Shopping for home improvement items is never an easy task, you have a lot of options to choose from such as brands, and hardware, and you may not even know what you’re needing. The same can be said about tiles. While tiles can make a world of a difference in your space, the products you need can be a tough call. What do you need? How can you get it? What are the rules? Well, whether you’re installing tiles on the wall or floor of your space, you need to understand the thickness of grout lines.

The small details such as the sizing, and even the sizing of the grout matter. So, what about 1 16 vs. 1 8 grout line for 3×6 subway tile? Well, it’s a common question, but you need to remember that there are various recommendations for grout sizing, so there isn’t a set width requirement. What can you do then? To help you make a more informed decision for your project this post is going to help you help with everything you need to know about the grout line for subway tiles!


What You Need to Know When Working with Subway Tiles

The grout line sounds like it would be minor during the process, but you’d be surprised to know how impactful it is. The size makes the subway tiles appear smaller and more distinct. So, which is better, the 1 8 vs. 1 16 grout line subway tile? A general rule of thumb is that when selecting the width for your grout line for the subway tile, you will want to select a 1/8 inch line if you’re not an expert at installing this. Why is that?

Well, a grout line that size will allow for more small mistakes, plus it will be able to hide imperfections in the tiles too. But, if you want something modern, clean, and sleek, then the 1/16 inch grout line will look much better for your subway tiles. But it’s still strongly preferred that you have experience or at least appoint an expert to do the installation if this is the width you’re after. A thick grout line versus thin grout can entirely transform the appearance of the space.


Do Smaller Grout Lines for Subway Tiles Look Good?

A tighter grout line can make a space look less busy and more modern, but there is still the chance it can look sloppy. This job isn’t for you if you’re not a tile expert. This is why most brands won’t recommend going any tighter than the 1/16th grout line for subway tiles, but for any tile.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

Tight grout lines call for precision, and the slightest imperfections can make an impact. So, combine human error with imperfections, and you’ll notice that your tile job could look like a nightmare.

Yes, in theory, tight grout lines look great, but if you’re installing this from scratch, it will require much patience. This is why opting for a professional to do the job is strongly recommended.

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What to Consider When Choosing Grout Size

While the appearance of the wall (or floors) alone will make a significant impact when installing the tiles, there are some other things you’ll also need to consider when choosing from the 1 8 vs. 3 16 grout line subway tiles.

What type of subway tiles are you using? Some are handmade, and this alone is going to need to be put into consideration. It’s strongly recommended to use larger grout joint to accommodate any potential irregularities that handmade tiles may have, as these tiles can fluctuate. If you’re buying tiles in bulk, make sure you purchase the same one from the same brand. Tiles can fluctuate in size and thickness, but this can lessen by purchasing the same brand and type. So, the variation of the size is going to be a factor.

As there are variations of the sizing within the tiles, you’ll need to keep the entire size of your tile as a factor when deciding on the grout size. The area where the installation will happen needs to be considered when selecting the grout size. For example, the floor installation should involve using greater grout lines, which helps with more traction. Even the angle of the surface has to be kept into account.

The sizes of the grout can make all the difference in your space. Even selecting 1/8 vs. 3/16 grout line subway tile can make you question which is best. But if you have a small space, then 1/16 can be great for accentuating the sizing and variation of each time, while the 1/8 grout line provides for a more clean-cut edge. But you’ll also need to decide if you’re going to do the installation process or hire a professional as both grout lines range in time and effort for installation.


Final Thoughts

You’ll have to think about grout lines between your subway tiles. While it may seem like a minor detail, it’s further from the case. Lines that are too thick look unappealing to a space, but lines that are too small can be too difficult to install. So, when it comes to the 1 16 vs. 1 8 grout lines for the 3×6 subway tile debate, it’s going to be up to you, your time, and whether or not you choose to hire a professional. The 1/8-inch grout lines are perfect if you’re new to tile installation, but the 1/16-inch grout line is good if you want something clean and modern. The level of difficulty for both varies, but they certainly complement your subway tiles!

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Stacey Bailiff

Stacey Bailiff is a talented writer with a passion for home improvement, particularly in the realm of tile design and installation. Stacey is an expert on the latest trends, techniques, and materials used in transforming spaces through tile work. Whether you're a homeowner looking to revitalize your kitchen backsplash, renovate your bathroom with stunning tile patterns, or explore creative ways to incorporate tiles into your living spaces, Stacey's writing is sure to inspire and guide you.

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