A Guide to Tile Grout

Volare Flooring Team

4 min read | Review date: 2022

Floor Tiles Tile Grout Guide

A Guide to Tile Grout

You have chosen your wall and floor tiles for your renovation - great! Now it’s time to complete the look with tile grout, grout colour and the space between tiles. In this guide we’ll take a look at Grout and why it’s important for your tiled space.

What is Tile Grout?
Types of Tile Grout
Tips to Help Choose Grout Colour
Grout Width
Mapei Grout

What is Tile Grout?

Grout plays an important functional role in a tiled area as it:

seals the gap between tiles
helps keep tiles in place
creates a waterproofing seal
handles mild movement well

In addition to its functional role, thanks to the wide range of grout colours available at Volare, tile grout delivers a complimenting decorative feature in your newly tiled area.

Types of Tile Grout

There are four types of tile grout which you will need to understand so you pick the right one for your flooring project. Otherwise, you can speak to a flooring expert in one of the Volare Tiles + Flooring showrooms.

Cement-Based Grout - is typically a combination of cement, water, sand and other material that improves its performance and durability. This is usually used indoors and can be coloured to compliment your tiles.

Another benefit of cement-based tile grout is its ability to be improved with certain polymers. The additives can be included in two ways:

supplied pre-mixed into the grout powder
added separately as a liquid during mixing

Sanded Grout - is a normal cement-based grout which contains sand to prevent cracking. The sand also enhances the grout's durability that reduces the risk of shrinkage making it perfect for external use and wide grout lines and joints as it closely resembles cement.
Unsanded Grout - is the name implies, unsanded grout does not contain sand. The unsanded grout is super smooth in comparison to the gritty sanded grout and is easier to use and spread.

Unsanded grout is best used when you’re laying glossy or marble tiles, something with a smoother surface than other tile types, to maintain the smooth surface touch.

The downside of using an unsanded grout is it will shrink and pull away from the tiles over time - so be sure to have a very minimal amount of space between tiles and it will be fine.

Epoxy Grout - unlike the tile grouts that use organic material, like sand, epoxy grout is manufactured using resins, firming agents and dye’s for colour. Epoxy grout will not easily stain and it won’t crack which makes it a terrific choice for wet areas and floors with high foot traffic.

Tips to Help Choose Tile Grout Colours

Firstly, Mapei Grout and sealants provides a wide range of colours which you can use to contrast or compliment your tile colours. Mapei have a range grout colours available to help you make the best colour decision. Otherwise you can come into a local Volare Tiles + Flooring showroom and we’ll mix and match tiles and grout colours with you.

Check out this video from Mapei with helpful insights and professional advice on things to consider when choosing grout colour.

Grout Width (the space between tiles)

Choosing your grout width is usually an aesthetic decision but it’s important to know that your decision will impact the choice of grout you use. For external use, a wider grout can be used with a sand-based grout while if you are tiling an indoor smooth marble tile you will need very thin grout width using an epoxy grout.

With the options of grout width, grout colour and tile styles available at Volare will give you the power and flexibility to achieve a design that will make your space look incredible.

To keep grout lines consistent and your tiles straight and even then you will need to use Tile Spacers - small plastic pieces which slot in between the tiles while you lay them (they are to be removed before the grouting process). Bags of tile spacers are very cheap and come in a variety of sizes between 1.5mm and 3mm which are available at Volare Tiles + Flooring.

Things To Know When Selecting Tile Grout

Selecting tile grout is an important step in any tiling project, as it not only serves a functional purpose but also contributes to the overall aesthetic of your installation. Grout is the material used to fill the gaps between tiles, providing stability, preventing water penetration, and enhancing the appearance of the finished surface. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting tile grout:

Type of Tile: The type of tile you're using will influence the type of grout you choose. For example, if you're installing natural stone tiles, you might opt for a non-sanded grout to avoid scratching the delicate surface.
Grout Type: Grout comes in two main types: sanded and non-sanded. Sanded grout is suitable for wider grout lines and is commonly used for floors. Non-sanded grout is used for smaller grout lines and is often used on walls or tiles with more delicate surfaces.
Grout Colour: Grout comes in a variety of colours, allowing you to match or contrast with your tile choice. Lighter grout colours tend to make a room look more spacious, while darker colours can create a bold and dramatic look. Keep in mind that grout colour can also impact maintenance, as lighter colors may show dirt more easily.
Grout Width: The width of the grout lines between your tiles is a crucial factor. Wider grout lines may require sanded grout for better durability and strength, while narrower lines may need non-sanded grout for a smooth finish.

Location: Consider where the tiles will be installed - is it going in a living room or in the shower? For areas prone to get wet, such as bathrooms and kitchens, you'll want to use a waterproof or water-resistant grout to prevent water penetration and mold growth.
Application: The method of application can also influence your grout choice. Some grouts are available in pre-mixed forms, while others need to be mixed with water. Pre-mixed grouts are convenient but might have limitations in terms of color choices and suitability for certain types of installations.
Sealing: Depending on the type of grout and the application, you might need to seal the grout lines after they've fully cured. Sealing helps protect the grout from stains and moisture infiltration.
Ease of Maintenance: Consider how much time and effort you're willing to invest in cleaning and maintaining the grout. Some grouts are more resistant to stains and discoloration than others. Check out out blog post: Recommendations to Avoid and Clean Tile Grout Haze
Longevity: Quality grouts tend to last longer and maintain their appearance over time. Investing in a reputable brand of grout can be a wise decision to ensure the longevity of your tile installation.
Compatibility: Ensure that the grout you choose is compatible with the specific type of tile you're using. Some tiles, like glass or porous natural stones, may require specialized grouts - speak to our team if you’re unsure.

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