How to Choose the Right Grout for your Installation

Finding the right kind of grout, the right tint as well as the right width makes a whole world of difference not just from the aesthetic but from utility perspective as well. Gone are the days when We rely solely on cement mix to line the surfaces. Attaining the perfect balance Between the choice of tiles and the grout The key to the perfect installation.

Struggling to grasp the myriad of choices and what's that your needs the best?? Here's a handy dandy guy to help you mitigate this dilemma with certainty and self-assurance. Keep reading!

What are the Different Kinds of Grout That I can Use?

While the internet is riddled with various technical jargon, there are only three main types of grouts prominent in the industry right now. All of them meet the fundamental need to spend and she'll just seems, there are certain fundamental differences in the circumstances under which they are suitable and thereby do a better Job at Retaining the beauty of the installation intact. 

Cementitious Grout:

Cementitious grout is essentially a mix of white cement with exceptional water absorption capabilities. When mixed, the fluid mixture works its way through the cracks and crevices to the tightest of spaces for maximum durability. When making custom arrangements, cementitious grout is often used as a thin bonding material between the tile and the surface.

Available in two different subtypes: sanded and unsanded, sanded grout different grit sizes for thicker grout lines. Different formulae are generally easier to work with under different temperature ranges. Storage of unused grout often becomes a challenge since if they come in contact with water, they become unusable. Cementitious grouts can also be tinted with mineral inks and dyes at the time of preparation. However, thorough mixing post rehydration is recommended to avoid unevenly tinting the grout.

Epoxy Grout: 

Epoxy grout is a mix of resin and a hardener with excellent bonding, moisture repellant and abrasion resistance properties. When the resin and hardener are mixed in the recommended ratio, installation and grouting takes minimal effort. The workaround time differs from product to product but the curing time can range from anywhere between 6-72 hours. However, it is advised that the newly tiled surface is properly cleaned to ensure a dry, debris free surface. Once installed, epoxy forms a thin film to keep oil, moisture, stains, and more at bay. Furthermore, we recommend doing thorough research around the type of formula and performance when dry to ensure that the excess epoxy mix doesn’t create a white cast.

Depending on the location of the installation, the type of the tile as well as the external factors, epoxy grout Can be divided into several grades namely interior grade, exterior grade and industrial grade. While the difference between interior grade and exterior grade is self-explanatory, industrial grade epoxy grout at an ideal choice for commercial establishments that experience heavy traffic and footfall. 

Tints and Colors

Most epoxy and cementitious grouts can be tinted in any shade of your choice. In fact, some proprietors scan the shade of the print to create  custom mixes. Similarly, you can also opt for a variety of metallic shades including gold, silver, and rose gold depending on your taste. From gentle iridescence to a full fledged metallic glow, you can slide the scale in any direction to your heart’s content. 

Most metallic dyes bundled with the epoxy grout are packed with the resin and the hardener. In case of cementitious grout, the dye may be directly to the powder or sold separately in powder form. 

What are the Different Types of Joints and Grout Widths? 

Paper Joint

Paper joints are when tiles sit flush next to each other without any gap. This is perhaps one of the oldest ways of arranging tiles. Paper joints are the ideal choice for both stone finished and interlocking printed designs. From floors to accent walls, paper joints perform particularly well to recreate the look of natural stone flooring. 

Minor dimensional variations might occur if caution is not exercised in choosing the entire lot of tiles or the same designs are ordered from different batches. Aesthetic differences may arise if caution is not exercised. Furthermore, paper joint installations require daily maintenance. 

Spacers Joints

Spacer joints are generally thicker and can be as wide or thin as per your preferences. First spacer joints, a small piece of plastic (in T or X or + shape) is placed between the tiles for an even look and proper grouting.

Popular spacer joint widths are 0.22 mm to 1/16 inches for vitrified tiles and 1/16 inches to 3/16 inches for ceramic tiles. In addition to aesthetic appeal, spacers also ensure that the grout fills in the cracks and bonds properly with the surface. Thicker grout lines also ensure that the repair work, if needed, is seamless. 

Cementitious Grout vs Epoxy Grout: What Works Best? 

Ground and epoxy grout has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Both the type of tile and locations do play a role in what makes the ideal choice for your home. 

Location

For everyday living areas, cement grout works best. Whereas for anti-slip, anti-skid, And abrasion Singh surfaces like bathrooms, showers, powder room laundry areas and kitchens epoxy grout has a definite advantage.

Aesthetics

To make your installations visually enriching, we recommend sands cementitious Grout for brick cladding installations Whereas both ceramic and vitrified tiles look exquisite in either unsanded cement grout or epoxy grout. 

Longevity 

Epoxy grout is extremely resistant to chemicals, heavy loads and other agents. Cementitious grout, on the other hand runs a chance of both physical and mechanical damage. Epoxy grout provides better strength and endurance to your surfaces. 

Maintenance 

Since cementitious grout absorbs water, it is also capable of absorbing oil, staining liquids, and prone to discoloration. On the maintenance front, epoxy grout wins again. 

Pricing 

Epoxy grout is generally more expensive and needs skilled labour for proper installation. If you are looking for an economical option, cement grout works best.

Variety

While cementitious grout and epoxy grout are both tinted, epoxy grouts can be customized and have an exquisite metallic and sparking range. Thereby, epoxy grouts have a greater range and variety to play around and experiment. 

What’s your top pick of grout for your next remodel project? Let us know!