Grout....which is best?

Choosing the proper grout can make or break your job. There are a few different types of grout on the market today, here I will show you the basic grout that we use.

SANDED:

Produces hard, dense joints that resist shrinking, cracking and wear. 

Formulated for durability, color consistency and quick curing, 

Polyblend® Sanded Grout accommodates 1/8"-­1/2" (3­13 mm) joints 

for interior or exterior installations, including floors, countertops, walls, 

ceilings, showers, fountains and pools. 

NON SANDED

A polymer-modified grout designed for highly glazed or polished tile, 

marble and natural stone that would be scratched by sanded grouts. 

This durable, non-shrinking grout accommodates joints up to 1/8" (3 mm) 

and can be used for interior or exterior installations, including floors, 

countertops, walls, ceilings, showers, fountains and pools. 

PRISM

A lightweight, polymer-modified, cement-based grout that offers 

consistent color without mottling or shading, regardless of tile type, 

temperature or humidity. With dense joints that provide more stain 

resistance than standard cement grouts, Prism® SureColor® cures 

quickly and develops high early-strength to accommodate grout joints 

from 1/16" (1.6 mm) to 1/2" (13 mm). Prism® may be used for 

interior or exterior installations, including floors, countertops, walls, 

ceilings, showers, fountains and pools. 

Typically, we use prism for most jobs as it can go from a large grout joint to a very small grout joint as well as over glass or a shiny surface. It mixes very well and leaves the joints looking smooth with a small amount of texture. Each type of grout comes in an array of different colors making it easy to match to almost all tile types.

Choosing the right color for your tile can be just as difficult as choosing what type of grout to use. Typically we choose a grout that blends very well with the tile as to cause the illusion of no grout once the tile is installed. In some situations, clients like to match grout to there paint or countertop etc, this works as well. We like to show people the difference, if you use a grout color that is close to the tile color, you will notice your tile before your grout, if you choose a grout contrasting to your tile, you will notice your grout first. I twill "frame" each piece of tile.

The above image shows contrasting grout.

The image below shows grout that has been blended closely to the tile.

Rule of thumb states that if you are going to be using a light colored grout, you should also use a white thinset. If you are using a dark colored grout use a gray thinset. This prevents any color from bleeding through.

 EFFLORESCENCE

Efflorescence on grout is a white powdery feathery deposit, caused by salts dissolving in moisture retained by the grout and finding their way to the surface. The deposit can appear as splotches or a white crust all over the grout surface. Although unsightly, efflorescence can be easily removed by brushing it off with a fairly stiff brush. Seek a professional if you have this problem.

Here is a short video from custom about grouting your tile!

You can find more information on grout here.