Subway tile projects demand precise spacing to achieve clean, uniform grout lines. The right spacers and leveling systems help ensure flat surfaces and professional results. This guide reviews five highly relevant spacers and leveling sets designed for subway tile installations, covering cross spacers, wedge systems, and reusable options. Each product is linked to its Amazon page for easy comparison. A quick summary table follows to help you compare key specs at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Size | Quantity | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DGSL 1/16 Inch Tile Leveling System Spacers | DGSL | 1/16 inch | 300 pieces | Leveling spacers |
| DGSL 1/8 Inch Tile Leveling Kit | DGSL | 1/8 inch | 300 clips + 100 wedges | Leveling system |
| Tipu 1/8 Inch Removable Tile Spacers | TIPU | 1/8 inch | 200 pieces | Removable spacers |
| Honoson 1/16 Inch Tile Spacers | Honoson | 1/16 inch | 500 pieces | Cross spacers |
| Nuanchu 1/8 Inch Tile Spacers | Nuanchu | 1/8 inch | 500 pieces | Cross spacers |
DGSL 1/16 Inch Tile Leveling System Spacers
DGSL’s 1/16 inch spacers are designed to produce precise, consistent grout lines, ideal for subway tile layouts where clean, narrow joints matter. The spacers use a horseshoe-shaped gasket system made from durable plastic, which helps keep tiles aligned both horizontally and vertically during mortar setting. They are designed to be reusable with proper cleaning, reducing waste on multiple projects. The 1/16 inch joint size is a common choice for subway tile aesthetics, providing a classic, tight look while allowing for smooth grout application. This set contains 300 pieces, suitable for medium to larger installations.
- Material: high-quality plastic; reusable
- Alignment: horizontal and vertical tile leveling
- Joint size: 1/16 inch (1.5 mm)
DGSL 1/8 Inch Tile Leveling Kit
This DGSL kit emphasizes speed and consistency for tiles ranging from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch thick. It includes 300 clips and 100 reusable wedges designed to secure tile position and prevent movement during mortar cure. The system is widely used by both DIYers and professionals to achieve a flat, lippage-free finish. The 1/8 inch spacing supports standard grout joints commonly used with subway tiles, helping to maintain uniformity along long runs or intricate patterns. The kit is engineered for fast installation and straightforward removal when needed.
- Includes: 300 clips and 100 reusable wedges
- Tile range: 1/8″ to 1/2″ thick
- Setup: fast, easy installation and removal
Tipu 1/8-Inch Removable Tile Spacers
Tipu’s removable spacers are ideal for subway tile installations where you might want to adjust spacing on the fly. The set includes 200 spacers, each about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick, and is designed for both horizontal and vertical tile layouts. Made from durable blue plastic, these spacers help maintain consistent grout joints while allowing quick removal after mortar sets. The removable design is particularly useful for projects involving large-format tiles or custom patterns where minor adjustments may be required during install.
- Quantity: 200 spacers
- Size: 1/8″ (3 mm)
- Removable and reusable; suitable for horizontal and vertical installations
Honoson 1/16 Inch Tile Spacers
Honoson’s 1/16 inch spacers focus on durability and speed. Crafted from sturdy PVC, they measure about 0.78 inches in length and roughly 3 mm thick, offering stable spacing across walls and floors. The large cross-style design helps minimize tile movement during mortar application, which can be particularly helpful for water-resistant subway tile backsplashes or shower walls. The 500-piece set supports bigger projects and provides ample coverage for consistent grout lines across multiple runs. Reusability is a key advantage, enabling reuse on future installations with proper care.
- Material: sturdy PVC; durable and reusable
- Size: approx. 0.78″ length; 3 mm thick
- Quantity: 500 pieces
Nuanchu 1/8 Inch Tile Spacers
Nuanchu offers a 500-piece set of 1/8 inch (3 mm) cross tile spacers in a distinctive blue. Designed for both wall and floor installations, these spacers provide consistent spacing across all tile sizes, including marble, porcelain, granite, and large-format tiles often used in subway layouts. The cross design helps maintain uniform joints, and the plastic construction supports reuse after cleaning. They are suitable for a variety of tile thicknesses and layouts, making them a practical option for larger subway tile projects or repeated installations.
- Quantity: 500 pieces
- Size: 1/8″ (3 mm)
- Type: Cross spacers; reusable
Buying Guide for Subway Tile Spacers
Choosing the right spacers or leveling system depends on the tile size, layout, and your workflow. Here are key considerations and comparisons to help you decide which option best fits a subway tile project.
Spacer type and usage:
Size and grout joint width:
- 1/16 inch joints (about 1.5 mm) create a tight, classic subway look with narrow grout lines.
- 1/8 inch joints (about 3 mm) are more forgiving and can accommodate slight inconsistencies in tile size, but require careful installation to avoid visible lippage.
Material, durability, and reuse:
- Most spacers use PVC or PE plastics. Reusability depends on clean removal and inspection for cracks or deformation after mortar setting.
- Quality matters: rigid spacers maintain consistent gaps during mortar curing, reducing the risk of tile movement and requiring fewer touch-ups later.
Tile thickness compatibility and layout:
- Check the supported tile thickness range for each kit. Subway tile projects feel most uniform when chosen spacers accommodate your tile’s thickness range.
- For large-format or heavier tiles, a full leveling system can provide stability across long runs and reduce the risk of lippage at joints and edges.
Project scope and budgeting:
- For small to medium projects, individual cross spacers or smaller kits may suffice. For larger kitchens, bathrooms, or multi-room tiling, consider larger sets or programs with wedges/clips for faster, repeatable results.
- Durability and reusability can save costs over time, especially on multiple installations or renovation projects.
Practical tips:
- Clean grout lines and tile surfaces before setting mortar to ensure spacers seat evenly and don’t trap debris.
- Install spacers at regular intervals along each run to maintain consistent grout joints and reduce the chance of uneven edges.
- When removing spacers after the mortar cures, do so carefully to avoid chipping edges or disturbing fresh grout.
In summary, choose spacers that match the tile size, thickness, and your preferred grout joint width. For subway tile, a 1/16 inch joint paired with a reliable leveling system provides a balance of classic aesthetics and modern preparation for a smooth, professional finish. If speed and lippage prevention are priorities on larger projects, a clip-and-wedge leveling kit can offer substantial workflow benefits. For smaller projects or edge work, removable spacers provide flexibility without commitment to a fixed joint width.