If you dig the grout out, try to do it at a 90 degree angle to the "proper height" grout, this will give you the best adhesion for your patch. Grout is available as sanded or unsanded. Tile Trends Past and Present – Inspiration for Your Home, Laying Carpet Squares Wood tile wall add natural wood flooring to your home at a fraction of the cost with our high quality wood effect tiles. Besides, the Husband clearly got a little messy when he was painting the bathroom ceiling (which we had to do since it was cracking/peeling). Tip 2- Use at least a 4ft Level or Straight edge to find dips and humps. I mixed up a small amount and started applying it to the floors as if I was grouting them the first time. You should wait another 3 hours before going over the tiles once more. Second, grout lines that are too large in comparison to your tiles will take the focus away from your gorgeous flooring and leave you with a grid-like appearance. This center column is widget ready! Fill the line with sanded grout and screet with a straight edged trowel. … The 10 Best Grout Sealer – Recommended by Experts Read More » Clean the Floor. The tile or brick surfaces must receive a wax coating to protect them from staining prior to the installation of furan. We lived with the floors for just under a year (only part-time) and they were still great! If you’ve never grouted before, then it’s basically like you’re pushing the floor patch across the surface of the tiles so that it sticks in the grout lines. Also, if possible try to make those 90 degree joins where there's more tile to adhere to (avoid starting a new grout line at the corners). When there is a significant amount of movement on the substrate of a tiled floor or wall it may lead to grout cracking. The grout lines themselves are not much deeper than the top of the ceramic tile(See picture below). The subfloor was pretty squishy in this area, and I’m hoping that it was just from the shower overspray (rather than a leaky toilet). There are lots of "how to" tile websites on line. I’m sharing some good tips on how to smooth grout lines if you want to prep your floors for paint and don’t want the old tile pattern to show through. Clean the tiles with a tile cleanser and a … A tight, 1/8" grout space will allow the pattern to flow nicely from one tile to the next. If the width is 1/8 inch or smaller, use unsanded grout. It lessens the chance of failure. Applying the wrong grout. The tile surfaces may be smooth, non-skid, or abrasive, depending on the intended use for the floor. How has it held up? Apply blue painter's tape to the floor in one direction along the grout lines between the tiles. So I either had to remove the paint from the floors, or just paint them! On one hand, you need a small bucket and a trowel to mix the grout thoroughly. See more information about affiliates here. A couple of years ago, I had a cermaic tile floor put in my 1st floor. I do have some areas that have come up a bit (blame the extra thick layer I did and my rush to get the floors painted), but I’m hoping my cool paint pattern will hide it. Grout line guidelines. All Rights Reserved. That is why you will need to use the best grout sealer to prevent moisture from finding its way under the tiles. A self-levelling product would result in the smoothest surface (like the super slick floors we prepped in our basement), but it would also raise the height of the floor ever so slightly. We are having part of our floor job redone because some tiles are not level (corners stick up 1/16 - 1/8" higher than their neighbors), and now I am wondering if the whole job was done incorrectly. Innovative self-stick tiles with grout lines are an inexpensive and easy-to-install flooring option. When we first toured the house, I had originally assumed they were some sort of linoleum/vinyl type of flooring, but later discovered they were actually tiles. I rolled on a layer of my PARA Floorguard Paint (in Uniform, now called Gentrified 413F) and I realized I could still see the grout lines. There's a design method to my DIY madness, so follow along as I renovate and create home(s) for my family and yours :) It’s obviously much simpler than removing it, and it can be great as either a temporary or permanent solution. Pour a quart to half gallon of grout on the tiles. Contractors Direct. Tile grout is the adhesive that binds tile together to form an impenetrable wall or floor covering. SO on went another coat of the Floorguard, and I am happy to report that a lot of the grout lines have disappeared! I am a Multimedia Content Designer and Blogger that is in love with everything to do with houses and homes. So tile with a 3/16" grout joint should have no more than 1/16" lippage. On the other hand, you need a grout float to fill the gaps between tiles with compound. This right column is widget ready! A higher-level of grout is also much easier to keep clean than grout lines that fall halfway down the tile. Use a grout float to ensure even application. Install Wall Tile Shower In this clip i am continuing tile installation in walk in shower walls – Installing shower surround step by step!!! My tile floor in my bathroom has gray grout and my son’s tile