Proper Grout For Porcelain Floor Tiles

Use this method for both pre mixed and powdered grout.

Proper grout for porcelain floor tiles.

There are four basic types of grout. Use whichever side or corner of the float is necessary to fully compress grout into the entire joint. The weak link in a porcelain floor or any tile floor for that matter is the grout between the tiles. Most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches but larger versions are available.

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. Spread the material in sweeping arcs pressing it into the joints to fill them completely. Apply the grout diagonally across the tile joints to squish the grout into the joints photo 5. We recommend a 3 16 grout size for our ceramic tile line.

Special types such as slate or quarry tiles often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing. Unsanded fine sanded quarry type and epoxy. The grout should completely fill the lines. Use a hard edged rubber grout float and hold it at a 45 degree angle.

On vertical surfaces apply grout upward. Testing the grout on sample tile is a good idea. This is used for wall tiles where the grout joint is less than 1 8 wide. 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.

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. Then wait 15 30 minutes for the grout to set before wiping off excess grout with water and a grout sponge. Working in roughly four square foot sections proceed across the room pressing and wiping the grout down into the lines. As a general rule floor tiles should have grout lines of 1 8 inch or larger depending on the type and size of tile.

If smaller spacers like 1 8 are used it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile. Demonstration of tile grouting technique using correct technique with tips for best practices. This is used for floor tiles where the joints are 1 8 to 3 8 wide. Some care is required if using sanded grouts on highly polished tiles as the sand can actually scratch the surfaces.

Types of grout for ceramic tile. Finished grout lines will vary from 1 16 to 3 16. Grouting may seem scary but it doesn t need to be. Pour a quart to half gallon of grout on the tiles.

Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time. You should wait another 3 hours before going over the tiles once more.