What Size Spacers for Backsplash? A Complete Guide

Adding a backsplash is one of the best ways to customize and upgrade your kitchen. Not only does a backsplash provide an extra layer of protection for your walls against splashes and spills, it also serves as a decorative focal point. When installing a backsplash, one important decision is choosing the right size spacers.

What are Backsplash Spacers?

Backsplash spacers, also known as tile spacers, are small plastic crosses that are placed between tiles during installation. The spacers serve several important purposes:

They help create consistent grout lines by keeping the tiles evenly spaced. This gives the finished backsplash a neat, uniform appearance.
They prevent tiles from shifting and sliding during installation. Keeping tiles properly spaced ensures the backsplash will be straight and even when completed.
They allow room for grout. Grout is applied in the small spaces between the tiles created by the spacers.
They compensate for irregularities in tile size. Natural stone tiles and handmade tiles may not be perfectly uniform, so spacers help account for any slight size variations.
They make alignment easier when installing the tiles in rows. The spacers keep each row straight and evenly spaced as you work across the backsplash area.

So in short, backsplash spacers are crucial for creating professional looking tile installations with straight grout lines and a polished finish.

What Size Spacers Should I Use?

Backsplash spacer size is usually between 1/16 inch to 3/8 inch thick. The most common sizes used are:

1/16 inch spacers – best for smaller mosaic tiles with a mesh backing.
1/8 inch spacers – suitable for most standard sized tiles between 4 inches to 12 inches. This is the most commonly used spacer thickness.
3/16 inch spacers – provides a wider grout line, good for large format tiles and natural stone tiles.
1/4 inch spacers – best for large rectangular or square tiles such as 12×24 inch subway tiles.
3/8 inch spacers – used for very large format tiles 18 inches or larger.

The exact size you need depends on factors such as your tile size, tile material, pattern, and the look you want to achieve.

Size Recommendations Based on Tile Type

Mosaic tile: Use 1/16 inch spacers. The tiny tiles make larger spacers unwieldy.

Standard ceramic, porcelain, glass: Use 1/8 inch spacers for a clean, classic look.

Subway tile: 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch spacers depending on the tile dimensions.

Large rectangular tiles: 1/4 inch spacers are ideal.

Natural stone tiles: 3/16 inch spacers allow more room for grout with uneven edges.

Very large format tiles: 3/8 inch spacers are best to support the weight.

Size Recommendations Based on Desired Grout Line Width

The spacer size also determines the grout line width. Consider the visual effect you want:

Thin grout lines (1/16 inch): Use with mosaics or small tiles. Gives a smoother, blended look.
Standard grout lines (1/8 inch): The most common choice for most tile sizes. Provides subtle definition between tiles.
Medium grout lines (3/16 inch): Defines tiles more prominently. Works with more organic patterns.
Wide grout lines (1/4 inch or 3/8 inch): Makes a bold statement and shows off larger tiles. Industrial, modern aesthetic.

In general, larger tiles suit wider grout lines, while smaller tiles look best with thinner grout lines. But you can play with different sizes to create your desired style.

Other Considerations for Choosing Spacer Size

Here are a few other tips for selecting the right spacer size:

Consider the tile material. Natural stone and handmade tiles often have uneven edges, so use a slightly larger spacer size to allow more room for grout. With perfectly cut ceramic and porcelain, a smaller spacer can work.
Take note of the tile surface texture. Heavily textured tile may require a wider spacer so grout can fully fill the spaces between tiles.
Factor in tile size variation. If tiles are not perfectly uniform, larger spacers provide a buffer. Mosaic sheets with built-in spacing are very consistent.
Think about the tile layout pattern. Simple patterns like a basic grid allow smaller spacers. Intricate or organic patterns look better with slightly larger spacers.
Choose thickness appropriate for the tile weight and application area. Larger, heavier tiles may require thicker spacers for adequate support and prevention of movement.
Consider if the tiles will be grouted or ungrouted. Ungrouted applications like an open penny tile floor need larger spacers between tiles.

What are the Best Materials for Spacers?

Tile spacers come in a variety of materials:

Plastic

The most common and affordable option. Plastic spacers come in packs for easy use. They provide good spacing stability while allowing some flexibility when positioning tiles. The small cross shape limits obscuring the tile edges. Reusable plastic spacers are economical and environmentally friendly.

Rubber

Rubber spacers provide solid, rigid spacing like plastic. Dense rubber material gives extra stability for heavy tiles. The rubber surface provides good friction with the tile edges to prevent shifting. Rubber is more durable than plastic for reuse.

Metal

Small metal spacers made from aluminum or brass maintain accuracy in high heat applications like fireplace surrounds. Rigid and slim shape. Not reusable. Most expensive option.

Wood

Thin wood spacers give a perfectly uniform appearance for grout lines. More customizable sizing options available. Can be stained to match or contrast with grout color. Require precise tile alignment and may obstruct corners.

Acrylic

Clear acrylic spacers are less visible but more expensive. Maintains even spacing with some flexibility. Can crack under too much pressure. Reusable if not cracked. Good for floor installations.

Tile Spacer Strips

These prefabricated plastic strips lay between rows for consistent spacing. Quick installation but less flexibility in aligning tiles. Limited usefulness for intricate tile patterns. Reusable option.

Built-In Spacers

Many mosaic tiles and some larger tiles have spacing nubs molded onto the edges. Convenient built-in option but spacing size is predetermined. Only compatible with other tiles from the same series.

For most standard backsplash installations, simple and economical plastic spacers in the right size for your tile will get the job done beautifully.

