Ann Sacks Tile - Variations are not same length

[JaniceK]

Hello:

I bought Ann Sacks Savoy 2x8" tiles. The boxes came with two variations which is great (the tiles are striated so the difference looks good). But, the two variations are not the same length - one is 1/32 - 1/16" shorter than the other.

When I called the company they said that these variations in length are fairly standard, which is why they suggest grout lines of 1/8".

Two installers that came to bid on the job said couldn't use the tile.

So, how does one install tiles of slightly different length?
Two sizes of spacers?
Line up in center of tile?
Eyeball it? (kidding, kind of)

Thank you.

[Tool Guy - Kg]

Welcome to the forum, Janice!

I assume these are going on the wall? Backsplash…shower?

Do the two widths measure the same? What pattern were you intending to use?

[JaniceK]

Yes, backsplash.
Stacked layout.
Widths do match.

Thanks.

[cx]

Welcome, Janice.

In your stacked layout, how did you intend to disperse the different variations? Were they to be dispersed randomly, or could they perhaps be in alternating columns or something along that line?

[JaniceK]

I tried to separate the long from the short and put into their own stacked column (on the basement floor, just to see). But, the color variation is too much and it is obvious that there are two different tiles happening - even if the difference is minor.

So, I simply grabbed two of one kind, then (for example) three of the other tile and turned some of the tiles 180 degrees to make essentially four (4) tiles "types" in each column. This is how I made up my columns and overall layout.

[jerrymlr1]

Originally Posted by Janice

Eyeball it?

That's pretty much it. I would lay them out in an open area to get the lots mixed and go from there. Nothing wrong with a 1/8 grout joint. It can be done if a 16th is the most it varies.

[jadnashua]

FWIW, the industry guidelines for grout joints is a minimum of 3x the difference between the shortest and longest dimensions.

On a backsplash, you might want to consider an epoxy or an acrylic grout as they are less susceptible to stains if that might be a consideration. They're not impervious, but likely better than a cement based one.