Floor Installation: Grouting Tile Floors
Congratulations! You have completed the install of your tiles for your Tile Floor Project and provided the thin-set mortar adequate time to fully dry. It is now time to fill the spaces between your tiles with grout.
However, before you begin grouting tiles, first, remove all the wedges and clips from your tile levelling system using a rubber mallet, second inspect all the seams between your tiles to see if there is any thin-set mortar that needs to be removed. This is best done using a grout remover tool or saw.
Table of Contents
Select Your Grout: Sanded vs Non-Sanded?
There are two types of grouts: sanded grout and non-sanded grout. Both are available in Pre-mixed and Grout that needs to be mixed on site. The difference between the two is simply convenience.
SureReno always guides our DIY homeowners, the most SureWay possible thus we recommend using pre-mixed gout for grouting tile floors. You may be a more experienced DIYer, who prefers mixing your grout, which is perfectly fine.
Below is a summary of the differences between the Sanded grout and non-sanded grout.
Sanded Grout
Use Case
Sanded grout is recommended for joints that are wider than 1/8 inch (3 mm).
Composition
It contains fine sand particles that help reinforce the grout, making it stronger and more resistant to cracking in wider joints.
Application
Ideal for use with ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles in applications such as floors, walls, countertops, and areas subject to heavier foot traffic.
Advantages
- Provides better structural support for wider joints.
- Less prone to shrinking during the curing process.
- Offers greater resistance to cracking and crumbling over time.
Non-Sanded Grout
Use Case
Non-sanded grout is suitable for joints that are 1/8 inch (3 mm) or narrower.
Composition
Made from a mixture of cement, polymers, and pigments without added sand particles.
Application
Best for use with glass, marble, and other polished or delicate tiles where scratching is a concern.
Advantages
- Smoother consistency, making it easier to work into narrow joints.
- Less likely to scratch delicate tile surfaces.
- Ideal for vertical surfaces like backsplashes and walls.
Choosing Between the Two
Joint Size
The primary factor to consider is the width of the joints between your tiles.
Tile Type
Consider the type of tile you are using (e.g., natural stone, glass, ceramic) as some tiles are more susceptible to scratching than others.
Application Area
Determine the location and conditions of the installation (e.g., floor, wall, wet area) to ensure the grout’s durability matches the demands of the space.
General Tips
- Mixing: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing grout to ensure proper consistency.
- Application: Apply grout evenly and work it into the joints thoroughly to avoid voids or gaps.
- Cleaning: Clean excess grout off tiles promptly to avoid hardening and becoming difficult to remove.
By selecting the appropriate grout type based on your specific needs, you can ensure a successful and durable tile installation.
For example, check out this article by our friends at Centura for tips on choosing the right grout colour: How to choose the colour of your grout?
Select Your Grout Spacing
Grout lines on residential tile flooring projects usually range from 1/16” to 3/8”. There are several things to consider when selecting your tile spacing.
The Size of The Tile
While grout spacing is more of a personal preference than a written rule in grouting tiles, SureReno has followed the following trends in their calculations.
Larger tiles (larger than 18” x 18”) tend to have smaller spacing, like 1/16”, Medium sized tiles tend to go with larger grout spacing, like 3/16”, and smaller tiles tend to go with smaller grout spacing, like 1/8”.
The Amount Of Variation In The Tiles Sizes
- Many hand-made tiles can have significant variation between tiles and thus a narrow grout line will make this variation more noticeable, so a wider grout line is recommended, like 3/16”
- A tile with rectified edges, or clean-cut edge, are more precisely cut and thus have less irregularity in size. An 1/16” or 1/8” space is commonly used for tiles with rectified edges.
The Locations Of The Tile Floor
Areas that are more susceptible to getting wet like entryways or laundry rooms, a wider grout line reduces the chances of getting cracks in the grout and makes it less slippery.
Personal Preference / Style
Look at pictures of tiles that are similar to yours in size and style, and select the grout spacing that most appeals to you.
Get exactly what you need
Installing the Grout
Prepare the Area
Ensure tiles are clean and dry before grouting. Remove any spacers and clean out excess mortar or debris from the joints.
Mixing Grout
Although SureReno recommends using Pre-mixed grout, if you are choosing to mix your own grout, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing grout. Use clean water and mix to a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Choosing a Grout Float
Select a grout float suitable for your tile size and grout type. Typically, for smaller tiles, a smaller grout float works best, while larger tiles may require a larger float for better coverage.
Applying Grout
Apply grout diagonally across the tile joints using the grout float. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle to the tiles to press the grout into the joints, ensuring they are completely filled.
Cleaning
After letting the grout set for a few minutes (check manufacturer's instructions), use a damp sponge to wipe away excess grout from the tile surfaces. Rinse the sponge frequently in clean water to avoid smearing grout back onto the tiles. This will need to be repeated a few times.
Final Cleaning
Once the grout has dried sufficiently (usually after about 24 hours), buff away any remaining grout haze from the tile surfaces with a dry cloth or a haze remover recommended by the grout manufacturer. Cheese Cloth can also be used.
Sealing (optional)
Depending on the type of grout used, you may need to apply a grout sealer after the grout has fully cured to protect it from stains and moisture penetration.
Caulk Trim
Caulk to fill any gaps between your trim and the new tile floor. If you have larger gaps, consider installing a ¼ Round trim or Shoe Trim. For more ideas how to make your Tile Floor Project look like it was done by a Pro, read SureReno’s Article: Tile Floor Project – Finishing Touches
Additional Tips
Ventilation
Ensure good ventilation when working with grout, especially in enclosed spaces.
Safety
Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling grout and grout mixtures.
Follow Instructions
Always follow the specific instructions provided by the grout and tile manufacturers for the best results and to ensure longevity of your tile installation.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, you should be well-prepared to tackle your DIY tile installation and grouting project. Happy tiling!
Now that you have a beautiful new Tile Floor, be sure to keep it looking new by reading our article: Tile Floors: Care and Maintenance.
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