What’s the Best Way to Use Backsplash Spacers?

Using spacers correctly is key to achieving an evenly spaced, professional look:

Place one spacer in each corner as you set the first tile. Then put one spacer between each installed tile, pressing firmly into the spacer adhesive.
Use care when aligning spacers between tiles. Misaligned spacers can throw off the entire row.
Continue placing edge spacers as you work outward in the row. Then add spacers perpendicular between rows.
For mosaic sheets, only spacers along the edges are needed. Do not put individual spacers between small mosaic tiles.
Make sure spacer thickness remains consistent. Never mix spacer sizes in one application.
Press tiles firmly against the spacers as you set them in place to prevent movement and slippage during drying and grouting.
Use special tile pliers to remove plastic spacers gently just before grouting. Never leave spacers in place permanently.
For reusable spacers, clean thoroughly before storing. Rubber and acrylic spacers can often be reused multiple times.

Proper spacer placement at the tile edges ensures straight uniform grout lines, prevents tiles shifting, and creates the desired aesthetic for the tile layout pattern.

Grout Line Width Chart Based on Spacer Size

This chart provides a handy reference for the grout line width that results from each spacer size:

Use the chart to choose a spacer size that will give you your desired grout line width. A 1/8 inch spacer, for example, will create a 1/8 inch grout line when used properly with standard sized tiles.

What Size Spacers for Common Backsplash Tile Sizes and Materials?

This reference table provides spacer size recommendations for some of the most popular backsplash tile sizes and types:

Use these spacer recommendations as a starting point when installing common backsplash tile types and sizes. Adjust as needed based on your tile layout and desired appearance.

Can You Install a Backsplash without Spacers?

It is possible to install tiles without spacers, but it is not recommended. Here’s why spacers are important:

No spacers means you need to eyeball even tile spacing as you set each piece. This leads to uneven, crooked grout lines that look sloppy and unprofessional. Spacers make it easier to keep lines straight.
Tiles can shift position as you work if not held firmly in place with spacers at the edges. Movement during installation or adhesive drying leads to a crooked final result.
Without spacers, grout lines end up uneven in width. Some gaps will be too thin and won’t fill properly with grout, while other gaps will be wider. Spacers uniformity.
Natural irregularities in tile size and shape are not accounted for. Spacers compensate for imperfections in handmade, aged, or textured tiles.
Larger tiles will sag or slip over time without spacers to support their weight while the adhesive dries.

For best results, always use properly sized spacers for tile installation. The minimal cost for spacers is well worth thetrouble avoided and improved end result. If you are an absolute DIY beginner, plastic tile spacers help make up for lack of experience in maintaining precision.

Can You Reuse Tile Spacers?

Plastic and rubber tile spacers can usually be reused, while other types like metal or acrylic spacers are designed for one-time use. Here are some tips for reusing tile spacers:

Carefully remove plastic spacers before grouting using a spatula or tile pliers to avoid cracking.
Wash spacers after use to remove all residual mortar and grime so they are ready to reuse.
Inspect for damage after cleaning. Discard any cracked or warped spacers.
Allow spacers to dry fully before storing for later use. Put in an airtight plastic bag or container.
Sort spacers by size and label bags clearly for easy identification. Keep sets together.
Avoid exposing spacers to direct sunlight for prolonged periods as UV rays can degrade plastic.
Reuse spacers only if they remain straight and provide even spacing. Discard if spacing function is compromised.
Rotate use of spacer sets to equalize wear and replacements needed. Oldest sets should be discarded first when worn.

With proper care, most plastic and rubber spacers can be reused successfully 5-10 times before needing replacement. Just be sure to inspect carefully and replace any that are damaged or worn out. Reusing tile spacers is an economical option for new installations.

FAQs About Choosing Backsplash Spacers

What size spacers for subway tile backsplash?

For standard 3×6 or 4×12 inch subway tiles, 1/8 inch spacers are recommended to create the classic uniform grout lines associated with this style. Adjust to 1/4 inch spacers for larger subway sizes like 6×12 inches.

What size grout line for backsplash?

1/8 inch grout lines created with 1/8 inch spacers are the most common for backsplashes. But you can go smaller with 1/16 inch grout for mosaics or larger with 3/16 inch grout for stone tiles. Personal style preference determines grout line width.

Can I use different size spacers?

It is not recommended to use different size spacers within a single backsplash installation. Consistent spacer thickness maintains an even grout line width throughout the backsplash for a cohesive appearance.

What spacers to use with large format tiles?

With tiles larger than 12 inches, 3/16 inch or 1/4 inch spacers are best to account for size variations in large tiles and fully support their weight during installation and adhesive drying.

Can I install tile backsplash without spacers?

Installing a backsplash without spacers is possible but not ideal, as it is difficult to keep tiles evenly spaced and aligned without their positioning function. Spacers produce a more professional end result.

How do you keep tiles from moving when setting?

Press tiles firmly into the tile spacers to ensure full contact and prevent movement or slipping during installation. This keeps tiles locked in place as the tile adhesive dries. Use additional supports like painter’s tape if needed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right size tile spacers is a key decision for achieving a polished, professional backsplash installation. Take into account your tile size and type, desired grout line width, tile layout, and spacer characteristics. For most basic backsplash projects, 1/8 inch plastic spacers provide ideal spacing for standard tile sizes to create clean, even grout lines. But adjust spacer size as needed based on your tile specifics. With proper spacer usage, you can look forward to an attractively straight, consistent, and well-defined backsplash design.