Overheard a couple arguing about tile spacers at the hardware store

They were debating whether to use the little plastic crosses or just eyeball it for a small backsplash. The guy said his dad always told him 'the grout line is your friend, not your enemy' and insisted on using them. Made me realize I've been skipping that step on small jobs for years... probably why my last kitchen tile job in the bungalow on Elm Street looked a bit wavy up close. Anyone have a good rule for when you can get away without spacers?

2 comments

2 Comments

claire_ross6111h ago

My cousin tried to freehand the tile in his camper van... said it was just a tiny area behind the sink. Ended up with these weird, pinched corners that drove him nuts every time he did the dishes. He ripped it all out after six months and used the little crosses. Now he swears by them for anything bigger than a single accent piece.

pat_harris7h ago

Yeah, those little spacers are a lifesaver. Did my own kitchen backsplash and tried to eyeball it at first. The lines went all wobbly after just a few tiles. Switched to the plastic spacers and it came out perfectly straight, no weird gaps. Totally worth the extra few minutes to set them.