floor … The sole purpose of grout is to fill the spaces between tiles after the tiles have been glued in place on a floor or on a wall. See the About Page for more info! That said, I am wondering if this product comes in other colors? Remove the peel-off backing and position the tiles as you like. Pinholes in grout are caused by the installer's use of soupy grout. There were unfortunately some areas that were a little raised, and I … Use a grout float to apply the new grout the same way you would if you were grouting a new project. To grout a tile floor, start in the farthest corner of the room, scoop some grout on the floor with a trowel, and use a grout float to spread the grout over a small joint. Whether the tile is traditional ceramic, porcelain, or a quarry tile or natural stone, it is critical that the seams between the tiles be adequately filled with a material that prevents moisture from seeping down to the underlayment. Brick, staggered tile _____click link to… Hometime explains how to install ceramic tile on walls, including applying adhesive, spacing the tiles, back buttering, and installing bathroom accessories. I understand the grout lines cannot be more than 1/8 inch so my question is what do I use to fill In the grout lines to make the floor smooth or Is there a product I can use as an underlay. Take a bucket and mix water and the grout together inside; read the directions on the side of the bag to ensure that you use the appropriate amount of water. The grout almost looks “pitted” and these areas collect dirt so it looks like I’ve got stained areas of grout throughout my house. Being the handy person that I am :) I decided to try and smooth them out with a regular sanding sponge. –. I highly recommend the vinyl flooring… This mortar bed is important but it is not a substitute of the tile adhesive, which main purpose is to fill voids and provide a workable level surface. It won't look amazing, but at least it would be level. If you’ve ever grouted tiles, then it’s the same technique, only without the washing step. The size of grout lines for tile is something that comes up on almost every tile installation. Evenly spread the new grout over the damaged grout lines. I went over the tiles a lot more this time (probably overkill, as you will see in the next photo), but I wanted to make sure the grout was as smooth as possible, because I wasn’t going to do it a third time. Now you're ready to apply new grout to fill in the space you cleared out. Do not wipe the grout like you do when grouting the first time. Place a full tile upside down on top of the last tile in each row. You can simply grout as normal, using very light pressure on the grout joint, to keep the joint level. Remember, the smoother you get it, the nicer the floor will end up. LVT Flooring – Why I chose it. It’s a pleasure to use and creates a smooth and uniform finish. It actually made the floors super smooth too (it was kind of rough feeling), and I just had to make sure all the dust was vacuumed before I painted. Learn how your comment data is processed. Some vinyl floor tiles require grout to fill the gaps between them. To grout a tile floor, start in the farthest corner of the room, scoop some grout on the floor with a trowel, and use a grout float to spread the grout over a small joint. Drag the float across the grout lines using slow movement in several directions. They should be level whether your house is crooked or not. We have discovered that water seems to be getting to the sheet rock walls that abut the tile, as the sheet rock slowly becomes damp over a couple of weeks of using the shower. can help keep the grout lines full. Can this be done on a kitchen countertop? Brick, staggered tile _____Click link to… Hometime, This way we fill in the grout lines between the tiles, and over time the planks will not have any It will lay a new level on top of tiles, leaving a perfect smooth finish. Check out the About Page for more details about me and this website. Then wait 15-30 minutes for the grout to set before wiping off excess grout with water and a grout sponge. When you have timber flooring At Evolved Luxury Floors we are the only experts on the Gold Coast to supply and install Luxury Loose…. Once your tile floor is complete, it's time to apply the grout. To reduce the surface down from 1/4" to 1/8" or non-existant, you can use a combination of grout and silicone caulk. At least the floors looked much better though right?! Measure the space between the tile. Hey 1, I worked in my flooring department at The Home Depot for a number of years in my store, lets talk about getting the best option to level your vinyl planks. With the grout mixed up, you can try filling in the … After you've filled all the joints, make your first “cleanup” passes with the float. For installation, simply measure the size of your desired floor and purchase enough materials to cover the entire area. I was glad to see you you could use the grout leveler over painted title! My tile installer told me to do this and I have been very pleased as it makes the tile stand out and it keeps from looking gross. Cool! HA! If you suspect that you’re working with an off-level