a guide to 1/16 vs 1/8 grout lines: five factors to consider

how to choose between 1/16 vs 1/8 grout lines

tile size and type

when selecting grout joint width, the size of the tile plays a crucial role. generally, larger tiles pair well with wider grout lines, while smaller tiles look best with narrower lines. here's a quick guide to help you choose.

for mosaic or small format tiles, 1/16-inch grout lines are often ideal. this narrow width doesn’t overwhelm the tile design. it's particularly suitable for intricate patterns or when you want the tiles to be the star of the show.

with medium-sized tiles like subway tiles (although they come in various sizes), you have more flexibility. a 1/8-inch grout line offers a balanced appearance, providing enough space for proper installation while not detracting from the tile's aesthetics. this width also helps accommodate slight variations in the size of the tile.

for large format tiles, consider 1/8-inch or even wider grout joint size. these help prevent lippage (uneven edges) and allow for slight imperfections in the substrate. wider lines can also create a striking visual effect, especially with bold grout colors.

consider the type of tile, too. the texture of your tiles plays a role in grout line selection. highly textured tiles, such as slate or rougher porcelain, often pair well with wider 1/8-inch grout lines. the extra width complements the tile's dimensional quality and prevents grout from getting lost in the surface irregularities. smooth, polished tiles, however, can showcase narrower 1/16-inch grout lines, emphasizing their pristine surfaces and creating a more seamless look.

remember, these are general guidelines. we have recommendations on tile spacing, but you should always consult your tile manufacturer's recommendations (or even better, a professional installer) for the best results.

tile material

natural stone tiles, like marble or travertine, often have irregular edges that benefit from wider 1/8-inch grout joints. these larger grout joint sizes help conceal slight size variations and create a more uniform look. these types of tiles can have slight variations in size and shape, and the wider grout lines help accommodate these differences. in wet areas like bathrooms, the extra width also allows for better water drainage and reduces the risk of moisture issues.

in contrast, manufactured tiles like cement, porcelain or ceramic typically have precise, straight edges that allow for narrower 1/16-inch grout lines, resulting in a sleeker appearance. (think of how consistent porcelain subway tiles look.) with factory-made cement, porcelain and ceramic tiles, 1/16-inch grout lines can create an uninterrupted appearance. however, in high-traffic areas or spaces prone to moisture, consider opting for 1/8-inch lines for added durability and easier maintenance.

tile pattern

with smaller spaces or areas where you want to create a continuous look, 1/16-inch grout lines are great. for intricate patterns like herringbone or basketweave, thinner grout lines can help maintain the design's visual flow. narrow lines also work well with mosaic patterns, allowing the design to shine without distraction. they're perfect for backsplashes, shower walls or any area where you want the tiles to be the focal point.

aesthetic preferences

1/16-inch grout lines emphasize the tiles, rather than the grout. this narrow grout joint size is ideal for showcasing intricate tile patterns or when you want to achieve a more modern effect. on the other hand, 1/8-inch grout lines are more noticeable, adding definition and character to your tile layout. they can help emphasize the shape of individual tiles and create a more traditional or rustic aesthetic.

remember that grout color plays a crucial role in the aesthetic of line width. a 1/8-inch line in a contrasting color will create a bold, graphic impact, while a 1/16-inch line in a closely matching hue will be much more subtle. your grout color choice should complement both the tiles and your overall design vision for the space.

room type and location of installation

when choosing between 1/16-inch and 1/8-inch grout lines, look at the specific needs of each room in your home. different spaces have varying requirements for aesthetics, maintenance and functionality.

for example, in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms, opt for 1/8-inch grout lines. the wider spacing allows for better water drainage and helps prevent mold growth. it's also easier to clean, which is crucial in these frequently used spaces, especially on highly-trafficked floors. (need some guidance on floor tile patterns? look no further. and while we’re at it, check out these tips for cutting floor tile.)

in vertical applications like shower walls or kitchen backsplashes, 1/16-inch grout lines can create a sleeker look. these narrow lines put the spotlight on the beauty of your tiles. they're particularly effective with larger format tiles or when you're aiming for a modern, minimalist aesthetic. subway tile backsplashes look amazing with narrow grout lines, keeping the focus on the tiles themselves.

for dry areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, 1/16-inch grout lines minimize visual interruptions, making the space appear larger and more cohesive.

when tiling patios or pool decks, we suggest sticking with 1/8-inch grout lines. these wider gaps accommodate natural expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracking or lifting tiles.

remember, your choice of grout joint width impacts not only the room's appearance but also its long-term durability and maintenance needs. always consider the specific demands of each space when making your decision.

considering 1/16-inch grout lines

benefits

opting for 1/16-inch grout lines sets up a seamless, sophisticated look. these narrow lines allow your beautiful tiles to take center stage, creating a smooth, striking surface. whether you're working with large format tiles or intricate mosaics, the slim profile of 1/16-inch grout lines enhances the overall design, giving your space a contemporary edge.

plus, nobody enjoys scrubbing grout. with 1/16-inch lines, you'll spend less time on your hands and knees with a toothbrush. the narrower the grout line, the less surface area there is for dirt and grime to accumulate. this means your tiled surfaces will stay cleaner for longer.

