How Do I Grout Tile?

source: Family Handyman

As you probably already know, grout is the material used to fill the spaces between individual tiles. It both supports the tile and creates a moisture barrier that protects the backboard the tile sits on.

Selecting the right grout for a project is just as important as selecting the right tile and backing. However, whether you're grouting a new kitchen tile floor or a new shower in the bathroom, the grout application process is essentially the same. Learn how to do it properly once and you'll be on your way to grouting like a professional.

Use our guide to learn the proper way to grout tile and get the professional look you want for your home.

Always follow manufacturer's instructions when mixing and applying grout to ensure a successful installation.

Types of Grout

There are essentially three classifications of grout.

Note: They are also two additional types of grout: sanded and non-sanded. Sanded grouts are used in grout joints 1/8" or larger (wider); non-sanded grouts are used in grout joints 1/8" or smaller (narrower).

• Cement-based grouts
  Cement-based grouts come in sanded and non-sanded forms. They are easy to work with and clean, but are weaker than epoxy grouts and stain easily. If you decide to use a cement-based grout, you'll need to apply a grout sealer after the grouting is cured to prevent staining of the grout.

  Latex-modified sanded cement grout is similar to traditional cement grout, but has water resistance and bonding characteristics already added, which increases color consistency and strength, and reduces porosity – an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

• Epoxy-based grouts
  Epoxy-based grouts contain a hardener and an epoxy resin. They're strong and stain and water-resistant – a good fit for areas that require stain and water resistance, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Although not as user-friendly as other grouts and typically more expensive, epoxy-based grouts will keep for long periods when properly sealed unlike cement-based grouts.

• Furan Resin grouts
  Furan resin grouts also come in sanded and non-sanded forms. They're an alcohol-based grout that is highly resistant to chemicals and staining and is typically used in commercial applications, such as in factories. It's a difficult grout to apply and not recommended for residential do-it-yourself projects.

Color

Most grouts come in a variety of colors to choose from. Pick a color that compliments your tiles, but take into consideration how the tiles will be used.

For example, if you're grouting floor tiles, anticipate dirt and grime build-up from feet and shoes – white-colored grout may or may not be the optimum choice.

How To Grout Tile Like a Pro

Before you begin any grouting project, ensure the mortar under the tile you're grouting has cured. This will prevent tiles from moving around and/or breaking their bond to the backboard. In general, you should wait 24 hours after laying down tiles before you start grouting.

Important: If the tiles you're grouting are porous, such as natural stone, and not pre-sealed, it's a good idea to pre-seal them prior to grouting – the porous material will absorb the grout making clean up extremely difficult. (It's an even better idea to pre-seal them prior to laying/mortaring them down.) Let the sealer dry according to the manufacturer's recommended timeframe.

Tools and Materials

Grout	Silicone Caulk
Rubber Gloves	Rubber Grout Float
Joint Tooler	Water Bucket
Vacuum or Dust Brush	Soft Rags
Large Rounded-Edge Sponge

source: Home Addition Plus Prep and Mix Remove all the tile spacers you put down and vacuum the area to remove any dust or dirt. Also chip away any dried mortar in between the tiles. If you haven't applied a pre-sealer to porous material, apply it now – follow the manufacturer's instructions. Carefully read all instructions and precautions on the grouting package, and mix the grout according to the package instructions. It's best to make only enough grout to use within 30 minutes. And always wear gloves to protect your skin. A good rule of thumb when mixing grout is to continue to mix it until it reaches a creamy consistency.

source: Popular Mechanics Apply To begin grouting, choose an area of about three square feet and start grouting from one corner. Don't spread out too much grout at one time – that'll make it harder to clean up later. Using a rubber grout float and holding it at a 45-degree angle, spread the grout out across the tile at an angle working it evenly into the joint spaces; make several passes over the same area from different directions. When the joints are filled evenly with grout, remove any excess by holding the rubber float perpendicular to the tile and scraping it off. When you're done removing the excess grout, tool the joints. Tooling a joint just means to shape and compact the grout with any rounded end of a non-metal tool to create a slightly concave indentation in the grout. If your rubber grout float has rounded edges, you can use it to tool the joints. Don't grout expansion joints, if there are any; you'll caulk them later. Expansion joints are joints between the tile and adjoining surfaces; they are caulked instead of grouted to prevent cracks caused by the expansion and contraction of the tiles with temperature and moisture changes in the environment.

source: The Tile Mob Clean-Up and Cure You can begin wiping the tile clean as soon as the grout begins to set, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Using a damp sponge and a bucket of clean water, wipe (don't scrub) off the remaining grout from the tiles. Do not use too much water – if the sponge drips or water runs down the tile, that's too much water. Rinse out the sponge frequently and change the water in the bucket just as frequently to keep it clean. Gently wipe down the grout lines, filling in holes and smoothing the surface of the grout to just below the level of the tile. As the grout dries over the next few days, it's a good idea to mist it periodically with water to keep it moist. Grout that dries too quickly will likely crack or become brittle – misting it occasionally allows it to dry slowly.

Caulking

After the grout has set for a few days, you can caulk the expansion joints, if any. Expansion joints are in between the tile and the wall, around fixtures, and in corners. A silicone caulk is the best choice to use – find one that matches the color of your grout.

Tool the joints after caulking using just one finger and you'll get a nice, smooth result. Before you begin caulking however, remove any grout from inside the areas you're going to caulk using a utility knife or screwdriver.

source: DIY Network

Videos

How To Grout Wall Tiles
Home Improvement expert Shannon from house-improvements.com shows you how to grout porcelain wall tiles.

source: HouseImprovements via YouTube

Learn Tile Techniques – Part 1
Learn the steps to installing tile in your home and about the materials needed for your tiling project, proper safety procedures, and step-by-step tiling techniques. Follow their full series on Tiling Techniques.

source: Home Depot via YouTube

How To Grout Tiles
Learn how to grout tiles quickly and easily with this video tutorial from Tommy's Trade Secrets.

source: Tommy's Trade Secrets via YouTube

How to Tile a Kitchen Floor – Part 1
Learn the steps involved in tiling a kitchen floor and how proper planning will help you avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes when installing your floor. Follow their full series on Tiling a Kitchen Floor.

source: Home Depot via YouTube

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