Tired of Re-Grouting? Use Sanded Grout for Maximum Durability

Has re-grouting become an endless chore? No matter how carefully you apply unsanded grout, it keeps cracking and crumbling away. Before you know it, you're on your hands and knees yet again, trying to salvage your tile with another round of frustrating repairs.

There's good news - switching to sanded grout can help end the cycle of cracking and regrouting. Keep reading to understand why sanded grout resists common grout problems and how to use it for tile you can enjoy for years to come.

What is Grout and Why it Fails

Grout is the material used to fill the joints between tiles. It typically contains cement, pigments for color, and water. When mixed and applied correctly, grout bonds to tile edges and fills joints completely and evenly.

Over time, grout can fail for several reasons:

• Cracking and shrinking as moisture evaporates
• Wear and crumbling under foot traffic
• Staining from moisture and dirt
• Efflorescence, a white hazy deposit on the surface

Grout problems usually start appearing within the first year or two after installation. Before long, you're stuck re-grouting small cracks that turn into large ones. Even with careful application, unsanded grout lacks the durability to withstand normal use.

Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout

Unsanded grout has a smooth, cement-like consistency for filling narrow grout lines. Sanded grout contains fine sand particles that provide improved performance:

• Sanded grout is thicker and more durable for wider joints thanks to sand adding strength.
• Unsanded grout is only suitable for grout lines 1/8" or smaller where sanded is too hard to apply.

The main differences come down to durability:

• Sanded grout better resists shrinking, cracking, and crumbling.
• It stands up to high-traffic areas like floors.
• Unsanded grout is more prone to cracking from movement.

The sand particles allow sanded grout to expand and contract without losing integrity. It's less likely to wash out over time. This makes sanded grout the clear choice when longevity and reliability are priorities.

When to Use Sanded Grout

Sanded grout is the best choice in these applications:

• Floors, especially high-traffic areas prone to wear.
• Walls with grout joints 1/8" or wider.
• Showers, due to frequent moisture exposure.
• Outdoors, because of weathering from sun, rain, and freezing.
• Anywhere you need maximum cracking and wear resistance.

The sand particles fill joints thoroughly for a stable foundation. Movement and vibration won't easily compromise the grout. It stands up to foot traffic, cleaning, and damp environments.

Avoid Sanded Grout When...

While sanded grout has clear benefits, it's not suitable for every project. Use with caution in these cases:

• On grout lines less than 1/8" where application is difficult.
• Vertical applications like shower walls where gravity causes it to slump.
• Polished or delicate surfaces that could scratch.
• Natural stone tiles susceptible to scratching.
• Glass, porcelain, or ceramic tiles.

The sand content makes sanded grout thicker and more textured. Gravity can cause it to sag on vertical surfaces. Always test first on a small, inconspicuous area.

Working with Sanded Grout

Applying sanded grout takes a bit more skill than unsanded. Follow these tips for success:

• Mix to a firm, moist consistency per manufacturer instructions.
• Use a rubber grout float or squeegee, pressing firmly into joints.
• Hold the float at a 45deg angle to prevent pulling grout out.
• Wipe diagonally across tiles to avoid dragging grout from the joints.
• Allow proper cure time before sealing and light foot traffic.

Take time to clean grout residue from the tile surface to limit the need for heavy scrubbing later. Use a damp sponge in a circular motion. Let the grout cure fully for 24-48 hours before sealing.

Signs It's Time to Regrout

With sanded grout, regrouting becomes less frequent. But watch for these issues:

• Visible cracks, crumbling, holes, or loose grout.
• Stains that can't be removed with cleaning.
• White haze from efflorescence.
• Cracks wider than just hairline separation.
• Hollow, drummy sounds when tapping the grout.
• Grout falling out in chunks with light pressure.

Catching problems early keeps repairs minimal. Re-sealing can help protect grout but cannot fix underlying damage. When multiple issues appear, it's safest to regrout.

Switching from unsanded to sanded grout for your next tile project can help avoid endless cycles of cracking and repairs. The sand particles provide superior durability and resistance to common grout failures.

Pay attention to joint size, test delicate surfaces, and allow proper curing. With a little care upfront, you can look forward to grout that stands up to heavy use for years of lasting beauty.

No more struggling with frequent cracking, crumbling, and regrouting. Discover how sanded grout can bring your tiles back to life and keep them looking fresh for longer.