Even grout lines on a shower wall start with the right spacer. The best choice depends on your tile size, the joint width you want, and whether you need simple cross-shaped spacers or pieces you can adjust as you work. These three options offer a 1/8-inch joint in different designs, from a large pack of basic spacers to wall-focused wedges and horseshoe shims.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Style and size | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| YTYKINOY 1/8" Tile Spacers | 3 mm cross-shaped spacers; 1,000 pieces | Standard floor or wall tile layouts |
| QEP 1/8" Horseshoe Shim Tile Spacers | Horseshoe shims; 150 pieces | Large-format stone tile and alignment |
| QEP Soft Wedge Tile Spacers | 1/8" soft wedges; 500 pieces | Adjusting wall tile position as you install |
Our Picks: Best Tile Spacers For Shower Walls reviews
YTYKINOY 1/8-Inch Cross Spacers: A Straightforward Bulk Option
These hard-plastic cross spacers create a 1/8-inch (3 mm) gap and are described for both floor and wall tile. Their cross shape fits between four tile corners, making them a simple option for keeping joints consistent as you build a grid.
The pack includes 1,000 pieces, which can be useful for a larger shower project or for keeping extras on hand. Each spacer is listed as 7/8 inch long. Unlike the QEP wedges, these are not designed for fine position adjustments; they’re a basic spacing tool rather than a way to shift a tile into place.
A 1/8-inch joint is a specific choice, so make sure it suits your tile and grout plan before buying. The supplied details identify the material as hard plastic but do not specify whether these spacers are reusable. If you want a wall-focused adjustable design, the QEP soft wedges may be a better fit.
Pros:
- Creates a 1/8-inch (3 mm) joint
- Cross shape suits grid layouts
- Listed for floor and wall tile
- Large pack for projects that need many spacers
Cons:
- Fixed cross design does not offer wedge-style adjustment
- Reusability is not specified in the product details
Verdict: Choose the YTYKINOY spacers if you want a simple, high-quantity option for a standard 1/8-inch tile layout.
QEP Horseshoe Shims: A Good Fit for Large-Format Stone
QEP’s horseshoe shims are 1/8-inch spacers intended for marble, granite, and stone installations. The product is recommended for large-format tile and for both horizontal and vertical work, so it’s a relevant option when your shower design uses larger stone pieces.
The shims are injection molded for dimensional accuracy and are designed to help create uniform grout joints. Their shape gives you a different placement style than a cross spacer, which may be useful when you want to position a shim at a tile edge. The pack contains 150 pieces in a pail, and the shims are described as reusable, easy to remove, and easy to clean.
This smaller pack may be less convenient if your project needs a very large number of spacers. It is also more specialized than the YTYKINOY cross spacers: its stated strengths are large-format tile, stone materials, and alignment. For standard wall tile where you want to nudge position, consider QEP’s soft wedges instead.
Pros:
- Designed for marble, granite, and stone
- Recommended for large-format tile
- Suitable for horizontal and vertical installations
- Reusable, with a pail for storage
Cons:
- Pack has fewer pieces than the other options here
- More specialized than a basic cross spacer
Verdict: Pick these QEP shims if you’re setting large-format stone and want reusable spacers designed for alignment in wall or floor installations.
QEP Soft Wedge Spacers: Adjustable Support for Wall Tile
These QEP wedges are made for vertical tile applications, including porcelain, stone, marble, and ceramic wall tile. Their wedge shape lets you push them in or pull them out to adjust a tile’s position during installation—handy when you need more control than a fixed cross spacer provides.
The spacers are made from PVC and are described as strong yet lightweight. QEP says they do not compress, are compatible with most wall tile, and can be cleaned and reused. The pack includes 500 pieces, and the stated size is 1/8 inch (3 mm).
Wedges are not the same as a fixed-width cross spacer: how far you insert one affects its position, so take care to keep the joint consistent across the wall. This design is focused on wall work, while the YTYKINOY spacers are listed for both floors and walls. If you’re installing large-format stone and prioritize a shim shape, the other QEP option may suit your project better.
Pros:
- Designed for vertical wall tile installation
- Wedge shape allows position adjustment
- Does not compress, according to the product details
- Described as easy to clean and reusable
Cons:
- Wedge placement requires attention to keep joints consistent
- More wall-focused than the cross spacers listed for floor and wall use
Verdict: Choose the QEP soft wedges if adjustability on a shower wall matters more to you than a fixed cross-shaped spacer.
How to Choose Tile Spacers for Shower Walls
Match the spacer size to your tile and grout plan
All three options here are sized for a 1/8-inch (3 mm) joint. Before you choose, check the tile maker’s guidance and decide what grout joint works for your tile. The spacer’s size helps set the gap, but it does not decide whether that gap is right for your particular tile or layout.
Choose a shape that suits your installation style
Cross spacers sit between tile corners and are straightforward for a grid layout. Horseshoe shims offer another way to position a spacer at a tile edge. Wedges can be pushed in or pulled out to adjust tile position, which can be useful on a vertical wall. The best shape depends on how you prefer to work and how much adjustment you want.
Consider the tile material and format
The YTYKINOY spacers are listed for floor and wall tiles. QEP’s horseshoe shims are recommended for large-format tile and specified for marble, granite, and stone. The QEP soft wedges are intended for wall tile, including porcelain, stone, marble, and ceramic. Match the product description to your tile rather than assuming every spacer works equally well for every installation.
Think about quantity and reuse
A larger pack can be helpful when you need many spacers across a wide wall, while a smaller pack may be enough for a more limited job. The YTYKINOY package includes 1,000 pieces, the QEP wedges include 500, and the QEP horseshoe shims include 150. The QEP options are described as reusable; reusability is not specified for the YTYKINOY spacers.
Remember that spacers are not a tile-leveling system
Spacers help set joint gaps, but they do not replace careful tile placement or a suitable installation method for wall tile. Follow the instructions for your tile, setting materials, and installation system. Check that joints remain clear as you work, and prepare them for grouting according to the product directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size spacer is best for shower wall tile?
It depends on the tile and the grout joint you want. The three products in this guide are all 1/8 inch (3 mm), but check the tile maker’s recommendations and your installation plan before choosing that size.
Are these spacers suitable for vertical tile installation?
All three are described for wall use. The YTYKINOY spacers are listed for floor and wall tiles, the QEP horseshoe shims are designed for horizontal and vertical installations, and the QEP soft wedges are specifically intended for vertical wall tile applications.
Which option lets me adjust tile position?
The QEP soft wedges are designed to be pushed in or pulled out to adjust tile position. The other products are cross-shaped spacers or horseshoe shims rather than adjustable wedges.
Which spacer should I choose for large-format stone?
The QEP horseshoe shims are recommended for large-format tile and are designed for marble, granite, and stone installations. Check that their 1/8-inch size matches your planned joint.
Can I reuse these tile spacers?
The QEP horseshoe shims and soft wedges are described as reusable and easy to clean. The supplied details do not specify whether the YTYKINOY cross spacers are reusable.
Do tile spacers keep shower tiles level with each other?
Spacers help create consistent gaps, but they are not a substitute for checking tile alignment as you install. If you need a separate leveling system, choose one designed for that purpose and follow its instructions.
Final Recommendation
For a straightforward 1/8-inch grid and a large supply, the YTYKINOY cross spacers are the simplest pick. Choose the QEP soft wedges if you want to adjust wall tile position as you work, or the QEP horseshoe shims for large-format stone and reusable shim-style spacers. In every case, confirm the joint size suits your tile and installation plan before starting.
