Go to page 1, 2 Next. One of the most common questions about tile and grout is, “what’s a rectified tile? What is rectified tile? If smaller spacers like 1/8" are used, it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile. However, the price also depends on other factors, such as the sizes, … Even with rectified tiles, it is not recommended to lay tiles without grout. 7. A rectified tile is a great thing for small grout lines where the tiles are butted closely against each other. Rectified edges allow for a clean, symmetrical installation. Shower designs that feature impressive large-format tiles make envied focal points. If you're using small-format tiles, such as those 8 by 8 inches and smaller, the tiles may come with built-in lugs that make spacers unnecessary.If you want a standard look, tile installers recommend grout lines of 1/16 inch for walls and 1/8 inch for floors. A sufficient grout joint gives the tile room to breathe—so to speak—for building movement and thermal expansion. Flooring & Floor Covering. Larger Sized Tiles (Less Grout Needed) 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. Grout lines on walls usually do not exceed 1/16 inch because the tiles need to be stacked to help support them during installation. A narrow grout width can give an almost seamless look with a matching colored grout, and it is a stunning look when it’s installed properly. Daltile also recommends a minimum grout joint of 3/16” to decrease any unevenness in large and heavy tile installations. will be significantly more stringent than calibrated tile. Grouting a Rectified Tile Installation. For years, the industry and Dal-Tile have recommended that Rectified tiles can be installed with a 1/16" grout joint. Because of the lippage and poor fill, the tile cuts at your bare feet. You Want a Clean, Precise Grout Line. This thickness leaves room for the natural variation in size… Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout. 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. Rectified tile is available in both porcelain and ceramic. This would be immediately noticeable and unattractive. Although it is ultimately up to you how wide you make your grout lines, there are a few guidelines when it comes to achieving the perfect look: First, the smallest grout lines, less than 1/8 inch, are ideal for rectified tiles. Rectified tiles are Plain Porcelain tile whose edges have been precisely cut such that the length and width of the tile have the exact dimensions and are same. So, for those that aren’t a fan of the “natural look” or “classic look”, rectified tile grout lines will do wonders. They also suggest adding to this width the amount of edge warping on the longest edge. Rectified tiles generally allow for thinner grout lines at least 1/8”. For more information about installation requirements read our expert advise, How To Install Large Format Tile. Rectified tiles continue to increase in popularity, particularly in the commercial arena. TCNA recommends a minimum 1/8" grout joint for rectified tile and minimum 3/16" grout joint for calibrated tile. 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%. They also suggest adding to this width the amount of edge warping on the longest edge. Thinner Grout Lines: The edges of the rectified tile means a closer installation. The difference is not really noticeable visually, but can make a big difference to the quality of the installation. 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. Choosing a Grout Width Small Grout Joints. Rectified tiles are Plain Porcelain tile whose edges have been precisely cut such that the length and width of the tile have the exact dimensions and are same. As stated, the grout is rectified porcelain ceramic tile so there isn't a pillowed edge. Finished grout lines will vary from 1/16" to 3/16". 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. Non-rectified tile are tiles with natural uneven edges that require a wider grout line. Actual finished grout spaces will vary from 1/8" to 1/4" if 3/16" spacers are used. 1/11/2010. 3/16": We recommend a 3/16" grout size for our Ceramic Tile line. For years, the industry and Dal-Tile have recommended that Rectified tiles can be installed with a 1/16" grout joint. This will be replaced by a new pattern that will be referred to as a "Staggered" brickwork pattern where the overlap does not exceed 33%, and the grout joint width must be a minimum of 3/16". This creates a clean, symmetrical, seamless appearance that some modern homeowners prefer. It also allows for variation in the manufactured tile, different types of application, and warpage that may be present in large tile. Back to Flooring & Floor Covering Next topic | Previous topic. 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. 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. The edges of the rectified tile means a closer installation. Editorial Note: There are other rep groups that will provide statements about the suitability of the use of large format rectified tile with the 1/16th grout line. Once the new document is adopted, it will hopefully bring more clarity to the marketplace regarding what is and what is not rectified tile. Lippage will also be an issue. This kind of tile is cut down to an exact square, at a 90-degree angle. 