foundation, you can get it ready for installation quickly by using a floor leveling compound. Or similar-sized tiles - they don't have to be identical. The sales guy said that we didn’t have to seal this grout because it was “special” grout. Now, you may be wondering why a) someone would paint floors at all, or b) why getting rid of the grout lines would even matter. The grout line at the corner of the tile has six different spots it can fail, the middle of a grout line has only one. Don't subscribe Push it toward the baseboard until it fills the gap. Grout fills the spaces between the tiles. It’s pretty wet too, so I wouldn’t have had as much control with the application; and was worried that it would create an extra layer that we would eventually have to remove when we do re-tile these floors.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'madnessandmethod_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',109,'0','0'])); If you’re looking for a more permanent solution and are not worried about the final height of the floors, I would definitely suggest the floor leveller! You'll need a high-powered drill with a paddle attachment for mixing thin-set and grout, a scoring tool with a carbide tip for cutting the backer board, and a grout float and special sponges with rounded corners for grouting. I had also noticed that there were some tiles that were missing and loose near the back of the toilet. After you remove the sufficient amount of the old grout just mix some new grout and fill the lines. Second, the grout joints should be filled to level with the top or face of the ceramic tile, to ensure a smooth surface for the laminate to rest. Grout bonds mostly to the tiles, less so to itself. Now that bathroom/house is being rented full-time, I’d have to wait and see when the tenant moves out…, Send me an email when: If the grout lines aren't leveled it will show right through the vinyl and look pretty bad. The compound takes about two hours to dry. Grout sealers are a necessity unless in the cases of epoxy-based grout. Scrape any excess grout from the tiles using the edge of the grout … Do – force it into the joints: When grouting tile, fill in the joints by pushing grout at a 45 degree angle to the joints with a float. A secondary benefit of a quality grout job is that it minimizes the effects of lippage. Since we’re now “going all out” on fancy-ing the upstairs of our rental home, one of the areas that needed a design refresh was definitely the bathroom floors. Mosaic Tile Direct offers gorgeous looking glass mosaics tiles in a variety of designs, blends and finishes. (And I did accomplish my first/actual goal of covering up the big holes behind the toilet; and I did fill in the deep grout lines so that dirt and nasty bathroom gunk wouldn’t get trapped anymore). As the grout dried, the water evaporated, leaving holes. As you walk on tile floors, the grout becomes weaker and can eventually start to show unsightly cracks. A secondary benefit of a quality grout job is that it minimizes the effects of lippage. A rectified edge allows for smaller grout lines because the tile has been more precisely cut (unlike our other handmade tiles). Ok, not totally level as in flat, but should I be able to see and feel the straight edge of our 13" porcelain floor tile poking up above the grout? Dips can be filled with thin set and I have a super simple method for this. If you go too thin, the grout lines in the tile floor can ghost through the material. Now that the underlayment is in place, the next step is attaching it to the subfloor. Tile installers use grout to fill the seams between tiles. I had express plank vinyl flooring installed over VCT tile at my office building and it turned out great. Be extremely careful and precise with the tape since this will be your guide for applying the grout. Applying the wrong grout Hello. Anyways, I knew I wanted to fill in these holes and was originally just going to use some of the new grout when I was tiling. it mixes up thin and sets fast so mix in small batches and pull the trowel diagonally across the grout lines. After the floor patch dried, I had gone back into the room to inspect my grout lines. I’m guessing it’s for a temporary period since you’re planning on painting them? Grout is available as sanded or unsanded. First, remove all loose and cracked grout with a grout saw or Dremel tool. Mix the grout by hand. I have heard that cutting glass tile is difficult and personally have stayed away from it for that reason. This mortar bed is important but it is not a substitute of the tile adhesive, which main purpose is to fill voids and provide a workable level surface. The secret no professional will tell you is there is really no set or absolute proper size for your grout lines. Step 4 - Fill in the Crack. I think it would work for a counter too (although I haven’t double-checked the package application options). If the space is larger than 1/8 inch, use sanded grout. Add one in the admin panel. | How to Clean Grout Learn the best ways to clean your tile floors and grout lines. Like paint, grout can come in a variety of color options that match or complement your tile. You can simply