Proper Grout For Porcelain Floor Tiles

Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time.

Proper grout for porcelain floor tiles.

Special types such as slate or quarry tiles often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing. There are four basic types of grout. Work in a small area at a time roughly a 3 x 3 foot section. Pour a quart to half gallon of grout on the tiles.

This is used for floor tiles where the joints are 1 8 to 3 8 wide. Testing the grout on sample tile is a good idea. Use a hard edged rubber grout float and hold it at a 45 degree angle. Spread the material in sweeping arcs pressing it into the joints to fill them completely.

Use whichever side or corner of the float is necessary to fully compress grout into the entire joint. Most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches but larger versions are available. The weak link in a porcelain floor or any tile floor for that matter is the grout between the tiles. If smaller spacers like 1 8 are used it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile.

You should wait another 3 hours before going over the tiles once more. Demonstration of tile grouting technique using correct technique with tips for best practices. While grout sealer doesn t prevent moisture from penetrating it does help block. Use this method for both pre mixed and powdered grout.

Types of grout for ceramic tile. As a general rule floor tiles should have grout lines of 1 8 inch or larger depending on the type and size of tile. This is used for wall tiles where the grout joint is less than 1 8 wide. Then wait 15 30 minutes for the grout to set before wiping off excess grout with water and a grout sponge.

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. This thickness leaves room for the natural variation in size and the perfectly imperfect edges of handmade tile. Some care is required if using sanded grouts on highly polished tiles as the sand can actually scratch the surfaces. Unsanded fine sanded quarry type and epoxy.

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. Working in roughly four square foot sections proceed across the room pressing and wiping the grout down into the lines. Finished grout lines will vary from 1 16 to 3 16.

Grouting may seem scary but it doesn t need to be. 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.