid lippage. We understand using quality products makes for a quality job, so we only carry the absolute best. Using our selected products will leave not only the customer, but the installer satisfied as well.

Visit our website to place an order and to view our wide selection of products. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us online or by phone at 844.751.2625.