Articles Shout Out to Grout
March 20, 2025Grout is an understated detail of a tiling project, yet it is a key component of the process—not only does it provide functionality but also can be a form of expressing your creativity and style. It doesn’t have to be a tedious or mundane aspect of the entire process. If you're not sure where to start, we've got you. Let's go ahead and break it down.
These are some ways you can creatively utilize grout into your tiling installation:
Monochromatic – using the same color as the tile you’ve selected bringing uniformity to the overall style. This is perfect if you're going for a minimalistic look in your overall design.
Contrasting – create a distinct statement with opposing or high contrasting color grout that will define your tile especially if it has a specific shape.
Neutral – a color that blends well with the tile—it’s all about subtlety yet still creating a look that works for your design in mind. This works well if you have multi tonal (same tile style) or multi color tile or tile that has a pattern or print.
HELPFUL TIP: Most stones and some ceramic or porcelain tiles need to be sealed before grouting. This is especially true when using grout as a contrast to the tile color. if the tile you selected requires sealing, follow the directions on the sealer label for surface preparation, application methods, drying time, etc. Grouting unsealed tiles can result in a difficult clean up and may result in a less than satisfactory appearance. If you are unsure if your tile requires sealing or what kind of sealer is appropriate, please ask your Bedrosians salesperson
As you can see, the white grouts really makes the colored tile pop. If you like the pattern of the tile, a dark grout is best. It keeps the grout lines looking clean and sharp and does a good job of concealing dirt in areas with higher foot traffic. We don’t recommend a bright white grout for a floor installation in a heavy traffic area, as the light color requires more cleaning to keep it looking bright. Bright white grout is used more often for backsplashes or light-traffic floors. If you want the look of a white/light grout on the floor, don’t let that deter you as you can seal the grout to help keep the color bright and keep up on maintenance.
HELPFUL TIP: Keep in mind that light-colored grout can be impractical for areas that get dirty quickly, such as entryways. For high-traffic areas, choose a color that won't need to be washed daily to maintain its look. Colors can be anywhere from a mid to darker grey, beige or brown - depending on the tile color.
Types of grout and when to use them:
Cement-based grout. This type of grout can either be sanded or non-sanded and there is also high-performance polymer cement grout. These mixtures are acid-sensitive and absorbent. Cement-based grout tends to be polymer-modified which helps to prevent cracking while adding strength.
- SANDED GROUT: Sanded grout types consist of a cement-based mortar that have small sand grains added to it. Sand improves the strength of grout, especially in joints larger than 1/8th inch. Sanded grout helps to support the weight of heavier material and tiles. This is why it is great for natural stone and porcelain tile.
- NON-SANDED GROUT: Like sanded grout, non-sanded grout is cement-based as well. With the added strength of sand removed from this type of grout, it is more widely used in floor tiling and wall tiling projects with grout joint spacing between 1/16th to 1/8th inch. Non-sanded grout is also a good choice for glass and highly polished stone such as marble, where sanded grout may scratch the tile surface.
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE POLYMER: A latex polymer cement grout that increases the durability, strength, and resistance to moisture because of the latex polymer formulated in the grout. This is best for floors in areas where there’s high traffic as well as bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, this is also another grout that is less likely to crack or crumble.
EPOXY GROUT: This type of grout is impermeable to liquids and doesn't require sealing. This type of grout prevents the growth of bacteria and limits the amount of cracking. The water resistant properties of epoxy grout is great for quarry tile, ceramic, porcelain, and countertops. Epoxy grout most often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas prone to large amounts of water.
PRE-MIXED POLYMER RESIN: The name says it! No need to mix this grout as it’s ready for use when you’re about to work on your tiling project. Made with a combination of water, fine fillers and urethane polymers, this grout thwarts any marks or staining and mold growth. Moreover, this has an easy application which makes it a good option if you’re a DIYer.
FURAN RESIN: Best for commercial and industrial installations as this type of grout is polymer based making it quite resistant to any abrasions, moisture, stains, and chemicals. This is also able to endure continuous heat exposure.
HELPFUL TIP: If you're still not sure what color grout to choose, wait until the tile has been installed. Once the tiles have been laid, there will be shadowing where they have been spaced for the grout. This will give you an idea of what the tiles would look like with a mid-colored grout, from there you can decide whether you would like to go for a lighter or darker look.
To learn more about selecting your tile and the best grout to go with it, we have expert staff who are eager to help. Visit one of our locations nearest you.
