Tiling with spacers is essential for maintaining consistent grout lines and ensuring that tiles are evenly spaced, giving your tiling project a professional look. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about tile spacers, including how to use them, the best sizes for different projects, and how to remove tile spacers once the tiles are set.

What Are Tile Spacers?

Tile spacers, also known as tile pegs, are small pieces of plastic designed to sit between tiles as you lay them, creating uniform gaps in preparation for tile grout. They come in various sizes and shapes—such as cross, T, and wedge-shaped—to accommodate different tiling patterns and tile thicknesses. Whether you're working with ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles, tile spacers are a must for consistent and visually appealing results.

How Do You Use Tile Spacers?

Tile spacers are relatively easy to use, here are four steps to follow:

1. Select the Right Tile Spacer Size: Common sizes are 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and even up to 10mm tile spacers. If you’re tiling with outdoor porcelain tiles, such as those on a patio, larger spacers are generally recommended due to the larger gaps needed for expansion.

2. Place Spacers Between Tiles: Once you’ve laid your tile adhesive, position the tile, and insert the spacers at each corner where tiles meet. For a staggered pattern, you can use T-shaped spacers, like the Progress 10mm T spacers. If you're using tile wedges, like the PREMTOOL tile levelling system wedges, these work well to adjust for minor differences in tile thickness.

3. Align and Adjust as Needed: Before moving on to the next tile, ensure everything is level. Tile levelling clips can help with this, especially on walls where tiles are prone to slipping before the tile adhesive sets.

4. Repeat and Check Consistency: Continue laying tiles in rows, consistently adding tile spacers to maintain uniformity. Always double-check that the gaps are even and level to avoid irregularities in grout lines.

What Size Tile Spacers Should You Use?

Choosing the right size is essential for both functionality and appearance. Here’s a rough guide to common tile spacer sizes:

• 1mm Tile Spacers - 2mm Tile Spacers: Ideal for smaller tiles, such as those used in a mosaic pattern.

• 3mm Tile Spacers: A popular choice for wall tiles, often providing the ideal gap for grout in bathroom and kitchen spaces.

• 4mm Tile Spacers - 5mm Tile Spacers: Suitable for floor tiles, especially where a slightly larger gap is desired.

• 10mm Tile Spacers: Often used for outdoor tiles or natural stone where larger grout lines are preferred to allow for movement and drainage.

We stock tile spacers from 1mm to 10mm to suit whatever tiling job you may have; shop our range of tile spacers. 

How Many Tile Spacers Do I Need Per Square Meter?

The quantity of tile spacers you may need for your project depends on the tile size, pattern, and room dimensions. As a general rule:

• For standard tiling in a straight pattern, plan on 3-4 spacers per tile.

• In a staggered or herringbone pattern, you may need additional tile spacers to ensure alignment. The Progress Y-Shaped Spacers have been engineered for use specifically with hexagon tiles, and are available in 2mm and 3mm sizes. 

• Always purchase extra to account for any wastage.

If you’re unsure of which tile spacers to buy, and in what quantity, contact our team of experts and they’ll be happy to help.

Tile Spacer Removal Guide

Proper removal of tile spacers is essential for smooth tile grout application. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove tile spacers effectively:

1. Wait for the tile adhesive to set: Allow the tile adhesive to partially dry—usually around 24 hours, depending on the adhesive type and manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Gently Wiggle or Twist: To remove tile pegs or clips, gently twist or pull them out to avoid damaging the tile edges.

3. Use Pliers for Stuck Spacers: If you have stuck tile spacers, carefully use tile levelling pliers to remove them, pulling straight out to avoid cracking. The Marshalltown Tile Spacer Remover is a great option to help you easily and safely remove spacers from between tiles, while minimising the risk of damages.

Read more: How To Grout Tiles

How Long Before Removing Tile Spacers?

It's best to wait until the tile adhesive has partially dried, typically 24 hours. This ensures that the tiles are secure, minimising the risk of movement when you pull out the tile spacers. Make sure you check the datasheet of your chosen tile adhesive for specific drying times. 

Can You Reuse Tile Spacers?

Traditional plastic tile spacers are usually inexpensive and meant for one-time use. However, if they’re in good shape after removal, they can be reused for future projects. We stock some high-quality reusable tile spacer options, such as the Kubala 1.5mm Reuseable Crosses, Kubala 1mm Multi Use T & Cross Spacers, or Perfect Level Master PLM Reusable Crosses Spacers, which are designed for multiple tile pattern installations.

Tile wedges and some tile levelling clips are reusable and can be more durable, making them a good option if you have multiple tiling projects lined up.

What Size Spacers for Outdoor Porcelain Tiles?

For outdoor porcelain tiles, 3mm to 5mm spacers are recommended. The wider gaps accommodate natural expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

Read more: How To Grout A Patio

Do You Need Tile Spacers?

Discover the best tile levelling system for your needs from Pro Tiler Tools, from tile levelling clips and tile spacers and tile pegs to tile wedges. Our tile leveling kits come complete with everything you need to achieve perfectly levelled surfaces, including tile clips, tile spacer wedges, and tile levelling pliers.

If you need any help or advice when placing your order, reach out to our team of experts at [email protected] or give us a call at 01604 859800.