Tile Grout Matters

The last time we talked about tile, we touched a little on grout.  Today we are gonna delve deeper into why grout matters. Picking out tile style, and layout is the fun part of designing your tile application, but too often we forget about an equally important design element: grout color.

Grout is as much a part of the overall finished look as the tile itself. Depending on your design preference, you may either want a subtle finish where the grout blends in or a contrasting grout to have the tile stand out.

To show the impact of how important grout color is we have white 3×6 subway and paired it with eight grout colors from mapei to show how dramatically a tile can change depending on the grout selection.

AVALANCHE – this is mapei’s whitest grout

FROST – a tad grey

TIMBERWOLF – medium grey

BISCUIT – creamy neutral

BAMBOO – medium earthy brown

CARAMEL – deep caramel

CHARCOAL – a deep, dark grey

BLACK

Grout Color FAQs

Choosing the right grout color is essential to a successful tile design. Grout color can emphasize certain elements of your tile, fade into the background, or completely steal the show. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you find the perfect grout color.

Should my grout be lighter or darker than my tile?

Your grout can be either lighter or darker than your tile, or the same color. It depends on your preference. When deciding on your grout color, consider the tile color, shape and layout and how your grout color will emphasize or detract from these elements.

Should my grout color match my tile color?

If you do want to match your grout and tile colors, it’s best to look at actual grout samples with your tiles. If you have a designer and/or installer they can show you what that would actually look like.

How do I clean my grout?

Whatever color grout you choose, you will want to clean it regularly — with water alone for general cleaning, and with a grout brush and a neutral pH or slightly alkaline cleaner made specifically for tile and grout for deep cleaning.  But if you’re like me and don’t like to use chemicals, Bissell steam shot hard surface cleaner works great.

Pro tip: Dark grout can be something to consider in a heavy traffic area as it’s great for hiding dirt better than lighter-toned grout in between cleanings.

Should I seal my grout?

Yes, use a self-sealing grout or make sure your grout is sealed after installation to protect your grout. Sealing your grout has many benefits, including maintaining the grouts color and preventing stains, in addition to providing a barrier for mold and mildew.