How do you use tile spacers on tile with jagged edges?

[Mikepier]

In the final phase of my kitchen remodel, I am going to put 4X4 tiles
on my backsplash. These tiles have a kind of tumbled look and the
edges are kind of jagged, which is the normal look for this tile. As
I was dry fitting them to see how it would look, I notice that using
tile spacers were difficult to use because depending on where you
would put them between the tiles, the space varies greatly because of
the rough edges. If I used a 1/8" spacer, the width could be as much
as 1/4". In some spots. It seems as if this would be better done by
eye.Or perhaps maybe the tile should be butt up against each other.
Anyone have suggestions?

[Mihaela]

I am not a professional tile installer but I have done a few installations
without problems. Here is what I would do:

1. I would lay tile on floor in the full area you plan to do and experiment
with different widths to see how it looks. You won't have the grout but its
better than nothing. Looks like you are already doing this.
2. I would not butt the tile because this could cause problems with
expansion. At minimum have the smallest spacer you can buy at the closest
point of 2 tiles.
3. Maybe call manufacturer to find out what the smallest gap they recommend
is. If they say you can butt it, you can.
4. Doing by eye is fine I think but pay a lot of attention to how things are
coming out as you go along.

I hope this helps!
Mihaela

Post by Mikepier
In the final phase of my kitchen remodel, I am going to put 4X4 tiles
on my backsplash. These tiles have a kind of tumbled look and the
edges are kind of jagged, which is the normal look for this tile. As
I was dry fitting them to see how it would look, I notice that using
tile spacers were difficult to use because depending on where you
would put them between the tiles, the space varies greatly because of
the rough edges. If I used a 1/8" spacer, the width could be as much
as 1/4". In some spots. It seems as if this would be better done by
eye.Or perhaps maybe the tile should be butt up against each other.
Anyone have suggestions?

[Steve]

Post by Mikepier
In the final phase of my kitchen remodel, I am going to put 4X4 tiles
on my backsplash. These tiles have a kind of tumbled look and the
edges are kind of jagged, which is the normal look for this tile. As
I was dry fitting them to see how it would look, I notice that using
tile spacers were difficult to use because depending on where you
would put them between the tiles, the space varies greatly because of
the rough edges. If I used a 1/8" spacer, the width could be as much
as 1/4". In some spots. It seems as if this would be better done by
eye.Or perhaps maybe the tile should be butt up against each other.
Anyone have suggestions?

My goal would be to line up the edges as they were before tumbling. Your
tiles must be the extra-tumbled model to have that much variation. I
have 4x4 tumbled limestone with a 1/4" spacing for my backsplash, but
the edges are pretty straight.

Search for spots on the edge that look original, then line those up. The
width of the grout is up to your personal taste. Read the grout
instructions to find the maximum width. I'd use a sanded grout with
tumbled tile because of the rustic look. Check the bag, but I think most
unsanded grouts are only good for up to 1/8" because they shrink (and
crack) more than sanded.

A few free hints:
* Seal the tiles before you put them up. The grout will clean off
easier. Seal the entire surface again, including the grout, when you're
done to minimize stains.
* Decide whether you want the grout to stay in the surface chips. If you
do, the grout cleanup will be easier, but you'll have a more rustic
look.
* Don't put grout in the bottom, top, or corner gaps. Use sanded caulk
that matches your grout. Dissimilar materials and tiles on different
surfaces will expand and contract at different rates, causing the grout
to fall out after a few years. Caulk flexes; grout doesn't.
* Consider setting the tiles at 45°. The grout lines will be short, and
variations will be less obvious. The downside is that you'll have to cut
more tiles.

[Mikepier]

I think my problem is I'm using the round "surface mount" spacers they
sell at Lowe's, like these
http://www.tile-eze.com/0310.html,
not the "x" shaped spacers that you can put underneath the tile like
these
http://hand-tools.hardwarestore.com/25-98-tile-spacers.aspx
The back of the tile looks a little more uniform than the front so
perhaps I should use the latter type of spacer

[Jim Elbrecht]

On Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:01:36 -0800 (PST), Mikepier

Post by Mikepier
I think my problem is I'm using the round "surface mount" spacers they
sell at Lowe's, like these
http://www.tile-eze.com/0310.html,
not the "x" shaped spacers that you can put underneath the tile like
these
http://hand-tools.hardwarestore.com/25-98-tile-spacers.aspx
The back of the tile looks a little more uniform than the front so
perhaps I should use the latter type of spacer

Well, I've learned my 'lesson for the day'. I'll have to go check
the jobs I did 30 years ago- but my last tile job in this house was 20
yrs ago and the spacers I never removed have remained hidden in the
grout. Never knew they were supposed to be removed.

Jim
[and doubt I'll remove them next time- if there is a next time]

[Norminn]

Post by Mikepier
In the final phase of my kitchen remodel, I am going to put 4X4 tiles
on my backsplash. These tiles have a kind of tumbled look and the
edges are kind of jagged, which is the normal look for this tile. As
I was dry fitting them to see how it would look, I notice that using
tile spacers were difficult to use because depending on where you
would put them between the tiles, the space varies greatly because of
the rough edges. If I used a 1/8" spacer, the width could be as much
as 1/4". In some spots. It seems as if this would be better done by
eye.Or perhaps maybe the tile should be butt up against each other.
Anyone have suggestions?

Tumbled marble? I love the look, but was afraid they would be tough to
clean. As for placing them, I'd
lay them out on the floor with white paper under them to get the look of
grout. How about marking the
center of each tile - from widest points to widest points - and then
line up the centers? A piece of
masking tape on each tile to place a mark on. By lining up the centers,
you should get a rhythm going, and
should have a pretty good standard variation in the spacing. Never done
it, but looks good on paper :o)