Flooring Tile - beginner question

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06-01-01, 09:58 AM
why should tiles be installed spaced apart? Then one has to go through the trouble of grouting between spaces. why not put tile against tile and thus eliminate grouting?
shireesh

adanac
06-01-01, 12:27 PM
Well..for one thing...tile aren't all the same size...you need a joint to allow for variences, so that you can keep the joints straight. Grouting the tile makes the floor much much stronger...plus if you didn't grout..even that small joint will eventually fill with dirt.
John Bridge
06-01-01, 06:25 PM
There is another reason, too. Modern tiles (very hard) have a tendency to move slightly (microscopically). The grout actually cushions this movement. Butting them tight together can result in a floor failure.

John

http://www.johnbridge.com