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. $165/12” x 24” 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". 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". All other cuts of tile, from tumbled to chiseled to punched, contain slight variations in shape and size. 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. What is rectified tile? For more information about installation requirements read our expert advise, How To Install Large Format Tile. 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 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. 01 Nov 2010. Large format tile installation needs to be considered differently from regular tile installation. The very thin grout line makes for an almost-seamless look (especially if you choose a grout color that closely matches the color of your tile). A sufficient grout joint gives the tile room to breathe—so to speak—for building movement and thermal expansion. “The width of the joint should be wide enough to accommodate the variances in size of the tiles as permitted by the manufacturing standards” – AS3958.1&2. $165/12” x 24” tile. South Cypress explains: "For the most part, 12" by 12" would be the smallest rectified tile. Page 1 of 2 21 replies. 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. Actual finished grout spaces will vary from 1/8" to 1/4" if 3/16" spacers are used. To simplify: Rectified tiles, regardless of size, shall have a grout joint width no less than 1/8". Once the new document is adopted, it will hopefully bring more clarity to the marketplace regarding what is and what is not rectified tile. It also allows for variation in the manufactured tile, different types of application, and warpage that may be present in large tile. 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. But, allow tile to set firmly before grouting. This creates a clean, symmetrical, seamless appearance that some modern homeowners prefer. Share. They are more dimensionally consistent in length and width, straightness of sides and rectangularity of non-rectified tiles. Now, 12" x 24" is the new 12" x 12". Medium-sized grout line widths — 1/8 to 1/4 inch — require the use of sanded grout and are... Large Grout Joints. A tight, 1/8" grout space will allow the pattern to flow nicely from one tile to the next. 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 edges of the rectified tile are what make it different. All Rights Reserved. ... 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