Love Your New Tiled Floor? Thank Your Grout.

That sleek new tile flooring can really tie a room together. But behind the striking geometric designs or natural stone finishes lies an equally important player--grout.

Often overlooked, grout is the unsung hero holding each carefully laid tile in place. Sanded or unsanded, this binding material fills the joints, seals the cracks, and keeps moisture from seeping underneath. So for a floor that will stand the test of time, thank your grout.

What Is Grout and Why It Matters

Grout refers to the cement-based material used to fill joints between tiles. It provides a crucial structural purpose by locking adjacent tiles together to form a cohesive surface. Grout also allows for subtle expansion and contraction of tiles to prevent cracks. And it contributes to the aesthetic appeal with its color, texture, and finish.

Without grout, tiles would shift, crack, or even pop out completely when walked on. Gaps between them would collect dirt and spills. Water would have direct access underneath tiles, leading to leaks, warping, and mold growth. Simply put, grout is the glue holding the whole system together.

Major Differences Between Sanded and Unsanded Grout

Sanded grout contains fine sand and aggregate particles, giving it a thicker, coarser texture for filling wider joints. The sand and aggregate reinforce durability. Unsanded grout has a smooth, creamy consistency without sand or aggregate. It's best for narrow grout lines and vertical applications.

• Sanded grout resists shrinking and cracking better in high-traffic floors.
• Unsanded grout allows polished stone finishes without risk of scratching.
• Sanded grout can be harder to fully clean off tile surfaces.
• Unsanded grout requires extra care to prevent staining or discoloration.

Key Considerations When Selecting Grout

Joint Size and Width

For most floor tile installations, sanded grout is recommended for joints 1/8 inch and wider. The sand fillers and coarser mix ensure a durable bond across wider gaps between tiles. Attempting to force unsanded grout into too wide joints risks future cracking or joint failure when walked on.

On vertical surfaces like backsplashes, unsanded grout is ideal for narrow grout lines under 1/8 inch. The smoother consistency slides easily into hairline cracks and adheres better on walls. Forcing sanded grout into tiny grout lines may be difficult and create visible imperfections.

Tile Type and Location

Sanded grout stands up to heavy foot traffic, making it a smart choice for high-traffic floors in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms and more. Where spills are likely, sanded grout resists staining better too. The sand fillers provide a more secure bond on uneven or heavily textured tile backsides.

For polished stone tiles and delicate glass mosaics, unsanded grout prevents scratching or damaging fragile surfaces during installation. On shower walls and backsplashes, the smooth finish is easily kept clean. Unsanded grout adheres well on vertical applications where gravity and foot traffic are not an issue.

Environmental Factors

In extremely hot and dry climates, sanded grout may be more prone to drying too rapidly, resulting in cracking or weak sections. Adding polymers to sanded grout improves bonding. In cool, humid environments, unsanded grout cures more slowly, extending working time and improving adhesion.

Indoor air quality also impacts cured grout. Where ventilation is poor, exposing uncured grout to chemicals can cause discoloration or softening. Ensure spaces remain well-ventilated during and after grouting.

Working With Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout

Preparation and Installation

To begin any tile project, properly prepare the substrate and test its moisture levels before applying mortar and tiles. Allow installed tiles to fully cure for at least 24 hours before grouting. Carefully mix sanded or unsanded grout powder with clean water or latex additive to reach the desired consistency.

Use a rubber float or squeegee at a 45deg angle to fully force grout into all joints, leaving no gaps or pinholes. Hold the float edge flat against the tile surface and drag diagonally across joints to prevent dragging excess grout onto tiles. Allow proper drying time before starting the lengthy grout cleanup process.

Curing and Finishing

Sanded grout creates a visible, ridged joint texture compared to the thin, uniform lines of unsanded grout. For a smooth finish, polish sanded grout joints with a damp sponge after they've firmed up. Rinse the sponge frequently to avoid smearing colored pigment before it fully cures.

Certain tile types may require sealing to prevent staining from spilled liquids seeping into porous, uncured grout. For enhanced water-resistance in bathrooms and showers, apply a penetrating sealer once grout has dried for 72 hours.

Ongoing Maintenance

All grout needs occasional cleaning to prevent buildup of dirt, grime, or soap scum. Sanded grout's texture means more frequent scrubbing to prevent staining in the pores. Routine sealing every 1 to 3 years boosts stain-resistance for both sanded and unsanded finished grout.

Re-grouting small cracks or worn areas can refresh old grout and prevent damage from spreading. Completely re-grouting a floor may be needed every 10-15 years as continual foot traffic slowly erodes joints over time.

Achieving the Perfect Finished Look

Matching or contrasting grout color to the tile design remains a personal aesthetic choice. For a seamless look, match the grout color to the tile. White grout pairs well with both light and dark tiles. To define tile edges, select a contrasting grout color.

Today, specialty grout options allow even more customization. Choose from colored, epoxy or stain-resistant grouts designed for high-moisture areas. Adding latex polymers provides extra flexibility and adhesion. For the perfect finish, find the right grout for your tiles.

With this deeper understanding of that seemingly ordinary material between tiles, it's clear grout plays an oversized role. From providing structural stability to contributing visual appeal, thank grout for transforming tiles into a unified surface strong enough to stand up to everyday life.

So for resilient, worry-free floors or walls able to handle what comes their way, be sure to show your grout some appreciation. Because with the right grout selection for your project, you'll love the finished look for years to come.