porcelain tile spacing?

Hi, there!

We're putting 16" x 16" porcelain tile on our kitchen floor (10' x 10') and we're wondering how we should space them? They're marble-looking with straight edge (not rounded) and the grout is a close match to the tile colour. We're wondering what size of spacers to buy.

Also, the back of the tile is not flat - it has a kind of diamond pattern, so I'm thinking we should be buttering the backs? How thick should we butter them?

Lastly, we're thinking we might lay them diagonally - with the size of the kitchen and the size of the tile, tho, I'm wondering if that's a good idea or not? The cabinets will be in a "U" shape, if that makes any difference...

Thanks,

Nicole

 

If polished porcelain, space them between 1/16 and 1/8", use unsanded grout.

Use a 1/4x3/8" trowel, spread the thinset on the floor with the flat side, then the notched side, then backbutter each tile with the flat side of the trowel and place, then lift and check for coverage, your aiming for 100%.

Is the floor flat, this is important with larger tile, you don't want any lippage with this tile, it will show.

How you set them, straight or on a diagonal is up to you, see how it looks both ways first dry, then decide.

 

I knew I could count on you

Well, once we get the subfloor in, etc, we'll be checking for how level it is and are prepared to use levelling compound, as needed.

Thanks!