Choosing The Right Grout!

Congratulations! After long hours of research and contemplation you’ve finally picked out the perfect tiles for your project. How exciting! Hold on it’s not over yet… now it’s time to choose the right grout! Choosing the right grout for your tiles will make a huge impact in your design and overall results. This post will help guide you in the right direction and is surely to set you up for success!

LET’S BEGIN WITH WHAT IS GROUT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Grout is used to fill and seal the seams between the tiles. Yes, that space between the tiles is a lot more important than we think. Whether the tile is traditional ceramic, porcelain, glass tile or natural stone, it is critical that the seams between the tiles be adequately filled to prevent moisture from seeping through. Not only will grout affect the overall look and feel of your design, but it also plays a major role in maintenance and the longevity of your tiles. 

TYPES OF GROUT

Grout type will play a huge role in your tile’s lifespan, and different grout types will be suitable for different functions, so let’s take a look at your options:

EPOXY

Epoxy grouts are the most durable of all grout choices and are a good choice in places where moisture and food will be present —such as in kitchen backsplashes, entryways and bathroom installations. It has low porosity features meaning, it is possible for bacteria, mildew or mold to access the area beneath the surface. There are minimal to zero chances for epoxy grout to crumble and start falling apart over time.

SANDED

Sanded grouts are a cement-based grout where sand is literally added to the mix, it includes large sand particles that can be seen and felt, they look and feel gritty. Sanded grout is normally recommended when the grout seams are 1/8 inch wide or more, as the sand provides extra bonding power that prevents cracking.

UNSANDED

Unsanded grouts have a much smoother texture, since the mineral particles they contain are very fine powders that have no noticeable grit. They are used with grout seams that are 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide. When used with wider seams, unsanded grouts tend to crack because they lack the binding power offered by sanded grouts. Non-sanded grout is easier to work with on vertical walls because of it’s “sticky” property, and will stay put during application.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GROUT COLOR FOR YOUR TILE

The color of your grout will significantly impact your overall design, and is just as important in your decision-making process as choosing your tile color. Grout color affects everything from the overall style of your design to the daily maintenance requirements of your installation. Picking grout colours is simply a matter of taste, the shade you pick relies on what you are trying to accomplish in your design. To help you get started with your grout selection process, we’ve provided the three of the most popular grout color styles below.

MATCHING

If you want your tile to be the center of attention, we suggest matching your grout color. This will prevent the eye from being distracted from the pattern found within the grout line. This style works well with neutral tile colors, especially white tile where you want the white to look fresh and clean. Matching your grout also works well  to avoid visual breaks that could shrink your perception of the space, so the room feels big and breezy.

CONTRASTING

If you’re looking to make a statement with your tile and grout, choosing a grout that contrasts your tile color will do the trick. The contrast between your tile and your grout color will emphasize the overall pattern and layout of your tile, creating a major wow factor. If you decide to use a contrasting grout to your tile, be sure to use a sealer or grout release on your tile to protect your glaze. 

NEUTRAL

A neutral grout is always a safe bet— it goes with everything so it’s hard to go wrong. The pattern will be more noticeable than a matching grout but not the main feature as with contrasting grout installations. If you are looking for something in between a matching and contrasting grout color, try a neutral that is just a few shades off your tile color. 

Come into our showroom, we can help you with both the tile selection and the grout to achieve that you are looking for.