ᐅ Tiles installed in the kitchen without grout joints

Hello,

we are currently having new floor tiles installed in our kitchen (60x60 cm (24x24 inches), rectified porcelain stoneware), and I wanted the grout lines to be as narrow as possible.

The installer laid them almost seamlessly and assured me several times that this method works fine, and I believed him. However, I later read up on the subject since I figured grout lines aren’t just for aesthetics but have a practical purpose.

Now, I see almost everywhere that this approach isn’t really advisable. What issues could arise from this?

Thank you

Dave

Completely grout-free? If you have read that it’s not a good idea, then you probably know what can happen. It’s mentioned everywhere when you google “installing tiles without grout”!

How are the tiles supposed to relieve stress without grout joints? It’s like with parquet flooring, only that tiles can crack or break.

Tiling used to be a skilled trade, but now anyone without knowledge can lay tiles.

Hello,

yes, seamless, so really precisely joined together. I have attached a photo; I hope it shows it clearly. I’m curious whether the contractors will be allowed to come back soon and redo everything. It’s all on invoice, after all.

But thanks in advance for the feedback.

Dave

Well then, you know what needs to be done. Have it torn out and reinstalled according to DIN standards.

Dave123 schrieb:
Hello,

yes, seamless, so exactly together. I’ve attached a photo; I hope you can see it clearly. I’m curious whether the workers will be allowed to come back soon and redo everything. It’s all on account anyway.

But thanks already for the feedback.

Dave

You can already call them in now... It’s only a matter of weeks before material starts chipping off there.
Usually, the tiler warns in advance what can happen, and you lose your warranty claims if you want it done like that. Are you sure nothing like that was mentioned to you anywhere?

Ok, thank you very much for the information. I will wait and see... The only thing I mentioned is to keep the joint as small as possible due to cleaning. Naturally, as a layperson, I have to rely on the professional regarding what is feasible.

According to a flooring expert, it is practically impossible to install our parquet without cracks appearing later, and now it is almost 30 years old without a single crack.

But thank you very much for the quick tips, and I’m very relieved to have done everything officially with an invoice.