Hexagon tile installations require careful planning to achieve consistent grout lines and a professional finish. This guide examines the best spacers for hexagon tile, covering sizes, materials, layout tips, and common pitfalls to help homeowners and installers make informed choices.
| Spacer Type | Best For | Common Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Cross Spacers | Standard ceramic or porcelain hex tiles | 1/16″, 1/8″, 3/16″ |
| Wedge Spacers | Uneven substrates or irregular tiles | Variable (adjustable) |
| Tile Levelling Clips | Large format hex tiles to prevent lippage | Clips + wedges sized per tile thickness |
| Paper Or Cardboard Spacers | Custom spacing for mosaic sheets | Custom trimmed |
Why Spacer Choice Matters For Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles create a geometric pattern that magnifies spacing inconsistencies; therefore, choosing the right spacer ensures uniform grout lines and a balanced visual flow. Uneven spacing becomes obvious on repeating shapes like hexagons, especially when lighting or contrasting grout highlights joints.
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Common Spacer Types And How They Perform With Hexagon Tile
Several spacer types suit hexagon tile installations, and each has trade-offs in precision, speed, and finish quality. Understanding these options helps select the best spacer for the project.
Plastic Cross Spacers
Plastic cross spacers are the most common option and provide four-way placement at tile corners. They work best where tile edges meet at points, such as hexagon corners, giving consistent grout joints for ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Wedge Spacers
Wedge spacers offer slight adjustability and can compensate for minor irregularities in tile size or substrate flatness. They’re useful when tiles have manufacturing tolerances or the substrate is not perfectly level.
Tile Levelling Systems
Levelling systems combine clips and wedges to prevent lippage by applying downward pressure until the thinset sets. For large hexagon tiles, levelling systems provide the flattest finish and minimize edge differences between neighboring tiles.
Mosaic Or Sheet Spacers
Mosaic-backed hex tiles often come on mesh sheets with preset spacing. When sheets are used, paper or custom-cut spacers help align sheet seams without disrupting the mosaic pattern.
Choosing The Right Spacer Size For Hexagon Tile
Spacer size affects grout width appearance and performance. For hexagon tile, common spacer sizes range from 1/16″ to 3/16″. Smaller grout joints look seamless and modern, while larger joints help accommodate size variation and movement.
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- 1/16″ (1.5mm): Best for rectified tiles with tight manufacturing tolerances and flat substrates.
- 1/8″ (3mm): Versatile choice for most porcelain and ceramic hex tiles, balancing aesthetics and flexibility.
- 3/16″ (4.5mm): Used for non-rectified or natural stone hex tiles with greater size variation.
Material Considerations: Plastic Vs. Reusable Metal Vs. Biodegradable
Spacer material affects usability and environmental impact. Plastic spacers are affordable and plentiful, while reusable metal spacers save long-term costs. Biodegradable or dissolvable spacers are handy for specific mosaic layouts and reduce waste.
Layout Strategies For Hexagon Tile With Spacers
Effective layout reduces cuts and ensures symmetric patterns near edges and focal points. Planning helps determine where spacers will be most visible and how grout lines align across the field.
Centering And Focal Point Alignment
Begin by dry-laying tiles to find the best center and balance at walls. Align the pattern so half-hex tiles across parallel surfaces are even rather than having thin slivers at opposite edges.
Working In Rows And Using Reference Lines
Snap chalk lines or laser guides to establish straight rows. Place spacers consistently along reference lines to maintain uniform grout joints across the installation. Consistent spacer placement prevents drift in the pattern across large areas.
Dealing With Irregular Tiles
If tile edges vary, use slightly larger spacers or wedge spacers to maintain visible consistency. Allowing a bit more grout width disguises small size differences and reduces the risk of lippage.
Installing Hexagon Tile: Step-By-Step Spacer Tips
Installation technique affects final results as much as spacer choice. Follow a disciplined approach to thinset application, tile placement, and spacer removal for best outcomes.
- Prepare The Substrate: Ensure the substrate is flat, clean, and primed if necessary to support even tile placement.
- Choose Appropriate Thinset: Use a polymer-modified thinset suitable for tile material and location.
- Apply Thinset Evenly: Back-butter large hex tiles and use proper trowel size to achieve full coverage.
- Place Tiles And Spacers: Set tiles on the thinset and insert spacers at each corner or along edges where joints meet.
- Check Alignment Frequently: Use a straightedge to spot lippage and a level to ensure tiles are flat.
