My husband and I are getting ready to tile our backsplash. We are using tumbled marble (4x4), my question is do you have to leave a grout line? What is the purpose of a grout line? I really don't like a grout line and thought that maybe we could just butt the tile up to one another and then do an all over grout to fill in all the nooks and crannies. Can it be done this way? Pros and cons, please.

It's just the nature of tile either ceramic or stone to have grout lines. You don't want dirt collecting and critters living in your wall do ya?


BUT, it's entirely up to you what size grout lines you want ... after all, it's your investment so do it the way you want. There's nothing wrong with tight grout lines. Just make sure to use an unsanded grout to fill all the lines and imperfections.

Here's a shot of a tumbled marble backsplash that I did with no grout. It was at the request of the customer. I was surprised how close the pcs fit together. They also requested no sealer as the colour would have changed quite a bit.



If your pieces are not perfectly square a tight install won't work.

Randal that looks great! Can you post a close up of the wall? It actually looks like grout lines. In my opinion grout lines actually keep the wall plumb, correct? We (husband and I) are getting ready to layout the wall above the double sink. I will try and post the area. We have tumbled tile and then a 5 inch border made up on tiny tumbled multi colored on a diangle. Anyone have any ideas for above the sink?

Mary

Randall...how the heck did you manage to get full tile on the counter,full tile at the bottom of the cabinets, and full tile at the ceiling?

I don't think that there is a full tile at the cabinet edge. Brian a little off topic, but how do I post a picture with my email?

Hi
You'll need to set up an account at a photo storage site such as this one.

http://img383.imageshack.us/

Then, once you have your photo online, you can copy the URL of the picture, and transfer it here.

Mary, the tile looks like it is grouted due to the tumbled edges. See if this pic is clearer.


[IMG] [/IMG]

To post a photo you can either send them to Harry directly at Ontario Tile Setters ( see home page for instructions)or you can post to a hosting site (http://imageshack.us/)and link it to your post using the instant UBB Code (image)
It takes a few trial and error posts to get the hang of it.

Bri, just happen to work out that way. The tile under the cabinet is also a full tile. The light valance is deceiving.

I like the no grout line look! Okay guys now why do I need to have a grout space between the tiles? Is it really necessary? All it does in my opinion is get dirty.