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. I have read they are designed to be butted up beside each other (ie no grout visible at all); and elsewhere that 1.5mm is the minimum; but still elsewhere that 1.5mm is the minimum on walls but 3mm is the minimum for floors. Leading grout experts share how to select the perfect type of grout for your tile. A thicker grout joint will accommodate these irregular edges. Installing large format tile is more than just getting the grout joint right. Large format tile installation needs to be considered differently from regular tile installation. $165/12” x 24” tile. For years, the industry and Dal-Tile have recommended that Rectified tiles can be installed with a 1/16" grout joint. However, large tile can be challenging to install. This mechanical finishing most commonly includes the use of pre- Tile longer than 15” tends to have slight variations to it that cause complications for successful installation in a brick joint pattern. In response, the new TCNA (Tile Council of North America) Handbook addresses this issue by recommending that the width of the grout joint used be determined by the ANSI A108.02 specification which states that the actual grout joint size shall be at least 3 times the actual variation of facial dimensions of the tile. More. Large tiles give you so much design freedom. I plan to lay 300×600 rectified tiles on a bathroom floor and have read conflicting information about the minimum grout width between the tiles. Share. Medium-sized grout line widths — 1/8 to 1/4 inch — require the use of sanded grout and are... Large Grout Joints. 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. The reason for this is that the allowable warpage for a tile based on ANSI specifications can create an installation issue when large format rectangular tiles are installed in a brickwork/running bond pattern. This results in having thin grout lines (less than the traditional ⅛” needed by most tile types). A tight, 1/8" grout space will allow the pattern to flow nicely from one tile to the next. It's always relative to the quality, type and size of tile that you're after, but rectified tiles usually cost more than non-rectified tiles of a similar standard, because there's a bit more work that goes into producing them. The issue of ceramic tiles cracking grows exponentially as the size of the tile gets bigger. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles can create up to a 1.5% variation in size during the firing process. The tiles in bathroom and powders are 455 x 455, tiles in ensuite are square edge 300 x 300 and 300 x 600. Order a free cut sample, dispatched today - receive your tiles tomorrow Rectified tiles laid with 3mm & grey grout. All rights, Creative Solutions to architectural library management. That includes grout joints too. 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). 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. So tile with a 3/16" grout joint should have no more than 1/16" lippage. From 16 inch tile and larger, browse our extensive collection of stunning large format tile. The cleaner edges also make it easier to create intricate laying patterns as you have more flexibility with the grout line width, a prime example being basket weave. Although 1/16" of an inch may seem unimportant (for example, on a 12" tile), it represents a 50% variation in a grout joint 1/8 inch wide. Lippage should be no more than 1/3 the width of the grout joint. Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time. All other cuts of tile, from tumbled to chiseled to punched, contain slight variations in shape and size. Rectified tiles generally allow for thinner grout lines at least 1/8”. This means larger grout lines, 3/16 inch for example, are necessary to achieve a polished look without emphasizing these variations. A small grout line width, about 1/16 inch, is possible if the flooring tile is consistent in size (also called a rectified tile as mentioned above). For example, if you take two 12-inch tiles and compare them side to side and there is a variation of 1/16 inch in the two tiles, you are recommended to use at least a 3/16-inch grout joint to hide the inconsistency. Please speak to your representative on a case by case basis if you feel your project needs to employ minimal grout lines. 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. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles can create up to a 1.5% variation in size during the firing process. To simplify: Rectified tiles, regardless of size, shall have a grout joint width no less than 1/8". Like. Installation of rectified tiles allows grout lines much narrower than the standard width and as thin as less than 1/8-inch. We recommend unsanded grout for joints up to 1/8 inch wide. Rectified tile is cut during production so that every tile is the exact same size, and the edges are cut so precisely that tile can lay closer together. Those tiles look great. 