Now that project you have put off so many months has finally come to the point where the end is just about in sight. The new tiles will go down soon and then the new kitchen will be fitted. You cannot wait – You imagine yourself cooking away in your new kitchen, enjoying every minute of it… Enough day dreaming – Back to reality.Your task today is to go get the glue and grout for the tiled floor. When in the tile shop you get confronted with rows and rows of different tile adhesives and grout – What do you choose?
Sanded – Non Sanded – Flexible - Non Fixable – Epoxy ?
Here are some pointers to set you on the right road: My advice comes as a tile floor cleaner and there might be people that feel different about this. My advice is aimed at helping you get the most from your investment.
Sanded Grout
Pro’s
Sanded grout contains – Like the name say – Sand. It is mostly advised for wider grout joints as it do not shrink as much and is claimed to be stronger.
Con’s
Sanded grout can scratch tiles (especially polished stone tiles) when the tiled floor gets grouted – Be careful. Sandy grout can be a sponge for dirt – If you want your tiled floor to look and stay clean – lay your tiles closer together (to prevent shrinkage of the groutline) and use non sanded grout
Non Sanded Grout
Pro’s
Smooth surface once installed – stay cleaner and if it gets dirty it cleans real well. Do not scratch tiles hen applied
Con’s
Shrink when applied to wise grout joints.
Epoxy Grout
Pro’s
Very resistant and hard wearing grout. In my opinion the best option for most floors. Mostly a smooth paste that will not scratch tiles when applied
Con’s
2 part product that do not use water. Goes off fast so plan your job v=carefully otherwise it will be hard before you are finished. In some cases might not be as environmentally friendly (Chemical)
Flexible Grout
Pro’s
Great in preventing cracked joints (if severe movement in tiles the grout can still crack) As it contains latex and other plastic it can be greatly dirt resistant so stays cleaner and cleans up well.
Con’s
Careful with this grout – if not cleaned off well from the tiles it can be really hard to remove the grout haze once dry.
Non Flexible Grout
Pro’s
Strong and hard – Good for solid floors that do not allow any movement
Con’s
Is not good on ply floors (wood floors) or any unstable wall or floor – Can crack easily.
My last piece of advice when learning “how to grout a tiled floor” is:
Always use the right tile adhesive – Lighter tiles – lighter Tile adhesive – Darker tiles – Darker Tile adhesive.