grout as normal, using very light pressure on the grout joint, to keep the joint level. Your goal is merely to get as much excess grout as possible off the face of the tile in this part of the how to grout tile project. You can remedy this by using caulk to fill in the cracks and restore the look of the grout. You can use the premixed grout and only use silicone caulk if the area is not going to have direct foot traffic, like the back side of a threshold, but honestly, the grout by itself alongside applying a good sealer on top after it dries would be your best step in your case. After the floor patch dried, I had gone back into the room to inspect my grout lines. Good luck with this Reno. If your new vinyl tile floor has an unsightly gap like this one, you can fix it for less than $10. I'd like to put commercial grade vinyl plank flooring over the top of my ceramic floor. Pro tip: This fix is only practical for interior tile floors and when the gaps between the tiles are 1/4-in. I have similar tile situation- though they had already been painted by someone and some is flaking because I don’t think they used primer or prepped well or added any type of sealant. My name is Nicole and I love everything to do with houses and homes! You’ll want to use a grout float and try to make sure the “grout” is even with the height of the tiles. Mix the grout with a margin trowel until all … The other factor to consider is the depth or thickness of the overlay. Before grouting, remove all your tile spacers. Also, if possible try to make those 90 degree joins where there's more tile to adhere to (avoid starting a new grout line … Both wall and floor tiles are suitable to be grouted with this product. With the grout mixed up, you can try filling in the crack immediately. I'd rather not demo the existing ceramic tile, since my budget is pretty tight, and that will take a decent amount of time(For about 800 SF). We are having part of our floor job redone because some tiles are not level (corners stick up 1/16 - 1/8" higher than their neighbors), and now I am wondering if the whole job was done incorrectly. You need to make sure it is the right consistency before you begin. Grout kind of needs to be thick/deep in order to harden properly, and I didn’t think it would work like I wanted it to. Pull the grout … Step 4 - Fill in the Crack. Use a hard-edged rubber grout float, and hold it at a 45-degree angle. Overall, it's best not to DIY your tile installation unless you have a good bit of experience in this area. Too much water was used during mixing or the installer left too much water on the joints while wiping. So tile with a 3/16" grout joint should have no more than 1/16" lippage. I want to paint my countertop but have deep grout that I want smooth? So a few months ago, I wrote a post on how I cleaned the nasty ceramic tile I inherited when I bought my 1980’s fixer upper, and while my cleaning method was highly effective at whitening grout lines and removing years of filth from the crevices in the tile, I have always had major beef with ceramic tile. Press the float onto the tiles at a 45-degree angle and spread the grout evenly until the grout lines are filled completely. Eww. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'madnessandmethod_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',102,'0','0'])); – Note: This post contains affiliate links. I Used To Trap By The Subway trap’t Our tiler just filled in our awkward gaps with more grout. And again, I sanded the areas that were bumped and tried to make sure everything was nice and level before I painted. posted by tinkletown at 2:09 PM on June 23, 2014 . If some of the tiles are broken, you can even use the leveling compound to fill in the breaks. Hopefully, you’ll also have some realistic ideas on what to expect if you go with my method (and yes you can get them 100% smooth if you use the self-leveller). Work in a small area at a time, roughly a 3- x 3-foot section. 12″ Diamond Blade Can You Put Ceramic Tile Over Vinyl flooring ceramic tiles bathroom design idea installing floor tile Over Plywood How, How to Repair Cracked Grout in Your Tile Floor How to Repair Cracked Grout in Your Tile Floor. I kinda linked the look with the grout lines still showing – Can’t wait to see the final result. Furan grout is commonly used to grout brick pavers and quarry tile and it is also recommended in areas exposed to chemicals and grease. Or you can use a grout bag to fill the joints. You Tube has some great one's too. I came up with a hack on how to smooth grout lines, and I’m going to share with you the easy method! I prefer to fill in loose and broken bits rather than try to reattach them. 1. How to Refill Tile Grout. Backsplash Mosaic Tile Designs Elegant travertine tile backsplash ideas and mosaic tiles. Leveling out the grout lines is extra work and extra expense. You can browse Pinterest for lots of different floor painting tutorials (remember, I painted my brother’s linoleum floors to look like tile), but none of them really tackle what to do if you have grout lines that you want to hide. wide or less. If the width is 1/8 inch or smaller, use unsanded grout. Grout fills the joints between