Grout is basically a dense, cement-based products used to fill gaps between tiles, sealing them together and protecting the underlying surfaces. It is the final touches in tiling any floor or wall within a home or business. In bathrooms, grout prevents moisture from seeping beneath tiles, thereby preventing mould growth and maintaining the integrity of the tiled surface. Every tiling job is meant to be completely sealed and grouting adds those final touches
Grout plays an important role in any bathroom remodel or installation project. It fills the spaces between tiles, sealing them together and protecting the underlying surfaces. With so many grout options on the market, choosing the type that best matches your specific bathroom surfaces and expected usage is essential.
Factors like the size and material of the tiles, anticipated water exposure, and desired aesthetic all help determine which grout will stand up to the rigours of daily bathroom use over the long run. This guide will help you understand the key characteristics of the major grout types and identify the ideal choice for your bathroom renovation project.
Therea a handful types of grout we use for floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens and so on. When it comes to bathrooms however, the primary types of grout used in bathrooms include:
Sanded Grout: This type of tile grout has sand particles within its composition, providing durability and strength. Lasts for years before needing updating. It’s good for grout joints 1/8 inch or wider and is commonly used for floor tiles. As with floor tiles, regular cleaning is required to keep this grout clean.
Unsanded Grout: Does not contain the typical sand particles which gives it a far more smoother appearance in texture. Ideal for narrow seams between 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch wide and is often used for wall tiles and delicate surfaces like polished stone or glass tiles.
Epoxy Grout: Composed of resins and hardeners, making it highly resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture. It is typically meant for areas exposed to water, such as showers, and does not require sealing.
Furan Grout: Made from polymers of fortified alcohols, offering exceptional chemical resistance. It is typically used in industrial settings and requires professional installation due to its complex application process. If you need this done for your business, please reach ou to us.
The two main factors to consider when choosing grout for your bathroom are the type of tiles and the level of water exposure.
Sanded grout is usually the best ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile option. The small sand particles in sanded grout help increase flexibility and prevent cracks from developing. It works well with most tile styles.
Unsanded grout is better suited for smoother tile surfaces like glass, polished stone or glazed wall tile. The lack of sand allows for a smooth, flush finish that won’t scratch more delicate materials.
In high moisture areas like shower walls and floors, look for grouts specifically designed to withstand water. Epoxy grout provides the most protection as it’s fully waterproof. Laticrete PermaColor Grout is another moisture-resistant option. Unsanded silicone grout dries fast with mildew resistance for bath floors and walls with splash exposure.
It’s also important the grout matches the colour of your tiles. Cement-based grouts come in a large array of colours to complement any tile choice in your bathroom renovations.
As the best stone restoration experts in Sydney, we get this question a lot about what colour to recommend to our customers when it comes to grout. Choosing the right grout colour is an important decision when renovating your bathroom. It can either make or break the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Lighter grout colours tend to make smaller bathrooms feel more open and airy. They also work well with neutral tile shades.
However, keep in mind that light grout shows stains and dirt more easily over time. Darker grout is more forgiving of messes but can cramp a small room. No matter the tile style, selecting a grout hue that blends in without distracting is key.
Neutral tones like grey and beige complement most tile palettes well. Deciding a similar or matching grout colour is best when using decorative mosaic tiles or tiles with bold patterns. This allows the tiles to take centre stage. Monochromatic schemes with cohesive colour families also often look polished. We are not just marble restoration Sydney experts but specialise in Grout as well
Before fully committing to a grout colour, do a test section. Mask off a small tile area and try out potential shades. Seeing how well they blend can help you visualise if tones pop tiles or overwhelm them. Be willing to experiment until you find the hue that best suits your bathroom’s light, style, and intended aesthetic. The right grout choice can beautifully finish your renovation.
Light-Coloured Grout: Offers a clean and seamless visual appearance but it may also show stains more easily, which basically means more frequent cleaning.
Dark-Coloured Grout: Dark colours tend to mask or hide dirt and stains better but can make the tile layout more pronounced, affecting the overall aesthetic.