- Remove Spacers At The Right Time: Remove plastic spacers after thinset firms but before it fully cures to avoid grout voids.
Preventing And Fixing Lippage With Hexagon Tile
Lippage occurs when adjacent tile edges are not flush. Large hexagon tiles are especially prone to this issue. Tile levelling clips and consistent thinset application are primary defenses against lippage.
When To Use Levelling Systems
Levelling systems are recommended for hex tiles larger than 6″ across or when the substrate has minor height variations. They apply even pressure and keep adjacent tile faces aligned during cure.
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Simple Fixes For Minor Lippage
If lippage is detected early, adjust tiles and re-seat them before thinset cures. For cured installations, grinding or sanding high edges may be possible, but this risks damaging tile edges or glaze. Prevention is preferable to post-installation fixes.
Grout Choice And How It Interacts With Spacer Decisions
Grout color and type change the visual effect of spacers. Narrow joints emphasize tile shape, while wider joints create a pronounced grid. Matching grout flexibility and color to spacer width ensures durable joints and desirable aesthetics.
- Sanded Grout: Use for joints 1/8″ and wider; provides strength for movement and prevents shrinkage.
- Unsanded Grout: Suitable for joints under 1/8″; better for delicate tile edges where sand may scratch.
- Epoxy Grout: Highly durable and stain-resistant; works with any spacer width but needs careful application.
Common Mistakes When Using Spacers With Hexagon Tile
Several recurring errors can undermine a hexagon tile installation. Recognizing these pitfalls helps avoid costly mistakes and rework.
- Using Too-Small Spacers With Non-Rectified Tile: Can reveal size tolerances and lead to irregular joints.
- Failing To Use A Levelling System For Large Tiles: Increases lippage risk and uneven reflections across the floor.
- Removing Spacers Too Late: Plastic spacers left until grout stage can leave voids and prevent proper filling.
Recommended Spacer Products For Hexagon Tile
Several spacer brands and systems are favored by professionals for hexagon tile installations. Selection depends on tile size, budget, and the need for levelling features. Opt for known brands with consistent sizing and quality control to reduce job-site surprises.
- Collomix Or Raimondi Levelling Systems: Renowned for reliable levelling of large-format and shaped tiles.
- Whitecap Or QEP Plastic Cross Spacers: Widely available and economical for standard hex tiles.
- Adjustable Wedges: Useful when tiles vary slightly and minor adjustments are needed.
Maintenance And Long-Term Considerations
After installation, spacer choices affect cleaning, grout repair, and durability. Wider grout joints may require more maintenance but accommodate movement; epoxy grout combined with proper spacer width offers low-maintenance longevity. Periodic resealing of porous grout is recommended for bathrooms and high-traffic floors.
Cost And Time Trade-Offs
Higher-end levelling systems and reusable spacers increase upfront costs but can reduce labor time and prevent costly corrections. Standard plastic spacers are cheaper but may extend installation time when correcting lippage. Consider total project cost, including labor and potential rework, when selecting spacers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hexagon Tile Spacers
What Spacer Size Is Best For Small Hexagon Tiles?
For small hex tiles under 3″ across, 1/16″ to 1/8″ spacers are typical, with unsanded grout often used for joints under 1/8″.
Are Levelling Systems Necessary For Hexagon Tile?
Levelling systems are strongly recommended for large hex tiles or when the substrate is imperfect; they significantly reduce lippage and produce a flatter surface.
Can Spacers Be Reused?
Many plastic spacers are disposable, but metal or durable plastic designs can be reused. Reusable products reduce waste and are cost-effective over multiple projects.
Final Selection Checklist For Choosing Spacers
Before purchasing spacers, assess tile size, rectification, substrate flatness, grout preference, and budget. Match spacer type and size to tile characteristics and installation conditions for consistent, professional results.
| Project Factor | Recommended Spacer |
|---|---|
| Small Rectified Hex Tiles | 1/16″ Plastic Cross Spacers |
| Standard Porcelain Hex Tiles | 1/8″ Plastic Spacers |
| Large Or Irregular Hex Tiles | Levelling System + Wedges |
| Mosaic Sheet Hex Tiles | Mesh Backing + Custom Paper Spacers |
For optimal installation, combine proper spacer choice with precise layout, appropriate thinset, and regular alignment checks to achieve a durable and visually pleasing hexagon tile surface.