Flooring Tile - Expansion joints at walls

Hello.

Just a quickie question. I'm installing 13 x 13 porcelain tile with 1/4" grout joints in a 4.5' x 12' bathroom. I won't be tiling the walls at this time (perhaps in the future), but just putting in base trim instead.

Would it be safe to just leave a 1/4" empty space between the tile and the wall (no grout or caulk) and place the trim over it, or should I fill it with caulk? I've seen both approaches described online, but want to go with the best option.

It's my first tiling job, so the question may be obvious to those with experience.

Thanks in advance for any viewpoints.

:)

Hi James.

You don't have to do anything at the floor/wall since the trim will hide the gap.

Thanks HotinOKC,

That's good news. One more obvious question while I have your attention.

I installed plywood and hardiebacker for the underlayment, and everything came out solid and flat. No gaps and no deflection. But then I did a pretty bad job of putting mesh tape on a couple of the backer board joints. I used way too much thinset, and the result is that the tape joints are noticeably higher than the rest of the floor. I know. Rookie move ;) I used a file to remove much of the extra thinset, but those joints are still about 1/8" high.

I'm wondering how big a problem this will be. I'll obviously be applying thinset when I tile, which I'm hoping will level everything out. Is this a normal situation to which I'm overreacting, or should I go at it with the file until it's flat.

Thanks for the advice!

This is the most common problem for DIYers when using Hardi.

Those high spots will be pretty noticeable when you go to put your tiles on. Do your best to get the joint down flat. For future reference, I would install the backboard tape as you tile so you don't have to worry about that problem.

Thanks HotinOKC.

I will keep working them with the file and whatever else I can find. Good idea waiting until you tile to do the joints. That way you don't have to fight with dry thinset. Next time.

Well, it's good to know this is common, and at least I'm not inventing new mistakes as I do this. Not yet anyway.

Thanks again.
;)