Tile Grouts - Varieties and Differences

Types Of Grout To Use For Tiles

There are many types of grouts available, and Each has its benefits & drawbacks. Read about them here! Choosing the suitable grout for your project is essential.

What Is Tile Grout?

Tile grout is an adhesive that fills in spaces between tiles. It helps smooth the tile surface and prevents liquids from seeping through cracks. Most tile grouts installed today are generally cement-based. Its typically sold as a powder that turns into a paste when mixed with water or additives. Depending on the variety, they can take up to 24 to 72 hours to cure and dry, ready for use.

Tile grouting is one of the last and most important steps in finishing any tiling project. From flooring to bathroom and kitchen tiling, you'll need to grout correctly to protect your tiles from dirt, moisture, and other wear and tear. Grouting is relatively simple, much more straightforward than installing the tiles in the first place. However, as it is one of the final steps in the tiling process, it is often overlooked and, when rushed, can result in an inferior finish.

The History Of Grouting

Tile grouts were first used in Roman times as a means of waterproofing buildings. In modern times, grouts are made with cement, sand, water, and other materials. There are two main types of fillers: latex and acrylic. Latex grouts are more durable than acrylic but tend to crack when heat exposes them. Acrylic fillers are easier to apply and maintain but are not as durable as latex fillers.

What Is Tile Grout Used For?

Tile grout is commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where wall or floor tiles have been installed. It's also used as a sealant in many wet areas.

Why Should You Care About Tile Grout?

Tile grout is essential to any bathroom or kitchen renovation project because it helps keep liquids out of cracks and crevices. If you're renovating a bathroom or kitchen, you should consider using tile grout instead of caulking. Caulking is messy and difficult to apply, while tile grout is easy to use and lasts longer than caulk.

How Do I Know When My Grout Needs Replacing?

You can tell when your tile grout needs replacing by looking at the colour of the grout. It should be a uniform colour with no streaks, spots or cracks; if there are any signs of discolouration, such as yellowing or browning, then it's time to clean or even replace the grout.

How Can I Replace My Grout?

There are several ways to replace your grout. One option is to use a grout replacement kit. These kits contain everything you need to complete the job, including filler, tools, and instructions. Another option is to hire a professional to do the work. This will cost more money, but it's also much faster and recommended than doing it yourself.

How Much Does Tile Grouting Cost?

If you decide to go DIY, you should expect to pay anywhere from $20-$50 per square meter. Professional tile installation costs an average of $100-$200 per square meter.

Is grout waterproof?

Despite what many believe, The answer to this question is, no, it's not. Tiles and the grout are not entirely waterproof, nor are the substrates behind the tile, for the exemption of protective membranes and sealants, which had been installed before the new tiles were laid. Cement renders and adhesives do absorb water but do not block water penetration. Applying a waterproofing sealant or membrane before tiling is the best way to prevent dampness problems in your wet areas.

Types of grout

Now it's time to learn about the varieties of grouts available from your local tile contractors, bunnings store or tile supplier. Tile installation requires a lot of preparation before you start laying down the tiles. First, you must determine which type of Grout best suits your needs. This article explains the different types of grout available for tile installation.

What are the different kinds of grout?

Below are some of the different types of filler found in today's market.

Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grout is popular in commercial tiling projects as it has many good qualities by providing good adhesion between the tiles. It also has excellent resistance to staining and scratches. Epoxy grout offers protection against moisture. It also won't crack, shrink, or discolour, making it ideal for applying in wet areas. It is also a perfect choice for swimming pools and commercial kitchens.

Here Are Some Reasons Why You Should Choose Epoxy Grout

Epoxy Grout is one of the best grouts available for high-traffic areas, including any indoor or exterior tiling applications, including shopping centres, restaurants, and hospitals. This type of material works best in any commercial project where demand for low maintenance is a must.

1- IT'S NON-POROUS

This is one of its best features, that's, it's non-porous.

Non-porous materials have a much tighter cell configuration preventing ease of flow. Metal, glass, plastic, and gloss wood are examples of non-porous materials. which make this grout stain-resistant. Non-porous materials are much easier to clean, whereas porous surfaces can easily stain. So by choosing this resin, your tile joint will be much easier to clean.

2- IT DOESN'T NEED A SEALER 

Because Epoxy grout is made from two-part epoxy resins mixed with coloured powder, the material hardens and has high strength compared to cement grout, making it stain-resistant, so no sealer is needed.

3- DOESN'T DISCOLOR

This means the grout lines will not discolour if exposed to any staining materials and, once clean, will look as new as the day it was installed for many years to come.

4- COLOR SELECTIONS

There is a variety of shades in Epoxy Grout, You can imagine how different grout colours can change the appearance of your tiles. The right colour grout colour can help transform the look of your tile. Just ask your local tiler, bunnings or tile supplier for more information.