1/16-inch grout lines are incredibly versatile. they work well with a variety of tile sizes and styles, from classic subway tiles to luxurious marble slabs. these narrow lines can help create the illusion of a larger space, making them perfect for small bathrooms or compact kitchens. whether you're going for a minimalist look or a bold pattern, 1/16-inch grout lines provide a clean canvas for your design vision to shine.

drawbacks

when you opt for 1/16-inch grout lines, you're walking a tightrope between aesthetics and durability. these slim spaces between tiles leave little room for error during installation and provide minimal cushioning against structural shifts. as your home settles or experiences temperature fluctuations, the tight spacing can lead to tiles cracking or popping loose more easily than with wider grout lines.

also, remember when we said cleaning 1/16-inch tiles means less time on your knees? counterpoint: when the time does come to clean them, these tiny crevices can be a challenge to maintain, trapping dirt and grime in hard-to-reach places. standard cleaning tools often can't penetrate these slim gaps effectively, leaving you with stubborn stains and a less-than-pristine appearance over time.

furthermore, with 1/16-inch grout lines, you're giving yourself virtually no wiggle room during installation. any slight imperfection in the tile's shape or size becomes glaringly obvious, and correcting these issues can be a headache. this unforgiving nature of narrow grout lines can turn your dream tile project into a perfectionist's nightmare.

tile installations need to accommodate natural shifts in your home's structure. with such thin grout lines, there's much less space for tiles to expand, contract or move slightly. this rigidity can lead to stress buildup, potentially causing cracks in the grout or even the tiles themselves.

and, thinner grout size means less surface area for the grout to adhere to the tiles. this reduced bonding area can compromise the overall strength of your installation, making it more susceptible to damage from impacts or heavy foot traffic.

exploring 1/8-inch grout lines

benefits

wider grout lines like 1/8-inch can dramatically transform the look of your tiled surface. they create a bold, striking pattern that draws the eye and adds depth to your space. this design choice can make smaller tiles appear larger and more prominent, giving your floor or wall a unique, custom feel. plus, wider grout lines allow you to experiment with contrasting colors, creating a captivating visual interplay between tile and grout.

beyond aesthetics, 1/8-inch grout lines offer practical advantages. they provide better slip resistance, especially in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens. the increased texture helps prevent accidents and improves overall safety. additionally, wider grout lines are more forgiving when it comes to minor imperfections in tile placement or slight variations in tile size, making installation easier (you should still consider hiring a professional installer).

the larger surface area makes cleaning more straightforward, as you can easily reach into the grooves with a brush or mop. moreover, wider grout lines are less prone to cracking and chipping, which means less frequent repairs and touch-ups. this durability can lead to a longer-lasting, better-looking tiled surface over time.

drawbacks

wider grout lines mean more surface area to clean and maintain. these larger grout joints can show dirt and grime more easily, requiring more frequent and thorough cleaning to keep your tiled surface looking fresh. you'll likely find yourself scrubbing those lines more often to prevent discoloration and mold growth. designs with lots of grout lines, in high-traffic zones, like subway tile showers, may call for even more frequent cleaning.

opting for wider grout lines can make a space appear smaller than it actually is. this optical illusion occurs because the eye is drawn to the grid-like pattern created by the grout, which can overwhelm the tiles themselves.

like 1/16-inch grout lines, 1/8-inch grout lines can be susceptible to chipping, cracking and wear over time. this vulnerability is especially pronounced in high-traffic areas or spaces exposed to temperature fluctuations.

when to use a 1/16-inch grout line

in compact areas like bathrooms or kitchens, narrow grout lines can make a big difference. they create an illusion of more space by minimizing visual breaks between tiles. this can make your room feel larger and more open.

if you're going for a contemporary vibe, narrow grout lines are your best friend. they complement minimalist designs and large-format tiles beautifully, creating a clean, uncluttered appearance that's perfect for modern interiors.

narrower grout lines can also help when you want your tile pattern to shine. they allow intricate designs or bold patterns to draw the eye without distraction. this is especially effective with mosaic tiles or unique layouts like herringbone or chevron patterns, but even with classic designs like subway tiles, narrow grout joints can be quite eye-pleasing.

remember, while narrow grout lines offer aesthetic benefits, they require precision. always consult with a professional installer to ensure your project achieves the desired look while maintaining structural integrity.

when to use a 1/8-inch grout line

when you're aiming to make a statement with your tile installation, wider grout lines can be your secret weapon. a broader grout width creates a bold, eye-catching grid pattern that can transform a simple tile layout into a striking design feature. this approach works particularly well with larger tiles or in spacious areas where you want to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

opting for wider grout lines isn't just about aesthetics—it's also a smart, practical choice in certain situations. wider grout joints can help compensate for slight irregularities in tile size or shape, making the installation process smoother and the final result more polished. additionally, they can improve slip resistance in wet areas like bathrooms or pool decks, providing an extra layer of safety underfoot.

that’s a lot of info to digest, but it’s important to understand the ins and outs of narrower and wider grout sizes to plan your layout and installation and get the design you want. (and we’ll say it again, a professional installer will understand this better than anyone.) as you shop for tile, make sure you factor in grout width before you order.