Grout or no grout?
#1
03-29-22, 07:20 PM
Grout or no grout?
I have a 4” stone backsplash in the kitchen. We are adding a mural (6x6 tumbled travertine) behind the cooktop surrounded by 4x4 travertine tiles above the backsplash.
The designer at Best Tile said grout was optional - I can place them next to each other and not grout given I already have a backsplash.
Id rather not grout. Is this acceptable? If I do grout, is it best to use a cake decorating bag and squeeze the grout in between the tiles?
A complication - I looked into using a tile adhesive mat to make it easier, but the instructions say to grout to lock the tiles in place.
So, I’m confused as to what to do. Using mortar makes a mess (I do anyways). Maybe use the mat n then the bag to grout?
The designer at Best Tile said grout was optional - I can place them next to each other and not grout given I already have a backsplash.
Id rather not grout. Is this acceptable? If I do grout, is it best to use a cake decorating bag and squeeze the grout in between the tiles?
A complication - I looked into using a tile adhesive mat to make it easier, but the instructions say to grout to lock the tiles in place.
So, I’m confused as to what to do. Using mortar makes a mess (I do anyways). Maybe use the mat n then the bag to grout?
Last edited by craftydad; 03-29-22 at 07:22 PM. Reason: Fix Wording
#2
03-30-22, 12:48 AM
Member
A picture would really help but if the tiles are set with a gap then grout is needed. If it's a natural stacked stone material, installed without spacers then grout is not used.
Travertine is tough to grout with all the small indents and holes.
Oh boy, what have they come up with now, I had to look that up!
Personally that looks like a disaster just waiting to happen especially with a heavy tile like Travertine. I'd rank it right up there with tile mastic, not made because it's better just a product to shortcut the right way to install tile!
Travertine is tough to grout with all the small indents and holes.
tile adhesive mat
Personally that looks like a disaster just waiting to happen especially with a heavy tile like Travertine. I'd rank it right up there with tile mastic, not made because it's better just a product to shortcut the right way to install tile!
sam floor
voted this post useful.
#4
03-30-22, 06:33 AM
Tile mat
I saw the tile adhesive mat used on an episode of This Old House. They stuck it on, peeled off the protective cover, and stuck on the tile. Then they grouted the back splash.
I don’t think I’m gonna be able to smear grout onto the travertine and get it back off and out of all the nooks n crannies.
So I’ve decided to use mortar and no grout.
Cheers!
I don’t think I’m gonna be able to smear grout onto the travertine and get it back off and out of all the nooks n crannies.
So I’ve decided to use mortar and no grout.
Cheers!
#5
03-30-22, 07:42 AM
Member
For that heavy tile absolutely go conventional mortar install
Ill bet anything that is manufactures recommendation, I would also confirm their grout requirements,
Ill bet anything that is manufactures recommendation, I would also confirm their grout requirements,
