I'm in the middle of renovating my bathrooms and I have a vision of what I want; I'm aiming for a tiled look with hardly any visible grout lines. However, my contractor insists that grout lines are necessary to prevent water from seeping between the tiles. He's already completed one bathroom and the grout lines are quite noticeable, which isn't what I envisioned. I've seen other bathrooms with the seamless look I want, so I'm wondering if my contractor just doesn't know how to achieve this look or if he's correct about grout being essential to avoid potential water damage.
3 Answers
Your contractor does have a point about needing grout for water sealing and tile stability. If you're after that smooth, groutless look, you might have to find a contractor who specializes in that style—it may even require pricier tiles. Otherwise, if it’s not going to work out, saying thanks and moving on could be the best path forward!
You could definitely go with 1/16" grout lines if you want something less noticeable. The type of tile can also make a big difference—rectified tiles or those with minimal chamfers can get closer to the look you're after. Plus, using a grout color that blends with the tile can help hide the lines too!
Yeah, if you're looking for a nearly seamless finish, consider using larger format tiles to reduce the number of grout lines. That said, you'll still see some lines, but there will be fewer overall. Just keep in mind that many tiles aren’t perfectly uniform, and without grout, it might not hold up over time. If your contractor isn't willing to work with your vision, it might be worth seeking out someone who specializes in that kind of installation.