Abstract: A single piece spacer element is disclosed for insertion between spaces between tiles for uniform spacing of the tiles. The spacer element comprising a plurality of legs extending radially from a common juncture, with the legs being formed with beveled edges which facilitate their removal from the adhesive material between the tiles once the adhesive has cured. The invention also comprises integrally formed cylindrical or U-shaped stems which extend from the surface of the spacer element and which aid in placement and removal thereof. The invention also comprises the method of using the spacer element to space and align tiles.

Abstract: An alignment and support device for tiles having a generally wedge-shaped rectangular body which tapers from a rear edge to a front edge thereof. The rear edge of the device is reinforced by a generally U-shaped ridge which is coextensive with the rear edge and portions of the side edges thereof. The reinforcement ridge aids the user in gripping the device for placement and removal. Ridge members may also be included on the surface of the device extending from the reinforcement ridge to the front edge thereof for increasing the overall thickness and rigidity of the wedge so that it can be used for spacing larger tiles and/or marble slabs. In another embodiment of the device, the retaining ridge is simplified to extend along only the rear edge of the wedge. Such a modification allows the device to be used on smaller tiles where greater reinforcement is not required.