Grouting won't scratch the tile.
Usage might.
Grouting won't scratch the tile.
Usage might.
Some points:
---That joint should get sanded grout.
---Sanded grout will not scratch a properly glazed tile but could scratch unglazed tile.
---Those blue mosaic tiles look like what is often used in vertical applications or as border accents (many times underwater). They would not ordinarially be used for an entire field or pool deck. Probably gonna' be slippery when wet.
---OSHA does not approve products; they set standards. A 3rd. party recognized testing laboratory has to certify that products meet those guidelines.
Good luck,
Jeff (tens of thousands of square feet of tile setting)
I'm pretty sure my bathroom tile is the exact same as yours, and after three years it's not scratched at all and I haven't slipped and died yet.
Ok, so I decided to customize this bitch. Just because the tile was on a mesh mosaic doesn't mean it has to stay there with a 3/16" grout line, right?
My first time laying tile and I went custom. I just cut them off the mesh, bought a ton of 1/8" spacers, and started laying mud. I can use non-sanded grout and I prefer smaller grout lines anyway. I removed all doubt. I figure if I spent this much time and money to do a bathroom floor, I want it right, and I want it my way. patting self on the back
I made it this far today.
Perhaps the only thread in the history of GRM where every single post agreed on something, and you went the other way.
No one can ever accuse Curtis of not being his own man. 
Install looks good.
Here's a pretty simple explanation of the differences, if anyone is still interested.
SVreX wrote: Perhaps the only thread in the history of GRM where every single post agreed on something, and you went the other way. No one can ever accuse Curtis of not being his own man.
LOL. Thanks. 
I've used the epoxy grout on smaller applications and loved it. They even make a glow in the dark grout that I used for my sink top in the bathroom which gave off just enough light to keep me from bumping it when I went to the bathroom.
BUT you have to make up small batches because it goes off so quickly and as you reach the end of a batch it's hard to keep a smooth grout surface.
The way you did you floor and because it's such a small space I might have been tempted to use epoxy.
It also stays looking nice much longer. It has something in it that means it won't develop a mold surface when used in the shower.
My in-laws are generational Italian tile setters. I've worked professionally with them and thrown countless feet of tile professionally, personally, and for friends and family. First, I wish you luck with your choice. Seriously, I hope that works and no one is permanently injured. Second, I predict skull fractures and/or broken grout followed by loose tile in your future You really should use floor tile on a floor rather than wall tile. Tile isn't tile. Also, there is a reason floor tile has a matte finish. Like everyone else said, shoulda used sanded grout. Also shoulda used it in the proper joint with the proper tile, but then again stuff like this makes Holmes on Homes possible.
Laticrete also makes a caulking that matches their grout colors. Good for around toilets, and fixing odd gaps on baseboard trim. I hate tile with a passion. I hate the grout portion the most.
Apis_Mellifera wrote: Second, I predict skull fractures and/or broken grout followed by loose tile in your future You really should use floor tile on a floor rather than wall tile.
How many times do I need to say this in one thread? THIS IS FLOOR TILE. Get it?
Thanks for the input on the grout.
Looks real good. GREAT job on the prep, and the decision to remove tiles from the screening to allow 1/8" joints.
If it proves to be slippery, throw a rubber backed rug down for stepping out of the shower.
Plenty of office buildings have polished granite floors. Guess what? They get slippery.
sachilles wrote: Laticrete also makes a caulking that matches their grout colors. Good for around toilets, and fixing odd gaps on baseboard trim. I hate tile with a passion. I hate the grout portion the most.
I thought about that. I almost bought but then I figured that white would suit better in this room.
And I am growing to hate tile as well. I have never lain tile before but I did do a couple grout jobs previously. My only real motivation for doing it is that this is my house and I want the finished product to be from my hands.
The short version.... the downstairs bathroom is not getting 2" tile
curtis73 wrote: How many times do I need to say this in one thread? *THIS IS FLOOR TILE.* Get it? Thanks for the input on the grout.
Apparently not. What floor? Certainly not a bathroom floor.
curtis73 wrote: The short version.... the downstairs bathroom is not getting 2" tile
Gee, and you haven't even grouted yet!
That will seal the deal!
In reply to Apis_Mellifera:
You needed to end your comment better......"Capisce"?
curtis73 wrote: How many times do I need to say this in one thread? *THIS IS FLOOR TILE.* Get it?
You actually never said that in this thread. This is the first time. That's why you keep getting that input. We were all trying to understand the same thing.
But it's not that important. Carry on. 
curtis73 wrote:sachilles wrote: Laticrete also makes a caulking that matches their grout colors. Good for around toilets, and fixing odd gaps on baseboard trim. I hate tile with a passion. I hate the grout portion the most.I thought about that. I almost bought but then I figured that white would suit better in this room. And I am growing to hate tile as well. I have never lain tile before but I did do a couple grout jobs previously. My only real motivation for doing it is that this is *my* house and I want the finished product to be from my hands. The short version.... the downstairs bathroom is not getting 2" tile
If you are using white grout, I hope you used white thinset to lay the tile(not the normal grey). You probably already knew that.
patgizz wrote:
This looks really nice - I imagine my wife would like something like this in our bathrooms.......
Yes, too small a tile is a pain and so is too big of a tile.
The big stuff is hard to get the thinset even underneath and not leave you with a hollow sound.
I've learned and the only place I put the little stuff is on small walls like back splashes or as decorative accents within a larger piece.
carguy123 wrote: The big stuff is hard to get the thinset even underneath and not leave you with a hollow sound.
Butter the back.
SVreX wrote:carguy123 wrote: The big stuff is hard to get the thinset even underneath and not leave you with a hollow sound.Butter the back.
And then it's hard to get them all perfectly level or else you get thinset everywhere as you level them up and in the clean up you knock the tile out of plumb.
If there's a way to get it out of level then I know it. Fortunately I'm not afraid to start over on a tile if I don't like the way it's turning out.
Butter the back evenly. Geez.
carguy123 wrote: And then it's hard to get them all perfectly level or else you get thinset everywhere as you level them up and in the clean up you knock the tile out of plumb.
You shouldn't be cleaning hard enough to move the tile. Once its placed and level, its off limits for 24 hours.
SVreX wrote:curtis73 wrote: How many times do I need to say this in one thread? *THIS IS FLOOR TILE.* Get it?You actually never said that in this thread. This is the first time. That's why you keep getting that input. We were all trying to understand the same thing. But it's not that important. Carry on.
Oh.... oops. Sorry Apis 
SVreX wrote: Butter the back evenly. Geez.
That sound so easy on here.
I laid about 400 2' X 2' thick and heavy stone tiles a couple of years ago and the trying to easily maneuver the weight of that and get it to lay down flat without dropping one edge and making a divot on one side or the other was a whole lot tougher than I thought it would be.
It all laid down and looked perfect, but I've found 2-3 hollow sounding spots and I don't know what I could have done better. I've decided it's just God messin' with me. It's to keep the sense of hubris down from what I thought was a perfect job.
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