How To Grout A Tile: The Easy Way

Grouting tiles is a great way to add an extra touch of style and elegance to your bathroom. However, many people shy away from grouting tiles especially since it is something that you only have one shot at getting right.

Once your tiles are installed in either a perfect grid or chevron pattern, the job of applying grout comes next and there isn’t room for mistakes here as it will end up looking very obvious. Also, preparation is the key to a successful grouting task. Remember that a poorly grouted tile will be less stable making it prone to chipping and repairs.

So, if you’re wondering how to do it correctly, then we’re here to help. We’ll provide you with some tips, tricks, and an easy guide to grouting tiles successfully so that you end up with the perfect look for your bathroom.

Steps to Grout A Tile

1. Select the grout you’ll use

The first thing that you need to do is get the right grout for your tiles. Whether you’ll be installing a kitchen backsplash, a floor tile, or a wall tile on your floors, it’s essential to know that there is a variety you choose to use. There are three main types of tiles which include: 

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A. Cement-Based Grout

This is the most widely used grout and very common material that you’ll find in stores.  Most cement-based grouts are sanded or unsanded which means they come in fine or coarse textures. The choice of texture will depend on personal preference but some people prefer to use unsanded rather than sanded grout as it can be easier to clean.

B. Urethane Grout

This type of grout is ideal for use with ceramic tiles and has higher durability. However, it doesn’t work well with natural stones or porcelain as the material can separate between the joints of your tile surfaces. Also, they are usually more expensive than cement-based grout and harder to clean.

C. Epoxy Grout

Mainly used for commercial projects, these grouts are made of polyester resin that is mixed with a hardener which can be used on both tiles and natural stones. It’s strong, water-resistant, and easy to clean but it also has some disadvantages such as being hard to install, expensive, and have a tendency for cracking if there’s too much moisture or frost in your home.

2. Pick a color to match your style

There are numerous options available when it comes to choosing the right color for your grout. This will depend on what type of tiles you have installed in your bathroom as well as other factors like lighting and how light or dark the room is. However, most people prefer a neutral shade that matches their tile rather than something bright which can look dirty over time.

3. Prepare the tools you’ll need to use

Below are some of the materials and tools you need to use:

• Clean cloths 
• Grout sponge
• Rubber gloves
• Blue painter’s tape
• Tarp or paper to mix grout on
• 3 to 4 buckets
• Margin trowel
• Rubber grout float
• Closed-cell sponges

4. Practice makes perfect

Before starting to grout, it is best to do a practice run on a spare tile or piece of paper to get the hang of how it’s done. It is important that you understand just how much grout you need before using it all up in one go so do some test runs first and only start your actual project when you feel confident doing so.

5. Apply in small sections

If you’re working with big tiles, it is best to apply the grout in small sections and work your way around rather than doing a large section at once. Using a grout float, apply at a 45-degree angle to your tiles and spread the grout from side to side.

If you’re working with smaller tiles, such as those used in a mosaic tiled backsplash, it is best to apply small amounts of grout at one time until all the gaps are filled before going back over it again for smoothing purposes. This will make it easier for you to clean off any excess that squeezes out from between the joints of your tile surface.

6. Start cleaning it

Using a grout sponge,  clean off any excess grout from your tiles. Wipe from side to side in small sections as you go and make sure that it is completely clean before applying any type of sealer or wax for protection purposes.