The facts about grout
Some people when they hear the word grout cringe at the very thought of using it. Although it isn't something you can get away from using if you want to put tile in your own home. This article will give you some facts about grout, how to choose it and how to work with it. Hopefully it will answer some of the questions you have about it.
Choosing a color
Once you've chosen the tile you want to use in your home you will have to consider what type of grout to use. This may seem unimportant; grout is grout right? Not exactly. The color of grout you choose to put with your tiles will make a huge difference in how your finished product looks. Grout comes in several different colors. If you want a patterned look then you will want to choose grout that contrasts with the tile. If you want a monochromatic look then choose a color of grout that is close to matching the color of tile you are laying. It's also a good idea to keep in mind that light grout will show more dirt and vice versa.
Spacing
Generally when you buy tiles they come with built in spacers so you can just use the spacers you already have. If you want to change the space between the tiles however you will have to go to the store and buy either larger or smaller spacers. Don't mix and match spacers as this will give you an inconsistent look. Lay your tiles out on the floor before you do any actual grout work so that your spacers are all the same size.
Sealer
If you're using grout you will want to also use a grout sealer. This will help protect the grout from stains and water or other types of damage. Applying a grout sealer is tedious work but well worth your time. It needs to be applied carefully without getting any sealant on the tile. If you use a grout sealer the tile and grout will last much longer and retain its color much longer as well.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is everything when it comes to tile and especially grout. Grout tends to attract dirt more than the tile itself because of the texture and because it sits slightly in the tile squares. A regular mop or damp cloth doesn't reach the grout as easily as it does the tile. You can clean out the grout lines with a sponge or an even easier way is with a steamer. Steamers will take any discoloration or dirt right off much quicker than any sponge, brush or cloth. You may however have to apply more grout sealer after you have cleaned it thoroughly as the grout can become worn down.
Working with grout, some things to remember
- Before you mix any type of grout make sure that you have cleaned the tile surfaces and joints so that there is no excess thinset or debris left to stick to the grout.
- Remember to use a slaking process when mixing your grout. This allows the pigments to completely incorporate into the grout.
- Timing is important when wiping grout away after it has been applied. It needs to be wiped before the grout gets too hard so keep an eye on everything that you have already grouted and not wiped yet.
- Remember to caulk
This article in no way describes in detail how to grout a room in your house, but it hopefully gives you some facts about grout that may come in useful if you decide to do it yourself.
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