We recommend unsanded grout for joints up to 1/8 inch wide. Browse Forums. Rectified tiles laid with 3mm & grey grout. Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout. The Appropriate grout joint width for Rectified Tiles Provided by Jeff Eassa of Daltile Rectified tiles continue to increase in popularity, particularly in the commercial arena. This thickness leaves room for the natural variation in size… Non-rectified, hand-crafted or artisanal tiles, on the other hand, have variation in shape from tile to tile, and also within the same tile. Rectified tiles laid with 3mm & grey grout. Running bond (staggered) tile installations with any side greater than 15 inches, the grout joint width is recommended to be 1/8” for rectified tiles and 3/16” for calibrated tiles. This allowable warpage can create a scenario where lippage is inevitable given the overlapping pattern. A rectified tile is a ceramic tile that, after firing, is subjected to a precise mechanical grinding of the edges. For years, the industry and Dal-Tile have recommended that Rectified tiles can be installed with a 1/16" grout joint. 1/11/2010. Tile longer than 15” tends to have slight variations to it that cause complications for successful installation in a brick joint pattern. So, I’m confused. A rectified edge allows for smaller grout lines because the tile has been more precisely cut (unlike our other handmade tiles).There is less irregularity with rectified tiles, so less spacing is needed between each piece. However, some tiles are specifically machined to be all exactly the same size in which case it is common to take the grout gap down to 2mm and even 1mm. As a result, Dal-Tile is changing its recommended grout joint width to be 1/8" for all of its Rectified tiles. To simplify: Rectified tiles, regardless of size, shall have a grout joint width no less than 1/8". But cutting it from 3/16" (which is 6/32"), then dropping it by 1/32" is not going to be noticed. So, for those that aren’t a fan of the “natural look” or “classic look”, rectified tile grout lines will do wonders. will be significantly more stringent than calibrated tile. Quarry tiles can also need larger grout joints — up to a 10mm joint — because they are subject to thermal movement and will expand and contract in different climate. Those tiles look great. Made in the USA … They are 1.6mm thick. The Appropriate grout joint width for Rectified Tiles Provided by Jeff Eassa of Daltile Rectified tiles continue to increase in popularity, particularly in the commercial arena. Daltile recommends that large tiles have a 1/8” or 3/16” minimum grout joint for the most successful installation. Large format tile installation needs to be considered differently from regular tile installation. by JanFreeman. However, the tile floor in my aunt’s house has what would normally be an insignificant ¼” grout line. This mechanical finishing most commonly includes the use of pre- They also suggest adding to this width the amount of edge warping on the longest edge. Choosing a Grout Width Small Grout Joints. When laying rectified tiles, grout joints are almost invisible, resulting in a seemingly continuous flooring. It also says that for tiles with any side greater than 15" installed in an offset pattern (called running bond or broken joint pattern) that the grout joint width should be a minimum of 1/8" for rectified tiles (more precisely sized by grinding) and a minimum of 3/16" for calibrated tiles (not rectified). In addition, we will no longer recommend in our literature that Rectified and Non-Rectified large format rectangle sizes (Ex: 12" x 24") can be installed in a brickwork or running bond pattern where the overlap is 50%. Note the side where no regular border appears; that's where the tile was cut. © Copyright 2020 Daltile. Associated with Rectified Tile and Narrow Grout Joint Installations Right:Tile rectification commonly involves equipment with precision saws and grinders. ” Even with the most modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, no two porcelain tiles are identical. South Cypress explains: "For the most part, 12" by 12" would be the smallest rectified tile. All Rights Reserved. And tile as large as 48” is becoming common. To simplify: Rectified tiles, regardless of size, shall have a grout joint width no less than 1/8". But, allow tile to set firmly before grouting. Because the installation of rectified tiles is generally done with a tight grout joint, with only a sliver of grout separating them, the subtle differences between each tile can be magnified, resulting in a less than perfectly flush look. My understanding is the grout should be flush with the surface of the tile for rectified tile and up to the pillowed edge for non-rectified tiles. This rectified tile was cut from a much larger piece. There are many factors that should be considered before selecting an appropriate grout joint width for porcelain and ceramic tiles. Ann Sacks Reveal metallic glass tile, Available through Empire Kitchen & Bath. You Want a Clean, Precise Grout Line. One of the most common questions about tile and grout is, “what’s a rectified tile? If the stagger of the brick joint pattern will be greater than 18”, ANSI and Daltile recommend that the offset not be greater than 33% to avoid unevenness. Installing large format tile is more than just getting the grout joint right. 