Tile grouting guide

ARTICLE Phil Cousins

Deciding what grout to use with your new tiles can be just as important as the selection of the tiles themselves.
Regarding grout colour, it’s always advisable to go for a mid grey tone. A light colour grout on your floor will almost certainly end up with a ‘Laundromat grey’ look and a very dark colour grout can quickly show up any dirt (anyone who has owned a black car will know what I mean).
Most importantly, the floor must be suitable to receive tiles otherwise even the best quality grout will not perform and will quickly crack and fall out. The floor needs to be even and clean.
These days, most tile grouts contain mould inhibitors, but they still require some maintenance. Grout sealers can be applied to help minimize the problem. If you want a real high-end grout, you could consider using epoxy grouts. These are typically used in commercial kitchens because they are highly resistant to cleaning chemicals and have minimal water absorption. However, they cost more than normal grout.
Always ensure the grout you choose has a matching silicone colour for the perimeters, as it’s best to avoid any unsightly contrasts. Lastly, ensure that when the grouting is done, it’s done right. For example, do not wash off the grout with too much water before it has dried and settles properly. Washing it off too early will make the grout soft and create an uneven colour.
Remember: you can make an average tile job look magnificent with good grouting, just as you can make a magnificent tiling job look average with substandard grouting. Heritage Tiles offers a good range of grouts and their helpful staff can put you in the right direction.

This article featured on page 40 of Issue 003 of Issue 003 of Renovate Magazine. Renovate Magazine is an easy to use resource providing fresh inspiration and motivation at every turn of the page.

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