How should you handle alignment of grout joints with door openings?

• A. Plan layout so grout lines align with door frames or are offset consistently; ensure transitions are clean and even.
• B. Align grout lines ignoring door frames.
• C. Avoid grout lines near doors by offsetting 90 degrees.
• D. Only align after installation using filler.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to keep grout joints visually continuous through door openings. By planning the layout so the grout line runs through the doorway rather than following the edge of the door frame, you create a clean, uninterrupted pattern that reads as a single plane on both sides. Door frames can be out of plumb or not perfectly aligned, and letting the frame dictate the grid often results in awkward or inconsistent joints at the threshold. Instead, establish a straight grout line across the opening—use a chalk line that extends from one side through the doorway, then cut the edge tiles to fit around the jambs while preserving the continuity of the joints.

Practically, you position the grid based on the overall tile layout, extend that same grout line through the doorway, lay tiles on both sides to maintain alignment, and then trim around the frame so the joint line remains uninterrupted. This approach yields transitions that are clean, even, and easier to maintain over time. Aligning strictly to door frames can create visible misalignments if the frames aren’t perfectly true, and other approaches like offsetting or waiting to fill afterward add unnecessary complexity without improving the visual outcome.