Proper Grout For Porcelain Floor Tiles

Types of grout for ceramic tile.

Proper grout for porcelain floor tiles.

Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time. The grout should completely fill the lines. Use a hard edged rubber grout float and hold it at a 45 degree angle. There are four basic types of grout.

On vertical surfaces apply grout upward. Sanded grout is normally recommended when the grout seams are 1 8 inch wide or more as the sand provides extra bonding power that prevents cracking. This thickness leaves room for the natural variation in size and the perfectly imperfect edges of handmade tile. While grout sealer doesn t prevent moisture from penetrating it does help block.

Testing the grout on sample tile is a good idea. The weak link in a porcelain floor or any tile floor for that matter is the grout between the tiles. This is used for floor tiles where the joints are 1 8 to 3 8 wide. After working in the porcelain tile grout use a clean trowel to do another swipe across the grout area to remove any excess grout from the tiles.

As a general rule floor tiles should have grout lines of 1 8 inch or larger depending on the type and size of tile. Pour a quart to half gallon of grout on the tiles. You should wait another 3 hours before going over the tiles once more. Unsanded fine sanded quarry type and epoxy.

Some care is required if using sanded grouts on highly polished tiles as the sand can actually scratch the surfaces. Then wait 15 30 minutes for the grout to set before wiping off excess grout with water and a grout sponge. To grout a tile floor start in the farthest corner of the room scoop some grout on the floor with a trowel and use a grout float to spread the grout over a small joint. Use this method for both pre mixed and powdered grout.

Demonstration of tile grouting technique using correct technique with tips for best practices. This is used for wall tiles where the grout joint is less than 1 8 wide. Spread the material in sweeping arcs pressing it into the joints to fill them completely. Most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches but larger versions are available.

Working in roughly four square foot sections proceed across the room pressing and wiping the grout down into the lines. Work in a small area at a time roughly a 3 x 3 foot section. Apply the grout diagonally across the tile joints to squish the grout into the joints photo 5. If smaller spacers like 1 8 are used it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile.

Special types such as slate or quarry tiles often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing. We recommend a 3 16 grout size for our ceramic tile line.