Does this porcelain tile need grout?

Mindy DuFlunker
by Mindy DuFlunker
These pieces fit together very nicely. The ends and sides are straight cut.
  18 answers
  • William William on Jul 15, 2016
    No. Grout is not needed. It's make to look like stacked stone.
  • Bryan's Workshop Bryan's Workshop on Jul 16, 2016
    Hello, what is the tile for? You should definitely use grout every time! Placing tiles next to each other will eventually damage them. No matter what surface and no matter what substrate you use, the tiles will rub against each other. Also, even if the tiles look perfectly flush side by side, the possibility for something going in the crack is big. Your tiles should have information on whats the thinnest grout line acceptable.
  • Crystal Meyer Griffith Crystal Meyer Griffith on Jul 16, 2016
    I think it depends on where you're using the tile. If it's a backsplash in the kitchen or a decorative area that's not subject to moisture, you can probably get away without grout. There is a pre-mixed thin set that also doubles as grout that you could use to help glue the pieces together. If you're using them in a wet area like a shower, then you need some grout but you can use a very thin line like one eighth inch and in a color that blends with the tile. Latex is fine unless you're putting it in a flooring situation.
  • Jane Walters Jane Walters on Jul 16, 2016
    No grout is needed. It looks perfect as is. Great job.
  • Pam Pam on Jul 16, 2016
    The tiles with straight sides are called rectified. They are designed for a minimal grout line but yes, they need grout - choose a color close to the tile color and you won't even see it.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jul 16, 2016
    Grout or not? Not, if you like growing little colonies of bacteria and alien worlds. Yes, if you match with the color of the stone. You will never see it and it is a very easy job; mix, spread, let dry, sponge off.
  • Jackie Hendricks Jackie Hendricks on Jul 16, 2016
    Absolutely grout but don't use the old standard type. There is a newer product that has a polymer base that is flexible and easy to clean. Multiple colors available. NEVER tile w/o grout.
  • David David on Jul 16, 2016
    The reason that tiles are grouted is to make them impervious to water getting behind them and sealing the joint, if the will not have water on them, then you will not need grout, hope this helps. David
  • Tony Ford Tony Ford on Jul 16, 2016
    Yes always grout even if you think it isn't needed. Unsanded grout gets in deep when worked properly, even gaps as small as 1/16. It finishes the job tightens the wall and makes the job last longer.
  • Linda Linda on Jul 16, 2016
    What do the instructions that come with that type of tile say? I did some curved glass tile used on the bathroom wall that said "no grout" but you had to seat it deep in the mastic. I've not had any problem after 2 years, but I have porcelain tile on the floor and THAT was grouted.
  • Marilyn Zaruba Marilyn Zaruba on Jul 16, 2016
    Where are you putting these? We laid marble tile around a fireplace long ago and the people at the tile place said marble should never be grouted. Of course, this was not in a wet area so we didn't have to worry about mold. That marble tile stayed strong for the 25 years we lived in that house.
  • Kathy Bitzan Kathy Bitzan on Jul 17, 2016
    I guess it depends where your putting it. Where is the water if its not a worry I wouldn't bother. If in doubt ask at your home center.
  • Haysha S. Haysha S. on Jul 17, 2016
    After the technical considerations with moister, it's stylistic. I think that your tiles look really nice without grout.
  • Denise Maly Politano Denise Maly Politano on Jul 17, 2016
    What about porcelain tile in shower/tub area? I had a remodel done, porcelain tile on the surrounding walls, acrylic tub and just realized there is no caulk, only the tile grout.
  • Roslyn New-Horton Roslyn New-Horton on Jul 17, 2016
    The floor people who quoted us on something similar recommended minimal grout like 1/8" . May I ask what make and pattern that is? We're still undecided and it's lovely.
  • Solange Boucher Solange Boucher on Jul 17, 2016
    If you are putting it down on a loor, I would definitely put a fine line of grout 1/16" to 1/8". Tiles may fit together nicely does not kean the floor will be perfectly straight which could create an opening of the tiles, water could then infiltrate under.
  • Tiffany Tiffany on Jul 18, 2016
    That tile looks very similar to the tile we've just put in our basement. And yes, you need grout.
  • Jane Harriss Naus Jane Harriss Naus on Jul 20, 2016
    There is a type of mastic that also is grout - you use it on the back of the tiles & it will seal (provided you applied the adequate water sealer below it). Check with a local tile distributor in your area. We recently put a marble "fill" in our new shower & the installer used that grout/mastic. It was designed specifically for tiles that do not get grout. Hope this helps!