Tile Layout in Shower
#9
Hey there, 
I am tiling a shower that is exactly 36"x48".  The tiles that I am using are 23.62 inches long.  With a 1/16" grout line between them, there would be a 0.35" gap between the tile and the side walls. The tiles are also 0.35" so with a 0.25" bed of thinset the tiles on the side walls would be proud of the back wall by 0.25".  Is this enough overlap?
The other option is to tile the side walls first.  I know that this is undesirable for the grout line layout.  My tile and grout are both shades of white so I don't think that it would be glaring. 
Thanks for your input.
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#10
I think you'll be fine with that overlap, which should be roughly the thickness of your thinset bed (~1/4"?). I'd probably be comfortable with 1/8" overlap, although it also depends on the width of the gap you're planning to leave in the corner (meaning, I wouldn't want the aspect ratio to get too lopsided). Something like 1/8" (or less) vertical gap between tiles on the side and back walls would be fine with 1/8" overlap of the tiles.

I assume you're using something like a 1/2"x1/2" trowel for tiles that size. That gives a thinset thickness slightly under 1/4", but can vary with what angle you hold the trowel at.

Double check your back wall width at multiple places from bottom to top. A lot of walls aren't totally plumb or can be somewhat wavy. It wouldn't be hard to find walls that are out of plumb enough to create 1/2" of width variation on the long wall, and I'd hate for your plans to work at the bottom of the wall but create a problem as you get near the top or something.

Dry test layouts are also always good. Then you can see what you're dealing with. It can help to have a second person holding tiles on the wall.

I'm not sure why you say it's undesirable with respect to the grout lines to do the side walls first. I don't see any issue with that, and have seen it done both ways depending on what the project requires. I assume you're using 100% silicone caulk in the corners and not grout. You can often get the caulk that's color matched to the grout with many companies.

I'm not a pro with tiling, but I just finished tiling my fourth full bathroom and shower, so I'm just speaking from experience.

Good luck!
Tyler
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#11
1/16" is a very thin grout line. I like thin grout lines but it's real hard to push grout into a 1/16" gap and really know it's in there. Could you go to 1/8"? It might ease your concerns and be a stronger fill.

Double butter. Butter the wall and the tile. It's a much better bond and you'll eat up a little more wall area, reducing the risk you are concerned about.
Neil Summers Home Inspections




" What would Fred do?"

... CLETUS











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#12
Agreed that 1/16" is very small. The variation on tile dimensions would have to be small enough to allow that (I believe tile length/width variation has to be less than 1/3 the grout width), likely meaning the tiles have to be rectified. Usually the tile manufacturer has a recommended grout width, but sometimes it's hard to find the literature that goes with the tile. The tile shop you buy from should have that.

I just did 3/32" grout lines with rectified tiles, and like the look.

You'll also need to make sure the grout you choose works with lines that thin. You likely have to use an unsanded grout. Personally, I'm a big fan of epoxy grout.

Tyler
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#13
The tile is rectified and the mfg suggests the 1/16" grout line. I think that with the edge profile the 1/16th will be closer to 1/8" grout line on the surface
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#14
White grout, white tiles...beautiful when new, but it's a challenge to keep it that way. I did our master bath a few years ago and now wish we had chosen a darker shade of grout (we have a light gray grout). Even with a lot of attention the high traffic areas (in the shower, in front of vanity) are not as bright as other parts of the room. 

Good tip on checking the walls with a long straight edge. The large tiles and very narrow grout lines will reveal ALL non-flatness in the walls.
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#15
That's another advantage to large format tile Joe ; less grout to keep clean 
Big Grin
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#16
(01-16-2025, 08:18 PM)Dusty Workshop Wrote: That's another advantage to large format tile Joe ; less grout to keep clean 
Big Grin

And less to clean up while grouting... that's a pain
Neil Summers Home Inspections




" What would Fred do?"

... CLETUS











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