Standing in the grout aisle at your local hardware store can feel daunting. The shelf is tall and piled with dozens of different choices. And that’s just at one store! Every store carries different brands too.
So, you’re standing there, overwhelmed by choice. Each type of grout serves a unique purpose and is best suited for different applications. This makes it essential to understand the differences. But what are those differences?
In this article, we plan to discuss just this topic. We will explore the types of grout, when each type should be used, and their advantages and disadvantages. In part 2 we will further discuss application methods and maintenance requirements (or rather how often you’ll need professional tile and grout cleaning). This article will help you choose the best grout for your tiling project, from traditional grout to polymer additives.
Understanding Grout Types
Grout falls under two basic categories: traditional cement-based grout, which includes the sanded and unsanded varieties, and resin-based types such as epoxy grouts and some pre-mixed grouts. Each of these grout products has a specific use and is intended to be used with particular tile materials and purposes as described below.
Sanded Grout
A solid choice for most tile installations, sanded grout is made up of a blend of Portland cement and sand. This is the most standard cement grout available and is typically recommended for grout joints that are 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch wide. The sand acts as a filler, making this type of grout less prone to shrinkage or cracking in these larger grout joints, and provides a robust seal between tiles.
Sanded grout is suitable for a range of tile materials and natural stone, including ceramic, porcelain, granite, and terrazzo. However, for smooth or delicate tile surfaces such as marble or glass, sanded grout could scratch the tile, as the sand grains act similarly to sandpaper against these softer materials.
Unsanded Grout
Nonsanded or unsanded grout is perfect for those narrower grout lines—less than 1/8-inch—providing a smooth, dense joint that’s ideal for polished or delicate surfaces prone to scratching, like certain natural stone tiles or glass tiles. Its stickiness and low porosity make it a popular choice for vertical applications, such as in bathroom shower wall tiles. Unsanded grout’s formulation allows it to grab onto vertical surfaces, reducing the chance of slumping or sagging as it sets.
While this type of grout is typically costlier and might offer fewer color options than sanded grout, it’s generally easier to maintain, as many unsanded grout formulas do not need sealing. However, its use is limited to smaller joints as it can slump in wider seams.
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout, or resin-based grout, is a real gem in terms of innovation. This kind of grout is flexible, non-shrinking, water resistant, and has superior stain resistance. These characteristics make it ideal for high-traffic areas and wet environments. Resin-based grout also doesn’t generally require sealing, another way it differs from traditional cement-based grouts.
However, epoxy grout sets significantly more quickly than its cement-based counterparts. This can be either a good thing or a bad thing depending upon the tile project. Its fast-curing quality along with a potentially more challenging application process can pose difficulties for those less experienced with tiling. Despite these challenges, the benefits of epoxy grout make it a compelling choice. Especially for those seeking a long-lasting and clean grout solution.
Key Considerations for Selecting Grout
It cannot be understated, the type of grout you choose to use requires just as much consideration as the tile itself. Grout enhances the overall appeal of your tiled surface, acts as a protective barrier against moisture penetration, and keeps the tiled walls or floor structurally sound. Making an informed decision can prevent common issues such as leaks or cracks, and prevent damage to sensitive materials like marble and granite.
Opting for a grout compatible with your tile is crucial, regardless of whether you are working with glazed ceramic tiles, natural stone, or mosaic tiles. Additionally, embrace grout colors that harmonize with or accentuate your tiles, as this will greatly influence the look of your completed space. A perfectly selected grout bridges the gap between form and function, fortifying the installation while also perfecting the finished look.
Additionally, consider the maintenance of your tile and grout lines. Here we’ve compiled a few handy tips to keeping your grout clean and stain-free.
Tile Type and Location
First and foremost, the type of tile you are installing will heavily drive the grout you should use. Traditionally, this would mean choosing either sanded or unsanded grout. However, today, you have the added option of epoxy resin grout, which can complicate the situation.
To make the decision mildly simpler, consider where the tile will be installed. In an area that sees excess water, consider unsanded or epoxy grout. For wider areas with larger grout joints, the best option would be sanded grout.
Now, say you’re installing glass tiles on a kitchen backsplash. This area tends to see a lot of water and grease. Glass tile implies an unsanded grout as does the vertical surface. The amount of grease you may expect will help you decide between traditional cement grout or epoxy-based unsanded grout.
When selecting grout, factors such as the potential for moisture exposure, the type of tile being used, and the overall durability required by the project’s specific location should all be considered in your decision-making.
Joint Width
Another thing to consider is the width of the joint or the space between the tiles. This space can be dictated by the tile you choose, as with mosaic tiles, though sometimes you can choose. Tiles such as Saltillo may demand broader spacing due to their design, necessitating a minimum of 1/4” up to more extensive joint sizes. For large-format tiles or larger grout spaces, a wide-joint mixture of grout is ideal to avoid the problems associated with shrinkage.
To put it plainly, narrow joints should generally be paired with unsanded grout to prevent excess friction and potential damage. Larger joints, exceeding 1/8 inch in width, should be filled with sanded grout, which provides increased stability and bond strength.
Moisture Exposure
We mentioned this previously, but it’s important to take note of how much moisture the area will be exposed to. This may not directly determine if you use sanded or non-sanded grout, but it might help drive a decision between cementitious grout and resin-based grout. Water exposure will also determine if a surface sealer or penetrating sealer is more appropriate or if you should use a liquid additive to improve the performance of the grout. It’s crucial to ensure the gaps are all sealed properly to avoid water damage in the future.
Desired Color
The grout color is the least important thing to consider when it comes to your flooring project, except for the aesthetic implications. For example, if you are trying to create contrast, you might use black grout with white tiles. However, if black grout isn’t available in the grout product you’ve determined is needed, will a darker grout work? Or will you need to change the type of grout entirely?
Another consideration when it comes to colored grouts is ease of cleaning. Lighter grout might become stained easier, or show discoloration easier. How often you’ll need to clean your tile and grout will depend a bit on the color you choose.
Stay Tuned for Part 2
In part 1 we discussed the differences between grout types. We talked about some of the key things to consider when determining the right type of grout to use for your project. Even if you’re working with a professional tile installation company like JP Carpet Cleaning Expert Floor Care, it’s important to have this background information to make informed decisions.
Check out part 2, where we discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of the different grout options. We provide directions on how to apply each type and the tools you might need. And finally, we go into some tips for maintaining your new grout lines.
