CA POPPY
Santa Clarita, CA, USA
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Joined: 07/07/2003
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We didn't realize the tile we picked was porcelain, not ceramic. We're having it done, not doing it ourselves. Not getting a good feeling, this is day 9 (mostly for supply issues) and the small bathroom is about half done. There are large tiles on the floor and grout lines have been started only in the section around the toilet, so it can be used. Well....the tile has sharp knife edges and in these grout lines are indented, like the installer drew a finger or a tool along the middle. This looks like bad news to me. Looks like the knife edges of the tile (Italian, looks like marble) would be more vulnerable to chipping if, say, somebody had a pebble stuck in a shoe and didn't know it. Also likely to collect dust, etc. I say it ought to be level with the tile so everything is the same height. How about the countertop and backsplash? Grout indented or flush? If anybody has experience or can point me toward an online source that spells it out, I would appreciate it. I don't want to end up having it re-done later.
Thanks, Judy
Judy & Bud (Judy usually the one talking here)
2004 Pleasure-Way Excel TD
co-pilots, Rosie & Poquita
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accsys
Green Cove Springs, FL
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I have never seen grout even with the tile. It has always been indented. Now, where the grout touches the tile it should be close to even with it, but the center of the grout will be lower. A lot depends on the grout width. Sanded grout normally is used on wide grout lines and non-sanded on thin grout lines. The process of wiping the grout lines will almost always produce a grout line that is low in the center.
John & Doris
2006 Four Winds Hurricane 34N, F53 - V10
2004 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4x4 Toad
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FMCA F380583, PA, Good Sams
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jcapps
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usually when you pick square edge tiles you only space the tiles 1/16. With a 1/16 grout line you would never notice. Contractor should have explained this to you.
Unless the edges are truly sharp, which I doubt, you won't have any issues. The grount should be installed then sponged off to leave a natural finish to it
"The great challenge of adulthood is holding on to your idealism after you lose your innocence."
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CA POPPY
Santa Clarita, CA, USA
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Joined: 07/07/2003
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I just checked and the spacers he's using are 3/16 and the finished grout lines on the floor seem to be ¼". The sides of the tiles are perfect right angle cuts and definitely sharp, there is no bevel edge. The material is very dense and tough to cut, takes a special blade. This is the installer that works for the tile shop, has 25 yrs experience but I get the impression he may never have installed this brand before, it's Casa Dolce Casa. He's also playing hurt, facing surgery in a couple of weeks, so I hate to be all over his case. But dang, I'd sure hate to have part of the job done over.
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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Joined: 06/07/2004
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I wonder if the tile was supposed to be installed FLUSH??? No grout lines?
How about some small throw rugs where you'd be walking barefoot.....
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jcapps
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Sounds like it was installed wrong. Is this guy actually licensed or is the tile shop getting around that little detail. Regardless licensed or not the guy should know the product and the proper method for install. If he has done it wrong, better to fix it now than regret it forever. Good luck
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BigPackFan
Endicott, NY USA
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Joined: 07/01/2004
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Porcelain tile is extremely hard - likely won't have any chipping problems.
BPF
Searching for the right RV
2007 GMC Envoy
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Skid Row Joe
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
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Joined: 04/26/2006
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Check to see if he is licensed. In California, I think it's called a C-54. 3/16" grout joints may or may not be flush with the tile surface. Usually, they are not.
I have a sweet tender nature, however I enjoy sharing my thoughts and opinions. 
Fulltiming RVer & homeowner.
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