When it comes to tile installation, precision is just as important as the quality of the materials. Tile spacers may look like small and simple tools, but they play a crucial role in ensuring even grout lines, straight layouts, and a professional-looking finish.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most frequently asked questions about tile floor spacers—from how to use them step by step, to choosing the right size for different tile types and applications.
What are tile floor spacers and what are they for?
Tile spacers are small plastic pieces used to keep a uniform gap between tiles during installation, ensuring straight grout lines and the necessary space for grout application, which prevents cracking or shifting.
How do you use tile spacers when tiling?
Check these recommendations:
1. Prepare the Surface for your tile installation
Before you begin, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and perfectly flat. Remove any dust, grease, or debris, and repair any uneven areas. Carefully measure the space and plan your tile layout, marking reference lines with chalk or a laser level to guide your installation.
2. Mix and Spread the Adhesive
Prepare your tile adhesive with a mortar mixer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, mixing to a smooth, workable consistency. Apply the adhesive evenly with a notched trowel, creating ridges that help tiles adhere securely.
3. Cut Tiles Precisely
Use a high-quality manual or electric tile cutter to make straight, clean cuts. Precise tile cutting ensures tight joints and a polished result. For complex shapes, specialized tools like wet saws can help.
4. Start Laying Tiles
Begin by placing your first tile at the designated starting point, pressing gently to secure it in the adhesive layer. This first tile sets the tone for your entire project, so take extra care to position it perfectly.
5. Insert Tile Floor Spacers
Place tile spacers at each corner of the tile before positioning the next one. These plastic guides create uniform gaps between tiles, keeping your grout lines consistent and your layout visually pleasing. Use the appropriate spacer shape—cross, T, Y, or U—depending on your tile pattern.
6. Continue Installing Tiles
Work your way across the area, fitting tiles snugly against the spacers. Regularly check alignment and level with a spirit level, making gentle adjustments as needed. This keeps your installation neat and even.
7. Pay Attention to Edges and Corners
Use special spacers or wedges to manage edges, corners, or slight height differences between tiles.
How to use tile spacers on walls?
When tiling walls, start from the bottom and work upwards, ensuring the first row is perfectly level, and the rest are aligned. Spacers go between tiles to keep the gap consistent.
When should tile spacers be removed?
Remove them when the adhesive is firm but not dry, usually 20–30 minutes after laying, just before starting to grout.
How do you remove tile spacers?
By hand or with tweezers, carefully so as not to move or damage the tiles. Be careful and do not use a rubber mallet that could shift or damage the tiles. It is important to remove them carefully to maintain the alignment and integrity of the installation.
When should I grout the tiles?
Once the spacers are out and the adhesive fully cured, apply grout to the gaps using a rubber float. Press the grout diagonally across the joints and wipe away any excess with a damp sponge for a clean finish.
Can tile spacers be left inside the wall or floor?
No, they should be removed before grouting to prevent bonding problems and possible cracking.
How many tile spacers do I need?
At least four per tile (one at each corner), plus extras for edges or complex patterns.
Can you tile without spacers?
It’s not recommended; this leads to uneven joints and an unprofessional finish, with risks of damage due to movement or temperature changes.
Also, avoid spacers smaller than 1 mm because grout application becomes difficult.
What types of tile spacers exist?
It is common to find:
-
X - Cross-shaped for standard joints
-
T-shaped for staggered pattern joints
-
Y-shaped for hexagonal or special tiles
-
U-shaped for edges and corners
-
Wedges for leveling height differences between tiles
What are tile levelers and how to use them?
They are complementary systems to spacers that correct unevenness or lippage (height differences between tiles), ensuring a flatter surface, especially useful with large-format tiles.
What size tile spacers should I use?
Always adjust spacer size according to the project and tile type.
What is the recommended spacing between tiles during installation?
The recommended spacing between tiles during installation is typically between 2 and 5 mm, variable depending on tile type, size, and area (floor or wall).
Which tile spacer should I use according to tile type?
Depending on the tile size and type:
-
Small tiles: 1/32” (1mm), 1/16” (1,5mm), 3/32” (2mm)
-
Standard tiles (12"x12" or 30x30 cm): 3/32” (2mm) 1/8" (3mm)
-
Large or extra-large tiles (24"x24" or larger): 1/8" (3mm), 3/16” (5mm)
Spacers for walls
Walls usually use smaller spacers than floors. Commonly, the size of tile spacers used on walls ranges between 3/32” and 1/8", with 3/32” being the most typical size to maintain a neat and compact grout line, as wall tiles generally experience less stress than floor tiles.
Spacers for exterior walls or floors
For exterior wall cladding, tile façades or floors, spacers tend to be slightly larger to allow for thermal expansion and movement due to weather conditions. The usual size range is between 1/8" and 3/16”, sometimes even larger depending on the tile type and climate factors. This allows better flexibility and durability in outdoor conditions.
Spacers for exterior porcelain
Grout joints for exterior porcelain stoneware floors can sometimes be larger than 3/16”. According to the UNE 138002 standard, joints wider than 3/16” are considered "wide joints" and may be necessary depending on the size of the tile, installation conditions, and exposure to temperature variations.
-
It is common to see joints of 6 mm (1/4”) in some exterior installations, especially for large-format tiles or when accommodating significant thermal expansion and structural movements.
-
Manufacturers and experts recommend respecting expansion joints and wider grout lines in outdoor areas to prevent cracking and water infiltration.
Which are the recommended Spacers for tile backsplash?
Tile spacers for backsplashes function similarly to those used on floors or in bathrooms, helping to maintain straight and even grout lines. This ensures a clean, polished appearance and makes the grouting process much easier.
In kitchen backsplashes, grout lines tend to be narrower than those on floors to achieve a more refined and visually appealing finish. The ideal spacing for grout lines in backsplashes usually ranges between 1/32” and 1/8", depending on the tile size and design.
-
For smaller tiles or mosaics, grout lines of about 1/32” are often preferred to highlight fine details.
-
For standard-sized tiles (around 30x30 cm or 12"x12"), grout lines between 3/32” and 1/8" are typically recommended.
Overall, backsplashes benefit from tighter grout lines compared to floors, where wider joints are necessary to accommodate foot traffic and structural movement.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide with the most frequently asked questions about tile floor spacers has cleared up the doubts you had. Don’t hesitate to explore our construction tools website to know better our products and find everything you need for your next tiling project.
Don’t forget to create a free account to gain access to expert resources, installation guides and the latest product updates or take it a step further by joining our Contractors program, where you’ll benefit from exclusive purchasing perks, early access to new products, and direct support for our team of experts.
