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How do I Choose the Best Bathroom Tile Grout?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

To choose the best bathroom tile grout you should keep a few simple tips in mind to ensure your grout will work well for you. The color of the grout you choose is important, both with respect to your tile colors and patterns and for cleaning of the grout in the future. You will also need to decide on whether you want to use sanded or unsanded grout, and there are a number of different factors that can affect your decision. The type of bathroom tile grout you choose can also depend on what sort of chemicals may be used in your bathroom, though cement grout is typically sufficient.

Bathroom tile grout is a compound that is spread over and between tiles to ensure a tiled area is firmly set in place and will remain in place over time. It is usually applied over the tiles after they are set in place, and excess grout is then cleaned off afterward. When you are choosing the best bathroom tile grout for your needs, you should consider your options and how the grout will appear in your bathroom.

Light grouts are easy to clean, but can stain if not sealed often.
Light grouts are easy to clean, but can stain if not sealed often.

The color of the bathroom tile grout you choose is one of the primary decisions you will have to make. You should know that lighter colored grouts are typically easier to clean, but white grout will often yellow over time and should be avoided. A light gray or tan grout is often best for high traffic areas in a bathroom since it will be easy to clean and can showcase the colors of the tiles you have chosen. You can also choose a darker bathroom tile grout to show off the pattern of your tiles, which can be advantageous if you have laid them in a unique pattern, though this can highlight any mistakes made in spacing your tiles.

Often times it's recommended to match grout color with tile color, such as white on white.
Often times it's recommended to match grout color with tile color, such as white on white.

Choosing between sanded and unsanded bathroom tile grout typically depends on the tiles you are using and your spacing. If you have less than 1/8 of an inch (3.175 mm) between each tile, then you should use unsanded grout, otherwise you can use sanded grout. Sanded grout should also be avoided if you are using glass or marble tiles, as the sand can scratch the tiles as the grout is applied.

Grout needs to fully seal in bathroom areas to prevent leaks.
Grout needs to fully seal in bathroom areas to prevent leaks.

Standard cement grout is typically sufficient for most bathrooms, though if powerful commercial cleaners will be used then epoxy or furan grout may be preferable. You should also consider a bathroom tile grout with latex in it, as this will make the grout more water resistant. If you cannot find a grout you like with latex in it, you can use a latex additive to make your grout more resistant to water.

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    • Light grouts are easy to clean, but can stain if not sealed often.
      By: contrastwerkstatt
      Light grouts are easy to clean, but can stain if not sealed often.
    • Often times it's recommended to match grout color with tile color, such as white on white.
      By: forestpath
      Often times it's recommended to match grout color with tile color, such as white on white.
    • Grout needs to fully seal in bathroom areas to prevent leaks.
      By: zhu difeng
      Grout needs to fully seal in bathroom areas to prevent leaks.
    • Some people prefer the look of contrasting grout.
      By: Barabas Attila
      Some people prefer the look of contrasting grout.