Do I need to use grout or can I just place my tiles side-by-side?

Hey Barb! When I redid our kitchen I did not grout. We also had 2' tiles. And it turned out great! The pic below is what it looked like in the beginning stages with no grout.

If you don't grout water will get behind the tiles and could result in mold and or your tiles falling off.

You need to grout.

Grout seals the cracks and prevents damage behind the tile. However, you can butt them as you mentioned and then apply the grout with a thin bead like piping on a cake. Wipe immediately to smooth. That will lessen the mess.

You can place them side by side and they will naturally have a small space between the tiles. Just fill those areas with grout. I also recommend to check with the tile manufacturer to see what they say.

Hope this Helps! Jeremy - https://do-daddy.com

You need to grout, no matter how small the lines. It helps them stay in place & prevent dirt and grime.