When you decide to install new floor tiles in your home, you will probably spend a lot of time searching for tiles that you love. The tiles are going to be a part of your home for a long time, so you need to make sure you pick out the ones that will work best for you. Unfortunately, you probably won’t spend as much time considering the type of grout that will be used in between your tiles. You should take the time to think about it, though, because it can cut down on how much tile grout cleaning you need to do later. Here are several types of grout.
Unsanded Grout
If you are installing floor tiles in your home, you should steer clear of unsanded grout. Unsanded grout is typically only used for wall tiles and is specifically for grout joints that are smaller than one-eighth of an inch. Unsanded grout can shrink over time, so you will likely face problems if you use it to install floor tiles. If you do use it, you should seal it once you’re done to reduce the amount of water that it absorbs.
Sanded Grout
Sanded grout is very popular because it gets as hard as cement once it has dried. You should use it for tiles that have a grout joint larger than one-eighth of an inch. You should also consider sealing it once it has dried because sanded grout can absorb water and become stained and discolored over time if you are not diligent about cleaning it. By applying a grout sealant, you can keep your sanded grout looking as clean as it can be.
Epoxy Grout
Unlike sanded grout, you will not need to seal epoxy grout. It doesn’t absorb water as much as cement-based grouts do and it is both stain and mildew resistant. It’s the perfect grout to use in a bathroom or another area that gets wet often. However, it can be difficult to apply epoxy grout, so you should have a professional handle the job if you plan to use it.
Whatever type of grout you decide on, be sure to keep it looking new with tile and grout sealing.
