Thinking of new design ideas to update your home? Tile grout can give your home the modern look you might be trying to achieve. This article comes from Better Homes & Gardens.
All About Tile Grout
Tile makes a striking design statement on floors, on kitchen backsplashes, and in bathrooms. Tile grout is an essential part of a tile installation. Learn the tips and tricks for using grout to give your tile job a finished, professional look.
Why Grout?
Grout fills the gaps between tiles for a finished look, keeps moisture from getting beneath tiles, and protects tile edges from damage.
Grout Tips
- Use unsanded grout for stone tiles; sanded grout is used for most other installations. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package for your tile type.
- Use unsanded grout in narrow joints measuring 1/8 inch wide or less. Sanded grout adds stability to joints wider than 1/8 inch.
- Help increase the slip-resistance of a floor by using plentiful grout joints. This is especially important in a shower, which means smaller tiles are generally better for shower and bathroom installations, where hazardous slick floors are common.
- Minimize maintenance chores by selecting dark grout colors and applying sealant to grout.
- Boost grout flexibility — a necessity for creating joints as wide as 1-1/4 inches — by including polymer additives.
Grout Colors
Unless you’re going for a dramatic look, you want people to notice the tiles, not the grout. When it comes to grout, skip traditional white or flashy hues that match your tiles. Opt for soft neutrals that fade away, disguise stains, and let the tiles star.
Select grout in a color similar to the tile to create a unified look. A light gray grout works well with white tile, and a sandy-color grout pairs nicely with brown or neutral tiles. If you want each tile to stand out, choose a contrasting grout color.
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