Need Advice - no room for grout

[Don VT11]

Hi Everyone,

I set some 2x2 mosaic tile last night for a shower floor. The tile comes on the 12x12 sheets. Overall looks good, but unfortunately, I missed placing a spacer between two sheets and now a few of the tiles have shifted leaving no space for grout. What should I do? Try to pop the tile out? cut a grove between the tile. Since this is a shower floor I'm really upset with myself for missing this joint.

Appreciate your advise.

Don

[cx]

Welcome, Don.

How did you waterproof your shower receptor?

A photo of your floor might help.

[Don VT11]

HI CX,

I think I resolved the issue, luckily, I just laid the tile last night and the sheet needing adjusting is on the edge, I was able to carefully pry up the sheet, and reapply fresh thin set and re-seat it.

I'm using Schluter kit (Kerdi and shower pan)

[cx]

Such repairs over direct bonded waterproofing membranes are often prone to damaging the membrane. That's why I asked. If you think you've repaired it with no harm done, good on you.

[Don VT11]

I was a little surprised I was able to pry up the sheet. The thinset had bonded to the membrane but not so much to the tile, It was still a little soft. Would you expect that? It was 14 hours after I laid the tile that I pulled it up.

[John Bridge]

Hi Don,

I'm not surprised. It takes thinset a little longer than that to fully dry out/cure.

[Don VT11]

Hi Everyone,

Love this forum, lots a great information. I'm doing my first bathroom renovation... slow and steady.

I have what seems like a simple question... What is the recommended gap to leave between shower wall tile and floor. I've seen anywhere from 1/16 to 1/4.

What are the recommendations?

Thanks!

Don

[Tool Guy - Kg]

1/8”

[Don VT11]

Thanks Tool Guy,

1/8th it is!

[jadnashua]

Since the gap should be caulked, or have an engineered expansion joint, it needs to be wide enough to be able to get some caulk in there. Personally, I'd use an expansion joint and then never have to deal with caulk now, or in the future when it needs to be replaced. For the most reliable joint, you might want to put a foam backer rod in first before applying the caulk.

[Don VT11]

Hi Everyone,

How much space should be left between a shower stone sill and the tiled wall?

1/8th each side?

[Lazarus]

1/16th to 1/8th would be my advice.

[Don VT11]

Thanks Laz

[cx]

Don, it'll help if you'll keep all your project questions on one thread so folks can see what you're working on and what's been previously asked and answered. A moderator can give it a more generic title any time you'd like to suggest one.