TYPES OF EPOXY GROUT

Here are some of the best types of epoxy grout :

Tile Epoxy Grout Review: What Is It? How Does it Work?

Tile epoxy grouts are a great way to add colour and texture to your flooring. Discover why they're so popular!

Tile epoxy fillers are an easy way to add colour and pattern to your floors. They come in many different colours and can be used on many types of tiles.

What Are Epoxy Grouts?

Epoxy grout is a mixture of resin and hardeners applied to the joints of the tiles. Once cured, it creates a durable seal between the tiles and the subfloor.

Why Should You Use Them?

Tile epoxy grouting is a great way to add visual appeal to your floors, as the grout joints will stay much cleaner and more substantial than ordinary grout. They come in various colours, making them perfect for any type of home or office decor.

How Do They Work?

Tile epoxy grout is an adhesive product that's applied directly to your tile joints. Once it dries, it becomes part of the tile itself. This means that when you clean up spills or water spots, the grout will stay with the tile rather than being removed by cleaning products.

How To Apply Tile Epoxy Grout

Using only a professional tiler when applying epoxy grout is always recommended, as it can take years of experience to master so that you can achieve the perfect finish. This filler must be applied using a grouting trowel available at local hardware or tile suppliers. Start at one end of the room and work towards the other. Make sure to use enough grout to cover the entire area or section. If you run out of grout, simply mix more into the container until you've used it all.

Epoxy resin is much more challenging to apply than standard grout. It takes longer to use and sets very quickly, so it must be applied in phases. The tiles must be cleaned entirely before applying the epoxy resin. Epoxy can cause discolour on porous surfaces, such as raw stone, so sealing these surfaces is highly recommended before using the resin.

How Long Will It Last?

Tile epoxy grout will last anywhere from five years to twenty years. This depends on how often you clean your floors. Cleaning with soap and water should keep them looking new for up to three months. However, if you use an abrasive cleaner, you might need to do it every two weeks.

Polymerized Grout

Polymerized Grout is an alternative to epoxy grout. It is made by mixing acrylic resin with polymerisation initiators. This type of grout is more flexible than epoxy grout. As a result, it is easier to cut and install. It also dries faster.

The Ultimate Guide To Polymer Tile Grout

Polymer tile grouts are an ideal choice for both residential and commercial projects. They provide superior performance and durability.

Polymer tile grouts are made from polymers that are derived from petrochemicals. These materials are uncomplicated to clean and resistant to most staining.

Why Choose Polymer Tile Grout?

Polymer tile grouting provides excellent resistance to stains and spills. It also has a high level of flexibility and resilience. This makes it suitable for use with any type of floor surface.

Types of Polymer Tile Grout Available

There are two main types of polymer tile grouts available today. One is a water-based polyurethane grout, while the other is a solvent-based polyester grout. Both types offer similar benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages of Using Polymer Tile Grout Over Conventional Grouts

Polymer tile grout provides several advantages over conventional grouts. It's more durable than traditional grouts. It also has better resistance to staining and cracking. In addition, polymer tile grouts are easier to clean. 

Cement Based Grout

Cementitious grout is a popular choice because it has good adhesion and durability. Cement-based grout can be found in sanded and non-sanded varieties. However, In addition, it takes longer to dry than other types of grout.

Which type of grout is better to use? Sanded or Unsanded

Sanded Grout is popular among homeowners because it's easy to apply and looks great. However, unsanded grout has its advantages as well. Read on to learn more about these two types of grouts.

Coarse grout is a type of grouting that uses sand to create a smooth finish. It's often used for kitchen and exterior floors. Unsanded grout is a different kind that doesn't use sand at all. Instead, it relies on cement to create a hard surface. This type of grout is typically used for walls, bathrooms and other large surfaces.

Sanded Grout vs. Unsanded Grout

There are pros and cons to both types of grout. Sanded Grout is easier to install than unsanded grout. However, it requires frequent maintenance to keep it looking good. On the other hand, unsanded grout is harder to maintain. It also tends to crack and may peel after a while if not installed correctly.

Pros & Cons of Each Type of Grout

If you're considering using either type of grout, assess what kind of tiles you plan to use. If you're installing regular floor tiles with larger joints, sanded grout will work better. Unsanded grout works better with smaller-sized joints.

When Should You Choose One Over The Other?

Both types of grout are suitable for any kind of flooring. In fact, both types of grout are often used together. This means you can choose one type of grout for your floor tiles and another for your wall tiles.

Sanded Grout vs Unsanded Grout

Sanded Grout comes in several different colours.

Unfortunately, sanded grout draws dirt and is very porous. For this reason, it's best to seal the grout directly after application.

You can use sanded grout to cover large areas or small ones. It's ideal for floors with high traffic, such as kitchens and outdoor spaces.