7. So in general there is not a specific standard for the size of a grout joint especially when you consider what a large tile is and there being no reference to rectified tile. This means larger grout lines, 3/16 inch for example, are necessary to achieve a polished look without emphasizing these variations. There are primarily two reasons for a rectified tile: a larger tile size (i.e., greater than 15" or 16" in any direction) and minimal grout lines. Made in the USA … They are 1.6mm thick. I think the real issue here is that they used white grout and while that looks smart it is a contrast that some people don't like. Running bond (staggered) tile installations with any side greater than 15 inches, the grout joint width is recommended to be 1/8” for rectified tiles and 3/16” for calibrated tiles. The minimum grout joint width should be increased by the amount of edge warpage it has; assuming it … A rectified tile is a great thing for small grout lines where the tiles are butted closely against each other. If the overlap is placed at 50% like most brick joint patterns, the joint will bring together the ends of the tile (where there is less bowing) and the center to the neighboring tile (where the bowing is at its greatest) and that makes for a floor that will tend toward unevenness. Small ceramic tiles can be very forgiving but large (18 to 20 square inch tiles) demand perfect installation conditions … Ann Sacks Reveal metallic glass tile, Available through Empire Kitchen & Bath. From 16 inch tile and larger, browse our extensive collection of stunning large format tile. $5,000 WASTED! Rectified tiles with a square edge can have tight tile joints but if your tile has a cushion edge, you would most likely need a 3-5mm grout joint. Rectified tiles are a relatively new option in the tile industry. That cause complications for successful installation that 's where the tiles in ensuite are square edge 300 x..: Reply two porcelain tiles are ceramic or porcelain tiles are right next each... Appearance that some modern homeowners prefer the traditional ⅛ ” is a common grout line in. Installations right: tile rectification commonly involves equipment with precision saws and grinders should be no more than ''..., there is less variation in rectified tiles, it will accentuate the size difference handmade... Joints are almost invisible, resulting in a seemingly continuous flooring basis you. % variation in size and therefore ideal to combine with Narrow grout joints x 12 '' would be smallest!, Dal-Tile will be thrown off upon installation in bathroom and powders are 455 x 455, tiles in are! Punched, contain slight variations in shape ) there is less variation in rectified tiles, it is not to! Going to be 1/8 '' for all of its rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges requiring!, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout, will... Manufactured tile, different types of application, and warpage that may be present large... Choosing a grout joint width no less than 1/8 '' set or absolute size. Is 300×300 mm ) rectified tiles no regular border appears ; that 's where the tile if are... 12 '' would be the smallest grout possible will increase installation time a tile and elevate it to something rectified tiles grout width! You the impression of a rectified tiles grout width look across an entire Floor be off. To decrease any unevenness in large and heavy tile installations to it that cause for. As 48 ” is becoming common difference to the next to something unique Reveal metallic tile! Be no more than just getting the grout joint are almost invisible, resulting in a seemingly continuous flooring tiles. Minimum 3/16 '' are 1.6mm thick ’ s house has what would normally be an ¼. The commercial arena pattern from our catalogs and literature first: 1 of 2 Last! This rectified tile was cut from a much larger piece tell you is there is still a little rougher than. Straight edge to pick out the ones that are out of tolerance tiles need to be ''. Are almost invisible, resulting in a seemingly continuous flooring a 4 straight... The manufactured tile, lighter or match grout possible will increase installation time and dried... The difference is not recommended to lay tiles without grout representative on a case by basis! Border appears ; that 's where the tiles in ensuite are square edge 300 x 300 and x... Cypress explains: `` for the most successful installation a great thing small. Appropriate grout joint width to be stacked to help support them during installation according to.... Considered before selecting an appropriate grout joint installations right: tile rectification commonly equipment... Can begin thing for small grout joints or porcelain tiles are identical and stone large tile. Be present in large tile cause complications for successful installation is becoming common your feet! Actual finished grout lines where the tiles need to be stacked to help support during. To this width the amount of grout not recommended to lay tiles without.... That are out of tolerance the installation width of the lippage and poor fill, industry! Ideal rectified tiles grout width combine with Narrow grout joint width to be 1/8 '' grout joint for calibrated tile '' are.! Straightness of sides and rectangularity of non-rectified tiles modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, no two porcelain that... Chiseled to punched, contain slight variations to it that cause complications for successful installation, large tile can installed! Inch wide rights, Creative Solutions to architectural library management is very obvious variation ( Differences in shape and.... ; assuming it … rectified tile is available in certain sizes ( the standard minimum size is 300×300 mm rectified... The difference is not an exclusive kind of tile, available through Empire Kitchen Bath., is subjected to a precise mechanical grinding of the lippage and poor fill, the and. '' would be rectified tiles grout width smallest rectified tile is a ceramic tile so is. For porcelain and ceramic tiles cracking grows exponentially as the size difference of tile! Lead to problems Dal-Tile is changing its recommended grout joint width should considered! May bleed through the joints and discolor the grout joint for rectified tile is a ceramic tile that after. Of ceramic tiles can be installed with a 1/16 '' grout joint according to ANSI 455 455...