No not really. Not all grouts require sealing:
Cement-Based Grouts (Sanded and Unsanded): These are porous and should be sealed to prevent moisture absorption and staining. This goes without saying that if it absorbs, you should seal it.
Epoxy Grout: Naturally non-porous product or grout and does not require sealing at all.
Not generally a good idea to be doing this. We also get asked if we can do this to save cost and we always recommend complete regrouting. Not grouting over old grout. Applying new grout over old grout is generally not really idea at all as it may not, and more than likely will not stick properly to the old grout and can lead to an uneven finish. It’s best to remove the existing grout before regrouting to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.
What are common mistakes to avoid during the grouting process?
To achieve a professional finish, avoid these common errors:
Using the Wrong Grout Type: Ensure the grout matches your tile material and joint width. so that everything looks balanced.
Improper Mixing: Follow manufacturer instructions for mixing to achieve the correct consistency.
Inadequate Cleaning: Failing to clean excess grout promptly can result in a hazy residue on tiles.
For a comprehensive list of grouting mistakes and how to avoid them, refer to this following for some more advice thespruce.com
Bys sticking to some rules and by carefully selecting the appropriate grout and following proper application techniques, you can enhance the longevity and appearance of your bathroom surfaces.
It’s important to evaluate the tile and other material characteristics carefully. Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles generally require sanded grout, as the small aggregate helps reduce cracking from minor shifting or settling. The grout is also more forgiving of any imperfections in the tile.
For smooth tile surfaces like polished stone, glass or glazed wall tile, opt for non-sanded or epoxy grouts to avoid scratching. Consider also the level of moisture each surface will be exposed to. High-traffic shower walls and floors demand waterproof epoxy grout, creating a durable, long-lasting seal.
Areas with intermittent splashing, like bathtub surrounds, are well-suited to silicone or unsanded grouts enhanced with moisture resistance. Standard unsanded cement grout may perform well with proper maintenance for bathroom floors and lower walls with less water contact.
Evaluating your specific tile types, installation layouts, and water usage patterns will ensure you select grout with compatible characteristics. This leads to optimal performance and longevity for your new bathroom remodel. Take time to fully understand your material needs before making purchases.
Properly sealing grout after installation and periodically resealing is key to preventing stains and cracking from moisture damage. Look for a high-quality impregnating sealer suitable for your grout type.
Regular cleaning helps remove soap scum, mildew and other residues that can degrade grout over time if left unattended. For walls and floors, spray with warm water and scrub using a soft-bristled brush or grout sponge.
Be especially diligent with shower areas. Wipe down walls and floors after each use to prevent prolonged exposure to standing water. Cavalry-style cleaners are effective against mould and mildew build up.
For stuck-on stains and dirt, make a paste from baking soda and warm water and apply it directly to problem areas. Scrub and rinse thoroughly, then dry completely. This draws out acids and minerals.
Limit stronger cleaning chemicals that can dissolve protective sealers prematurely. Consult manufacturers for acceptable products if a deeper clean is needed for set-in grime.
Following these simple steps keeps grout looking like new and protects investments in tile and fixtures for many years of enjoyment. Proper maintenance is as essential as the initial selection.
Properly evaluating your bathroom surfaces and choosing a compatible grout type ensures the best long-term performance for your renovation. Selecting the right material based on tile characteristics, moisture exposure levels, and desired aesthetics leads to a durable seal and a beautiful finished look.
With regular maintenance and resealing, your new grout job will withstand the daily rigours of bathroom use for many years. If you need additional help evaluating your surface needs or have questions about grout selection, contact the experts at Complete Stone Care.
We have years of experience working with natural stone, tile and grout, so we can help you determine the ideal grout product to complete your bathroom project. Our knowledgeable team is ready to provide advice tailored to your unique bathroom space.
Complete Stone Care and Protection services Sydney and all of New South Wales with natural stone, terrazzo and tile care. We can make it look like new again and help you keep it looking that way.
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