Movement Joints
Understanding Movement Joints in Tiling
Movement joints, also known as expansion joints, are purposefully created gaps within a tiled wall or floor surface that allow for subtle movement in the structure. These joints help reduce the risk of cracking in the tiles or grout and prevent tiles from lifting or de-bonding due to expansion, contraction, or vibration.
Hard surfaces naturally shift over time, especially with changes in temperature, humidity, or structural settling. Without movement joints, stresses from this movement can transfer directly into the tiled surface, causing hairline cracks, particularly around corners or where walls meet other materials.
Rather than disrupt the design, movement joints can be integrated into the layout with careful planning. In internal corners, for example, avoiding tightly butted tiles and using a flexible sealant can go a long way in preventing stress cracks or fractures in the glaze.
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When to Use Movement Joints – Walls
Movement joints should be considered on all tiled walls, not just at the junction with the floor. Wall surfaces can flex and move, especially over time, so it’s important to allow for that movement.
Here are key areas to include wall movement joints:
- Where the tiled wall aligns with existing structural movement joints. These joints should continue through the tile finish and be slightly wider than the structural joint itself.
- In all internal corners and where walls meet ceilings or other transitions. Flexible silicone sealants are ideal in these areas.
- Where tiles meet a different surface or material (e.g. plaster, concrete, or timber). These transitions need flexibility.
- Anywhere tiling bridges two different substrates — a joint should mark that change.
- On expansive walls, both horizontal and vertical movement joints should be spaced approximately every 8 metres, depending on building movement conditions.
- For external wall tiling or areas prone to thermal movement or vibration, include additional movement joints to prevent tile bulging, cracking, or detachment.
When to Use Movement Joints – Floors
Movement joints in floors allow the tile surface to flex in harmony with the subfloor, avoiding stress points and future failures.
Include them in the following floor situations:
- Where there are movement joints in the substrate — continue them through the tile and adhesive layers.
- On large floor areas: add joints every 100m² for standard floors, or 40m² for underfloor heating zones.
- At transitions across different substrates or at known day joints/stress cuts.
- Around fixed elements (pillars, walls, thresholds), leave expansion space with sealant or trim.
- Between separate underfloor heating zones.
- Directly above supporting walls or beams to allow the rest of the floor to flex independently.
- Around the perimeter of any room — this can be sealed or hidden under skirting.
Installing Floor Movement Joints
Select a profile that matches your tile thickness. Once your adhesive is in place, press the joint profile firmly into the bed so it’s fully supported. Fit the tiles so they sit flush or slightly below the top edge of the joint. Leave a 2mm flexible grout gap around it for best performance.
Perimeter Joints – Why They Matter
Perimeter joints separate your tiled surface from fixed structural elements like walls or partitions. These joints allow the tiled surface to expand without being restricted by rigid boundaries. A 6mm wide perimeter gap is usually enough, and it should extend to at least the depth of any decoupling layer or underlay.
It’s best to conceal these joints behind skirting boards or tile trims where possible. The final finish can still look seamless while ensuring flexibility is maintained. Tiles that act as skirting should sit lightly on the floor, without being fixed too tightly.
