[dtbingle]

How do you choose the tile grout line size and notched trowel size based on the tile being used?

For example, I’m using 4x16 ceramic subway tile on the walls for the bathtub and 6x24 porcelain wood tiles for the bathroom floor. The bathtub walls will also have an accent mosaic for the back of the wall niche.

What notched trowel size should be used for each the wall, floor, and mosaic?

Likewise what are common grout line sizes for each of these?

 

[chandler48]

Others may have different advice, but I like to use a 1/4 x 1/4 notched trowel. https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-9-i...02596318;310395606;302854209;-_-203713868-_-N

As for grout lines, IMO, the smaller the better. I almost exclusively recommend using 1/8" joints. After all, I want people to see the TILE, not the GROUT. Plus cleaning large grout lines will keep you busy all month long.

On your plank flooring, read the instructions. I have had some require no grout line, or butting the tiles together to make it look like a hardwood floor, and use UNSANDED grout in the joints. Just an option.

 

[dtbingle]

Others may have different advice, but I like to use a 1/4 x 1/4 notched trowel.

As for grout lines, IMO, the smaller the better. I almost exclusively recommend using 1/8" joints. After all, I want people to see the TILE, not the GROUT. Plus cleaning large grout lines will keep you busy all month long.

On your plank flooring, read the instructions. I have had some require no grout line, or butting the tiles together to make it look like a hardwood floor, and use UNSANDED grout in the joints. Just an option.

Thanks, both instruction pdfs for the product don't list these sizes, however, did find on HDs Q & A, the companies responded with:
1/16 grout line for the 4x16 ceramic subway tile
3/16 grout line for the 6x24 porcelain wood floor tile


Based on you're recommendation, I'm going to go with the 1/4 x 1/4 trowel, but what dictates the need for different sizes?

For example, both the wall tile and floor tile specify "spread a 1/4 coat", but obviously trowels have a height and width. So how would you know when to use a 1/4" x 3/16" v-notch or step up to the 1/4" x 3/8" square notch?

 

[chandler48]

You can use a 1/4" v notch for the subway, but I would use the 1/4 x 1/4 for the floor. Your subway tile may have spacer lugs built in. Check it out. IMO, the 1/8" will serve you well on the floor and make it look like real wood planks more than that added 1/16".

 

[dtbingle]

You can use a 1/4" v notch for the subway, but I would use the 1/4 x 1/4 for the floor. Your subway tile may have spacer lugs built in. Check it out. IMO, the 1/8" will serve you well on the floor and make it look like real wood planks more than that added 1/16".

Sounds good!

You are correct, the 4x16 subway tiles have built in spacer lugs to create a 1/16 grout line between tiles.