Choosing The Right Tile Grout - What You Need To Know

It goes without saying that whenever you’re tiling in your home, whether this is your kitchen or your bathroom, grout will be an essential part of the project. In case you don’t already know, tile grout is a fluid form of concrete which is used to fill the gaps in between your tiles. Somes, grout can also be used to fix tiles to the wall and/or floor as well, but this is more common with smaller mosaics as many will use a tile adhesive for bigger and heavier tiles.

When it comes to choosing tile grout for an upcoming project, you may think that it will be simple to just pop to a local DIY store and pick up what you need or to place an order online, but you will notice that there are a number of different types of grout to choose from. So, to help you ensure that you’re purchasing the right product for your project, below we have put together some helpful information covering everything you need to know in this regard.

Premixed or powder tile grout  

Whenever you’re choosing tile grout for a home improvement project, you really should be honest with yourself about how experienced you are. This is because ready-to-use premixed grout can sometimes be more tricky than powder grout to use.

Premixed grout tends to harden faster meaning you need to work much quicker otherwise, you run the risk of not being able to wipe the grout off your tiles. If you’ve never applied grout before, you will probably be best sticking to a powder grout that you mix yourself so you don’t have to worry about fast setting and drying times.

The location of the tiles you’re laying 

When you’re choosing a grout, it is recommended that you take into consideration where the tiles are going to be laid. For example, in commercial settings, when laying floor tiles it is essential to choose a grout that can withstand the frequent stress caused by heavy foot traffic, but you won’t necessarily need to worry about this as much in your home.

However, no matter where you’re laying tiles, whether they’re on the floor or the walls, it is always worthwhile investing in a high-quality brand. Take something like Mapei grout, for example, this product is water-repellent and anti-mould, making it perfect for rooms where tiles are most commonly used, like the kitchen and bathroom.

Also, it is likely that over time a poor quality grout will discolour, stain, crack or erode, meaning you have to re-grout. By simply opting for a brand that is tried and tested, like Mapei grout, you can have peace of mind that your tiling project will look as good as new for many years to come. 

The statement you’re wanting to make with the grout

Similarly to paint, tile grout comes in a vast selection of different colours and you should take some time to consider which colour will work best with your tiles to achieve the look you’re after. Often, people will either; try to match their grout to their tile colour, choose a contrasting grout to their tile colour or opt for a neutral colour no matter what their tile colour may be.

Think about which colour would be best for your bathroom or kitchen project and ultimately, how much of a statement you’re wanting to make with your grouting. Looking at some inspirational images may be beneficial in this regard to help you get an idea of what different colour combinations will look like.

Of course, even if you do end up using something contrasting like Mapei Silver Grey Grout with white tiles, you still want to ensure that you’re not making the grout lines too thick. One-sixteenth of an inch tends to be the most popular size amongst professionals, so ideally aim to keep the grout line as small as possible.

Purchasing tile grout for your home improvement project

No matter what your latest home improvement project may be, if it involves tiling hopefully you will now have a better idea of which type of tile grout you need to purchase. It goes without saying that the tile grout you use will make a huge difference to the finished look of your tiling project, so it is really important to ensure that you’re choosing the right product. Of course, if you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask an expert for some advice.

Whenever you’re searching for somewhere to purchase tile grout, be sure to visit the Decor Express website. We supply both premixed and powder grouts, so it is likely that we will have the perfect product for your needs. We are also able to provide you with the popular brand mentioned above, Mapei grout, and stock a wide range of different Mapei Ultracolor options for you to choose from. You really can always purchase Mapei grout in confidence knowing that it will be perfect for the job and help you to get the professional look you’re after.