How to choose tile spacers: cross spacers or levelling systems?

For small and medium tiles, cross spacers are enough: they keep the joint constant and are removed before grouting. For large slabs, or when you need to avoid lippage between one edge and the next, use a levelling system, made up of clips or bases, wedges and pliers. The size of the spacer decides the joint width and in the collection it runs from 1 to 10 mm. For raised floors, on the other hand, you need height-adjustable supports.

The types

• Cross spacers: cross-shaped, in polypropylene, polyethylene or polystyrene. They keep the joint even in both directions.
• Wedges: wedges for tiles and wall coverings are used to adjust the joint and the level.
• Levelling systems: clips or bases, wedges and pliers. They keep the edges of tiles and slabs on the same plane. The collection includes the Rescue Level System kit and the Delta Level System V4 kit by Rubi, and the levelling wedge by Progress Profiles.
• Pliers: for tightening the wedges, like the Tile Level Quick pliers and their heavy-duty version, or the Proleveling Wedge tensioning pliers.
• Reusable clips: the Rescue Level System clip can be reused, so less material is thrown away.
• Supports and tabs for raised floors: like the 4 mm adjustable spacer tabs for Prosupport.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Size (mm): 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 mm. This is the joint width you will get. Choose according to the tile format and the manufacturer's instructions.
• Material: polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene. The material is stated on the data sheet of the individual product.
• Pieces per pack: from 3 pieces up to 500 and more. For large sites there are also wedges in very large quantities.
• System type: simple cross spacer, wedge, clip, base, pliers. A levelling system must be complete, with all its parts.

One last practical rule: choose the right spacer for the largest format you lay, not the smallest. If you work with different formats on the same site, keep two or three sizes of cross spacers and a complete levelling system for the slabs. Levelling systems must be bought complete: clip or base, wedges and pliers, because without one of the three parts they do not work.

Common mistakes

• Leaving the cross spacers in hardened adhesive: remove them before grouting.
• Picking the joint size at random: the width depends on the tile.
• Forgetting the pliers: without the pliers the levelling wedges do not tighten properly.
• Knocking off the levelling system while the adhesive is fresh: it must be removed once the adhesive has hardened.
• Mixing parts from different systems: clips, wedges and pliers are designed together.

Frequently asked questions

Do cross spacers have to be removed?

Yes. They are placed in the fresh adhesive and removed before grouting.

Do I need a levelling system for every floor?

No. It is mainly needed with large slabs, where a small step between the edges shows. For small tiles, cross spacers are enough.

When are the levelling wedges knocked off?

Once the adhesive has hardened.

Can I reuse cross spacers?

Ordinary plastic ones are designed for laying and are usually removed and thrown away; to reuse something you need the reusable clips of levelling systems, like Rubi's Rescue.

How do I choose the quantity to order?

It depends on the square metres and the format: the smaller the tile, the more cross spacers you need. Packs range from a few pieces to hundreds, so state the surface area and the format when you ask for a quote.

What joint size should I choose?

It depends on the format and the tile: follow the manufacturer's instructions.

You can find all the models in the spacers collection: ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians, stating the tile format and the quantity.