Lets Talk About Grout
Introduction
The grout you choose can either complement or ruin your tiled wall or floor and it can determine whether people’s eyes are drawn to the individual tiles or patterns. There is a wide range of colours to choose from and the shade you choose can transform the plainest of ceramics, porcelain, or stone into something more glamorous.
What is Grout?
Well, this is an interesting question as there are lots of quotes from homeowners trying to describe it. Some of our favourites are:
- “The dirty stuff on the shower wall”
- “What we have to scrub all the time”
- “The cement between the tiles”
Essentially grout is a dense fluid that sets, almost like cement with a few modifications, but it does not have to be hard to keep clean. There are several technical descriptions, in layman’s terms grout is a combination of cement, water and a colourant used to fill the gaps in between tiles. The primary purpose of grout in addition to filing the gaps between the tiles is to enhance the aesthetics and compliment the tiles.
What is grout used for?
Common uses for grout in the household include filling in tiles of shower floors and kitchen tiles. It is often colour tinted to keep it visible. Unlike other structural pastes such as plaster, correctly mixed grout forms a water-resistant seal making it perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and wet rooms.
Is grout hard to clean?
There is a stigma around grout and its maintenance, however, grout does not have to be hard to clean and maintain. The grout we use is durable, mould resistant, efflorescence free and water-resistant making it perfect for both bathrooms and wet rooms alike. These properties allow both its colour and durability to last so your bathroom remains looking beautiful for years to come!
With this being said, nothing stays clean forever and maintenance is needed the ensure your space remains fresh. There are a range of cleaning products available to make your life easier when cleaning grout lines. We recommend using PH Neutral cleaners across both tiles and grout as harsh chemicals or acids can affect the surface and reduce durability. The following products are great options:
Mouldex (Grout Cleaner) – Helps the removal of mould stains caused by mould spores, fungus and algae from grouting including the surface of silicone seals and other damp places. £11.81 – contact us for more details.
Grout Stain Remover (Cement, Limescale and Grout Residue Remover) – For glazed and unglazed ceramics, slate, quarry tiles, brick, terracotta, and acid resistant natural stones. £12.13 – contact us for more details.
Alternately, we also offer a cleaning service to local customers in the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire area.
How do I choose grout colour for tiles?
It’s a question we hear all the time. The short answer is there are no hard and fast rules, but there are a few guidelines that will help you make a choice you won’t regret.
We tend to recommend dark grout for the floor to ensure minimal cleaning is needed. However, on the walls this can be different to the floor and can blend with your tiles should you wish to give that seamless and simplistic overall look.
Should I choose a grout colour that matches my tiles?
Although some tiles work well with similar grout colours, it is not a must. You don’t have to pick a grout that matches your tile. In fact, it can be tricky to get an exact match. It all depends on the chosen tile, grout and look you are trying to achieve. The grout colour can add a statement and depending on your tiles can add to the look you are trying to achieve, for example, you can achieve that industrial look with a brick bond and contrasting grout.
Conclusion
The best thing to do is to look at the grout colour next to the tile you have chosen to see how they look side by side before you purchase. To make your life easier We have a selection of tiles & Grout colour samples in our bespoke built showroom based in the town of Newark Upon Trent bordering Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire with expert Designers, Tilers and Plumbers to guide you through tiling your home.
FAQ’S
Are Grout lines necessary?
Grout is an important part of many tile jobs for a number of reasons: It keeps the moisture out, helps keep tile lines straight and prevents the tiles from rubbing against one another and cracking.
Can Grout be replaced?
Yes. Grout can be replaced by our professional installers.
Can Grout be painted?
Yes. The paint used for painting grout between tiles, is a special paint made specifically for grout. This can be used to restore the grout to a fresh, like new state.
For more ideas and inspiration, either visit our showroom which is based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, on the boarder of Lincolnshire, drop us an email or give us a call!
01636 551 555
Which colour would you choose?
