Grout :: The Most Important Step in Installing Tile

Most tile installers will tell you that their least favorite part of the job is grouting. Grouting tile is a monotonous shoulder workout typically passed off to the least senior tiling professional on the crew. However, grouting is one of the most important tasks in a tiling project. Too often tile installations are ruined by a bad grout job. Inexperience can lead to splotchy grout, uneven joints or flaking of the grout.

Unlike the original grout products that were made out of portland cement mixed with water, modern grout products are stronger, come in diverse colors and are easier to use. The most important items for tile installers to pay mind to are the type of grout used, proper mixing, even application and thorough cleaning.

To determine the correct type of grout for a project the width of the joint is what needs to be considered. There are two main types of grout -- sanded and unsanded. Unsanded grout is used for any tile with joints less than 1/8 of an inch wide The finish is smooth and fairly easy to clean. Sanded grout on the other hand is used in joints wider than 1/8 of an inch and is sometimes called floor grout or joint filler. Sanded grout provides the necessary strength for wider joints because it resists hairline cracks caused by shrinkage. Sanded grout is rougher and harder to clean then unsanded grout making it less popular for use on kitchen and bathroom countertops. Sanded grout is primarily associated with floor tile; however, it should be used on any tile with wide set joints, no matter where the tile is being installed. When using sanded grout on any vertical project be sure that you have plenty of time set aside to finish the project. Unsanded grout clings to vertical surfaces, but sanded grout will roll down the wall or other vertical project surface. To avoid a more difficult cleaning process later on, make sure that you have a drop cloth under your workspace when working with sanded grout products on shower walls, kitchen back splashes and other vertical spaces.


To determine the amount of grout you would need for a tiling project you should check the chart on the back of every bag of grout, so you need to know how many square feet the job is, how wide the joints are and the size of the tiles. One pound of grout could over 10 square feet of 12" by 12" tile with 1/2 inch joints. Choosing which brand of grout to go with for a project is really up to you. Although there are dozens of choices, none really stand out as inferior or exceptionally easy to work with.

Often times the most important thing for homeowners is the ability to clean and maintain their floor easily; however there is no such thing as a maintenance-free floor. Keeping up on general maintenance and upkeep is the best way to keep your tile floor or countertop looking its best. It is important to clean grout regularly to keep a just-like-new appearance. Sealers are often the best way of protecting grout from stains that occur from normally daily use. Installing a sealer is basically a must for any granite tile installations especially when the tiles is installed on a kitchen or bathroom counter and flooring. With the right installation and care tile an last for year and will always look great. If you have