Which Grout Type Should You Use for Tiles?

​To ensure that your tiles stay in place and maintain their aesthetic appeal for a long time, it is essential to select the proper type of grout for your tile project. It might be difficult to choose the best grout for your project because there are so many different varieties on the market. This article will offer a thorough guide to assist you in selecting the appropriate sort of grout for your tile job.

Grout Types

​Cementitious grout, epoxy grout, and furan grout are the three most common varieties of grout on the market. Every form of grout has distinctive qualities, benefits, and drawbacks of its own.

Cementitious Grout

The most typical form of grout used for tiling projects is cementitious grout. Sand, water, and Portland cement are the main ingredients. There are two types of cementitious grout: sanded and unsanded.

For bigger joints, often those wider than 1/8 inch, sanded cementitious grout is employed. Sand is used in grout to assist stop shrinkage and cracking.

Smaller joints, typically less than 1/8 inch wide, are filled with unsanded cementitious grout. It is simpler to deal with and has a smoother texture than sanded grout.
​
Cementitious grout advantages:

• It is simple to use and apply.
• It is inexpensive.
• It comes in many different colours.

Cementitious grout's drawbacks

• It is porous and readily absorbs stains.
• it may crack or shrink with time.
• It is inappropriate for spaces exposed to moisture, like as showers and swimming pools.

Epoxy grout

Epoxy resin and hardener are the two components that make up epoxy grout. It is extremely tough and resistant to chemicals and stains. Commercial kitchens, hospitals, and other high-traffic areas frequently employ epoxy grout.

Epoxy grout advantages:

• It is quite strong and resists stains and chemicals.
• It comes in a variety of colours.
• It is appropriate for usage in damp environments like showers and swimming pools.

Drawbacks of epoxy grout:

• In comparison to cementitious grout, it costs more.
• It can be challenging to deal with, and accurate mixing and application are necessary.
• Only a small number of colours are offered.

Furan Grout

​The two components of furan grout are a resin and a chemical hardener. It is frequently utilised in places that are subject to corrosive chemicals and extreme heat, such commercial kitchens and laboratories.

Benefits of furan grout:

• It has excellent chemical and heat resistance.
• It is ideal for usage in locations where strong chemicals are present.

Drawbacks to furan grout:

• It should not be used in damp environments.
• It is pricey and challenging to deal with. It comes in a few number of hues.

Things to Take Into Account While Selecting Grout

The size and form of the tiles, the size of the grout joints, the location of the project, and the amount of foot traffic the area will see are all things to take into account when selecting grout for your tile project.

Unsanded cementitious grout, for instance, can be the finest choice if you're putting tiny tiles with fine grout lines. Epoxy grout might be a better option, though, if you're placing huge tiles with wide grout lines in a busy location.