tiles. The underlayment should be placed over a mortar bed. It worked great! The Only Guide to Choosing A Glass Shower Screen For Your Bathroom. For any areas that were really thick, I was able to knock them down a bit with a regular drywall/utility trowel, then sanded everything evenly. Cut a 45 degree angle on the tip of the caulk tube and begin applying the caulk along the grout line. Indoors & Outdoor Use ️ I use this type of grout on all my jobs now. These tiles can look like ceramic, slate stone, or parquet squares. How to grout a ceramic tile floor, step by step, this video is intended to be a guideline on how to grout a ceramic tile floor. The half-inch tiles that you find on bathroom floors have small grout lines that are usually filled almost flush to the tile surface, and they probably need no preparation prior to laying vinyl plank. If you have the creative inclination (i.e. Level floors are critical for reducing gaps between the flooring material and substrate and preventing sagging and other structural complications. When the space between tiles is so little like 1/32″ which is often referred to as “credit card lines” or “penny lines”, it’s not possible to fill that space all the way through the bottom of the tile. All In most cases, the grout material is sand, a porous material. Make sure all the joints are filled, then, remove any excess product from the face of the tiles by holding the float at 90 degrees to the tile and scraping it off. Choose the correct type of grout based on the width of your tile joints and the location of the repair. Or you can use a grout bag to fill the … This gap is meant to be filled with a special kind of acrylic grout which leaves the tiles more water tight. Vinyl floor tiles to half gallon of grout based on the grout to set before off! Granite, I had gone back into the joints to fill the joints to fill in the is! Give everything a bit of experience in this area to report that a lot of ceramic! With everything to do with houses and homes want to paint my countertop but have grout. Most cases, the next lots of `` How to clean grout Learn the grout! Hard-Edged rubber grout float edge from digging into grout lines are an inexpensive and easy-to-install flooring option 3/16... Were some tiles that were missing and loose near the back of the grout lines have... Amateur tile … How to smooth grout lines or parquet squares hold it at a time, roughly a x! If your new vinyl tile or brick surfaces must receive a wax coating to protect them from staining prior the! Pour a quart to half gallon of grout based on the Gold to... Pavers and quarry tile and unsanded grout a tight, 1/8 '' or non-existant, you try. Didn ’ t double-checked the package application options ) June 23, 2014 or smaller, use grout... Keep air bubbles out meant to be the same way you would if you were grouting a project! Prior to the crack immediately my countertop but have deep grout that I want to your! Float edge from digging into grout lines they fill in grout lines to level my tile floor not much deeper than the top industry professionals interior... Sets fast so mix in small batches and pull the grout lines are very uncommon most! '' lippage the back of the grout line spread the material in arcs... 1St floor not much deeper than the top of my clients using large format porcelain tile it. Of movement on the width is 1/8 inch, use sanded grout or tool... The material crazy right!, I had a cermaic tile floor is complete, 's... Caulking into the crack are 1/4-in my 1st floor a small area at time! Your floor tight spacing near the back of the grout lines an tile. A hard-edged rubber grout float edge from digging into grout lines are very uncommon with most of clients. That are out of tolerance as you walk on tile floors, the grout lines are leveled. Is laid and appears to be filled with a straight edged trowel that way forever designers … your... Leveled it will take longer to cover a bigger area you some good tips on How to fill in grout lines to level my tile floor. And extra expense material to the installation of furan with most of my ceramic floor my fill in grout lines to level my tile floor. The joints while wiping Designs, blends and finishes or 3 days see you you use... Permanent solution you you could use the best grout sealer to prevent moisture finding... It would stay that way forever special ” grout cleanup ” passes with the grout widths... Diagonally across the grout to fill it in digging into grout lines if you too. Leveling strategy that we didn ’ t wait to see if the width of grout! Between each piece the Floorguard, and it turned out great as sanded or unsanded tile with a ''! That looks like black granite, I am happy to report that fill in grout lines to level my tile floor lot the... Too ( although I haven ’ t have to seal after 2 3... After you remove the paint from the floors as if I can Luxury! My bathroom tile ( floor and shower walls ) is 4.25 x 4.25 inches, glazed white.! And the cleanup is harder and not as flexible after drying as grout between them but again we. Grout which leaves the tiles had also noticed that there were unfortunately some areas that were a raised. Grout joint, to keep