Grouting

The Right and The Wrong Grout

There are three types of grout available on the market. Sanded, Un-sanded/non-sanded and Epoxy Grout

Choosing the correct grout for your project is critical to ensure a proper installation and reduce the amount of maintenance. So how do you know that grout to use for your project?

Non-Sanded (or Unsanded) Grout

Unsanded grout is made for grout lines smaller than 1/8 inch wide.  Unsanded grout is easier to work with, especially on vertical surfaces such as a shower wall, because  it is “stickier” than the sanded variety. You can spread it onto the wall and it will stick there while you force it into the grout lines. It is also much easier on the hands than sanded. 

It is critical to mix all grout to a proper consistency. Too much water and your grout will break apart easily. Too little water and the grout will not adhere properly. You want the grout to be similar to cake batter consistency.

ALL STONE MUST BE GROUTED WITH AN UN-SANDED GROUT TO AVOID SCRATCHING. IF YOU EVER NEED A RESTORATION PRO TO COME AND WORK ON YOUR STONE AND YOU HAVE SANDED GROUT, THEY WILL HAVE TO REMOVE ALL SANDED GROUT BEFORE ANY WORK CAN BE COMPLETED BECAUSE THE SANDED GROUT WILL POP OUT LIKE ROCK CHUNKS AND IT WILL SCRATCH THE STONE SURFACE EXTREMELY DEEP.

Few installers think ahead as far as maintenance and restoration. Save yourself money now and choose the right grout!

Sanded Grout

Sanded Grout is used for any size grout lines 1/8″ and wider. Although the specifications state unsanded grout be used in grout lines that are exactly 1/8″, you really should use sanded for them. It will ensure proper adhesion to your tile and guard against too much shrinkage.

Sanded grout has fine sand added to it. This prevents the grout from shrinking too much as it cures. That’s why it is used for larger grout lines.

Sanded grout is much more absorbant and will require more sealer. WE DO NOT recommend sanded gout in wet areas such as showers.

USING SANDED GROUT ON OR NEAR STONE CAN CAUSE THE SANDS TO SCRATCH AND DAMAGE YOUR STONE AND OTHER SOFT SURFACES.

Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grout MUST be installed by a professional who has worked with epoxy grout many times.  Epoxy grout is NOT ALWAYS the right answer. Many contractors use Epoxy Grout as a "Baind-Aid" solution.  Clean up can be difficult and it CAN damage a surface if not installed correctly.  It can be substituted for sanded or unsanded grout.  It is more sturdy than both as well as being waterproof and stain resistant but if installed in the wrong time on the wrong surface, it can trap moisture and can cause a bit of an issue.

Picking the correct grout for your application is a key part of a new design but in most cases, a color seal process can help change the color of your grout lines and seal your grout at the same time.