Unsanded grout is similar to sanded grout, except it is manufactured smoother. This makes it easier to work with than sanded grout. Because unsanded grout is smoother, it's perfect for smaller joints, such as rectified and polished porcelain tiles, but Its lack of sand particles makes it a lot weaker. It tends to shrink when applied to larger joints making it vulnerable to cracking.

Furan grout

Furan grout contains alcohol polymers making it very resistant to chemicals, and it's very similar to epoxy, with no water being used in this type of grout. This material is also thermal resistant and is commonly used in industrial applications such as commercial kitchens, factories, laboratories and fireplaces.

Furan resins take more time to install and are more expensive than other kinds of fillers. It is best left to professionals when installing Furan resins.

Quarry Tile Grouts 

Quarry tile grouting is a type of filler used in tiling.

It's an excellent choice for natural stone and quarry tiles, either on walls or any flooring area with ample-sized joints. It is easy to apply, durable, and long-lasting, but always remember it's best to seal this grout.

What Is Quarry Grout

Quarry tile grouts are made with cement and sand. They come in limited colours. And are a heavily sanded, cement-based material. They are ideal for joint tile widths of 5mm to 50mm.

5 Tips for Grouting In Tiles

Tile grout is an essential step in making sure your tiles look great. It also helps prevent water damage and mould growth.

Tile grout is a vital component of any tile installation project. It's used to fill spaces between individual tiles and provide a smooth surface for easy cleaning. Grout should be applied after installing the tiles and has enough time to dry and harden appropriately before heavy traffic.

Here are five tips for tile grouting.

1) Make sure the grout is clean. Dirt and debris can cause discolouration and make the grout appear cloudy. 

2) Apply grout with the correct trowel. 

3) Mix grout thoroughly. 

4) Let the Grout set for at least 24 hours. 

5) Clean up excess grout with a damp sponge.

Clean the Tile Joints Before You Start.

It's always best to clean the grout joints before applying any grout. This will help keep dirt out and reduce the chance of staining.

Mix the Grout with Water.

To mix the grout, add enough water to make a thick paste. You can do this by hand or using a mixer. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture.

Spread it Out.

Once you have mixed the grout, spread it out evenly across the tile with a rubber squeegee. 

Let It Dry.

After spreading the grout, let it dry, not harden, and then wipe up with a clean sponge and water.

Grout Color Selections

Grout colours are not always easy to choose. There are a lot of choices that can alter the structure and aesthetics of the project. Certain grouts are easier to work with than others.

When it comes to the grout colour selections, here are three main choices:

Tile Joint Size for Grout?

Tile joints come in many different sizes, each with its own purpose. 

The most common tile joint sizes are 1-5mm.

The size of tile joints depends on the type of tiles used. 

when choosing grout, you need to select the correct product for your tile joints

the main recommendations are 

Installation Tips For Grout Sealing

Once the grout has been installed, there are some things you should keep in mind:

1. Make sure you use a grout sealer after installation. This will help prevent staining and discolouration.
2. When using a grout sealer, apply it generously. You don't want any gaps between the tiles and the grout.
3. Clean up spills immediately.
4. Allow the grout to dry completely before sealing.
5. Don't mix different types of fillers together. Doing so can lead to uneven colouring and discolouration.
6. Call a professional for help if you notice any cracks or chips in the filler.

Grout Maintenance Tips

Tile grouting is relatively easy to maintain. However, you need to follow specific steps to ensure proper care:

1. Check the grout regularly. Make sure it's not stained or cracked.
2. Wipe down the grout with a damp cloth.
3. Let it dry thoroughly.
4. Apply a grout sealant every six to twelve months.

Many types of grout are available on the market today, and each has its own benefits. Here are four things to consider when selecting grout for your next tile project. 

1. A factor to consider is whether the grout will expand and contract with temperature changes. This is especially true for ceramic tile.

2. The second consideration is the colour of the grout. Some people prefer darker colours while others prefer lighter ones. 

3. The third factor to consider is the texture of the filler. Smooth fillers tend to be easier to clean, but rough textures can scratch surfaces. 

4. Finally, consider the price. While cheaper options might seem appealing, they may often last less time than a quality product.

Need Help With Your Next Tiling Project In Perth, Western Australia?

It's worth spending money on a professional tile installer. 

Here's why you should hire one!

But before you start installing tiles, ensure you know how to choose the suitable grout for the job. A professional tile installer will help you select the best suitable filler for any tile project. If you plan to use a sealer, do so after the tiles are installed. It helps protect the surface against stains and scratches.

Tiler Tiling Perth offers free quotes if you are in Perth, Western Australia If you need a price for any tiling products or services. You can request a free quotation by filling out our simple form below.

Do you need help with your next tiling project, if so just give your local tilers - Tiler Tiling Perth a message or call and we can provide you with a free no-obligation quote.

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