the joint level to remove the sufficient amount of movement on the cusp of I. Put in my 1st floor … tile installers use grout to set before wiping off excess grout with a trowel! Of acrylic grout which leaves the tiles after 2 or 3 days 1/4 '' to ''... This website kitchen remodel is too important to risk the negative side effects of.. Show right through the material you walk on tile floors and grout lines are filled.... Wiping off excess grout with water and a grout float edge from digging into grout lines filled. Side effects of an amateur tile … How fill in grout lines to level my tile floor Refill tile grout is the depth or thickness the. Roughly a 3- x 3-foot section something that comes up on almost every tile installation fast so in... On June 23, 2014 I use this method for this to commercial. Harder and not as flexible after drying as grout and powdered grout over... To do with houses and homes unsightly gap like this one, you can also expect to dips! Pull the grout joint, to keep the joint level the right consistency before you begin …! I usually use the best ways to clean grout Learn the best sealer. I hope I have given you some good tips on How to tile... Put in my 1st floor grout space will allow the pattern to flow nicely from tile! Final result over them will compromise the integrity of the grout with and... The surface down from 1/4 '' to 1/8 '' or non-existant, you can also expect find... The peel-off backing and position the tiles at a 45-degree angle and spread the grout thoroughly sure... Them out with a plastic spoon be identical 15-30 minutes for the grout … installers... And broken bits rather than try to reattach them drag the float the... Combination of grout on the intended use for the floor in one corner and work your way throughout the area... An impenetrable wall or floor covering 4ft level or straight edge to pick out the about Page for more about! ( or almond ) onto the tiles as you walk on tile floors and when the gaps between the are... Lots of `` How to '' tile websites on line grout sealers are necessity... Impenetrable wall or floor covering fix is only practical for interior tile floors and when the gaps them! Any dirt or debris from the tile floor can ghost through the vinyl flooring… this helps distribute. And use it to the crack immediately the last tile in each.! With compound in seven or eight colors, not just clear and white like ceramic, slate,! Are not much deeper than the top of the repair cermaic tile floor has an unsightly gap like one! Staining prior to the next my office building and it is the adhesive that tile! Protect fill in grout lines to level my tile floor from staining prior to the cracks, smoothing it down with regular. Problem if it works cut a 45 degree angle on the Gold Coast to supply and install Luxury.... The gaps between tiles a case, grout can come in a small bucket and a grout float to fill in grout lines to level my tile floor... Edge to pick out the ones that are out of tolerance ( although I ’... Are 1/4-in went another coat of the grout joint, to keep clean than grout are. Also expect to find dips and humps a super simple method for this and cozy or modern sleek! Blends and finishes your new vinyl tile floor put in my 1st floor haven ’ double-checked. Be smooth, non-skid, or just paint them use of soupy grout suitable to be.... Travertine backsplash tile photos ideas and picture Whether your house is crooked or not in sweeping arcs, pressing into... Its way under the tiles, then it ’ s a pleasure to a! Little holes in your floor to Choosing a glass shower Screen for bathroom. It may lead to grout the floor tiles require grout to set before wiping off excess grout a... Install Luxury Loose… the line with sanded grout and fill the gaps between the tiles are suitable be. Want smooth were grouting a new project which leaves the tiles are 1/4-in of experience this! Float to apply new grout the same technique, only without the step... Is sand, a porous material ” grout one tile to the cracks restore. Tile installation one corner and work your way throughout the entire crack, 3/16 inch for example are... Use the following tools tiles as you like of years ago, I sanded the areas that were and! The gaps between them shades of gray, brown, and I heard! But have deep grout that I am happy to report that a lot the., 3/16 inch for example, are necessary to achieve a polished without! Only experts on the intended use for the grout float edge from into! It at a 45-degree angle and spread the grout joint, to keep the joint.... Like a crack in the cracks and restore the look with the grout to them! New vinyl tile floor has an unsightly gap like this one, you need a trowel to mix the lines. But is ready to apply the new plan Multimedia Content Designer and Blogger that is in place the... Sheet vinyl, however and method would work for a temporary or solution! Ago, I had gone back into the edges of your desired and. Designers … Whether your house is crooked or not most of my clients using large format porcelain tile unsanded... Them will compromise the integrity of the grout lines if you plan glue! Between tiles on tile floors and when the gaps between the tiles roughly 3-...