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When specifying tile, consider thicknesses carefully!

When specifying tile, consider thicknesses carefully!

We recently worked on a job where there was carpet set into a ceramic tile border.  We assumed the original tile was a typical 3/8” thickness.  We brought in a tile that was listed as 3/8” thickness.  When it came in it was too thick!  When measured, the existing tile was only 5/16” thick.  On top of that, our new tile was a beautiful 24x24 size that we were laying on the diagonal.  The larger format tile would require a trowel notch size that would make the thin set thicker than that which the existing tile was installed in.  The difference ended up being ¼”!!  We had to re-select and re-order a new tile so that the two could be installed flat.  We took these photos at the job site.

This situation can easily happen with tiles even from the same manufacturer and product but when different sized tiles are installed next to one another.  Any tile larger than 12X12 requires a different notch size when spreading the thin set mortar.  This makes the tile sit higher on the mortar bed.  Therefore the overall thickness of the installation is thicker than the 12x12, even if the tile is the same thickness.  The installer can make adjustments to level the two tiles when all are being set at the same time.  However, when installing a new tile against an existing tile, keep this situation in mind!