Hot Topics: How to Fill a Gap Between Tiles1

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In pursuit of filling gaps between floor and wall tile, a DIYer learns the difference between caulk and grout and how best to match their coloring.

Original Post: How to fill gap between tiles?

alexwaltz Member

In my bathroom, I have some gaps that have developed. These gaps exist between tiles that are on the floor as well as between tiles where the floor and the wall touch. (I have attached a picture to give a better idea.) Could someone please tell me what the best way is to fill these gaps and what material I should use?

ray2047 Group Moderator

Grout between the tiles. Caulk between the wall and tile.

alexwaltz Member

Thank you for your response. I'm just curious, why would you suggest caulk for the gaps between the wall and the floor rather than grout? After you suggested caulk, I had a second look at the picture that I attached, and doesn't it look like there is grout instead of caulk?

marksr Forum Topic Moderator

Whenever tile has a right angle like that, grout is prone to fail so caulk is used. Tile stores generally sell caulks that match the grout.

Marq1 Member

Your walls and floors are pretty stiff, but there can be movement between the two that will crack the grout. You can try and maybe nothing will happen, but if it cracks you will have to dig it out. The only concern I have with the caulk is that it's usually a slightly different color just due to the variations you get with grout, but that is getting really nitpicky!

alexwaltz Member

Thank you all. I will pick up some caulk to complete this work.

A couple of follow-up questions:

1. More for my own knowledge, is there any risk of damage if the gap isn't filled?

2. Is there a way to get the hardware store to exactly match the color of caulk with what is between the two tiles currently? Perhaps with a picture?

3. In terms of doing the job, should I just caulk the gap, or should I go from one wall to the other, covering the old grout and the gap with new caulk?

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