8:42 pm #1. Even with rectified tiles, it is not recommended to lay tiles without grout. Rectified tile can be installed with smaller grout lines, which can make the space of the tile appear bigger, and therefore, the space looks bigger. And tile as large as 48” is becoming common. Grout line widths are a personal preference. Even small variations can throw off the pattern of the tile if adjustments are not made in the grout joint. A small grout line width, about 1/16 inch, is possible if the flooring tile is consistent in size (also called a rectified tile as mentioned above). Pick a grout color that blends with your tile. Chip offers his guidance. When Do You Need a Rectified Tile? Browse Forums. © Copyright 2020 Daltile. The wider spacing will help to accommodate placement of tile and maintaining straight lines. Small ceramic tiles can be very forgiving but large (18 to 20 square inch tiles) demand perfect installation conditions … South Cypress explains: "For the most part, 12" by 12" would be the smallest rectified tile. The minimum grout joint width should be increased by the amount of edge warpage it has; assuming it … $5,000 WASTED! There are some guidelines that need to be followed but the actual size is more of a personal choice than it is a set width. This results in having thin grout lines (less than the traditional ⅛” needed by most tile types). Minimize the likelihood that the tile pattern will be thrown off upon installation. Once the tile has been installed and has dried properly, the grouting process can begin. The edges of the rectified tile are what make it different. by JanFreeman. Grouting tile too soon, before the setting material has set-up, can lead to problems. Page 1 of 2 21 replies. Grout can take a tile and elevate it to something unique. Uncured setting material may bleed through the joints and discolor the grout. The Tile Council of North America and accompanying tile organizations recommend an average grout joint width of 3/16 inch for every 1/16 inch variation in the size of the tiles. For example, if the edge warping of a rectified tile is 1/32", the minimum grout joint is 1/8" + 1/32" = 5/32". JanFreeman. ⅛” is a common grout line for rectified tile. Rectified tiles laid with 3mm & grey grout. 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. As a result, Dal-Tile is changing its recommended grout joint width to be 1/8" for all of its Rectified tiles. To mitigate this effect, Dal-Tile will be removing the brickwork pattern from our catalogs and literature. You may be able to live with ones that are just slightly out of tolerance, but if they bother you, they should be removed and set properly. But cutting it from 3/16" (which is 6/32"), then dropping it by 1/32" is not going to be noticed. In order to minimize size variation from one tile to another, more than what can be achieved by calibration alone, a tile can be rectified. A rectified tile is a ceramic tile that, after firing, is subjected to a precise mechanical grinding of the edges. In response, the new TCNA (Tile Council of North America) Handbook addresses this issue by recommending that the width of the grout joint used be determined by the ANSI A108.02 specification which states that the actual grout joint size shall be at least 3 times the actual variation of facial dimensions of the tile. I’ll post some photos, I think the gap looks smaller in the photos compared to when im standing looking at it. ADVANTAGES Tiles are laid with grout joints of 1-2 mm; Daltile recommends that large tiles have a 1/8” or 3/16” minimum grout joint for the most successful installation. 3. With the rise in popularity of long porcelain planks, even though the edges of such tiles may be rectified and the tiles may not have any wedging, the widening of the grout joint width may be necessary to address any inherent warpage that those products tend to display along an edge or diagonal due to their elongated shapes. 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. I just know the builder will say 3-5mm is standard..... so I probably don’t have a … JanFreeman. When tiles are right next to each other, some offset is very obvious. They are more dimensionally consistent in length and width, straightness of sides and rectangularity of non-rectified tiles. Rectified Tile Installation Preparation. Made in the USA … They are 1.6mm thick. Rectified tiles are ceramic or porcelain tiles that have been precisely ground and machined to give them near-perfect straight edges and exact dimensions. 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. 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". Cutting a grout line width in half is pretty noticeable. However, the tile floor in my aunt’s house has what would normally be an insignificant ¼” grout line. Associated with Rectified Tile and Narrow Grout Joint Installations Right:Tile rectification commonly involves equipment with precision saws and grinders. If you want a 1/16" grout line, and the tile is 1/32" too big or small, that's 50% of the grout width right there. It's a nice neat job. For example, if the edge warping of a rectified tile is 1/32", the minimum grout joint is 1/8" + 1/32" = 5/32". This gives you the impression of a seamless look across an entire floor. Ann Sacks Reveal metallic glass tile, Available through Empire Kitchen & Bath. The size of grout lines for tile is something that comes up on almost every tile installation. A small grout line width, about 1/16 inch, is possible if the flooring tile is consistent in size (also called a rectified tile as mentioned above). This rectified tile was cut from a much larger piece. 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. Use a 4' straight edge to pick out the ones that are out of tolerance. 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