I am installing 13x13 porcelain tile on a wall. Should I leave a 1/4‘‘ gap for grout or can I butt them up tight for a smaller grout line?
large tiles (13x13) usually require at least a 3/8 space. you can butt up the tile but ive seen this done and it does look awkward .
You have to leave some gap for grout. Butting them together would not work.
You can buy plastic spacers from tile shops in various sizes, In the shop I would place a meter of tiles on the floor and use some spacers to get the look you like. Then you know what space to leave for grout.
You can buy very narrow spacers (1/8) and use unsanded grout. Close spacing (to me) looks better on a wall and floor. You have to use unsanded grout because regular grout can't be pushed between the tiles. You must leave a gap between the tiles - it's the grout that keeps water from getting behind the tiles.
Tile with no gap will not accept grout. A gap less than 1/8 will accept on non-sanded grout. Most large tiles are set with a 1/4 gap or a bit more. That will accept sanded grout. It's very difficult to get butted tile perfectly straight on a wall so it will look good afterward. If that wall is in a wet location, you definitely need grout.
