Choosing grout may not seem very exciting, but grout plays a vital role! It secures your tiles to the wall or floor and fills the gaps between the tiles. Grout also acts as a sealant, helping prevent water from getting in behind the tiles.
As well as the technical considerations, the colour of the grout you choose can also make a significant impact on the final look. So, it’s important to spend time selecting your tile grout and not just grabbing the first one that comes to hand.
Choosing the right type of tile grout
There are broadly three kinds of grout to choose from. Your choice of grout will depend on your tile installation:
1. Sanded Grout
Sanded grout contains fine sand. It’s the standard form of grout for most tiling projects and is often the cheapest. Sanded grout requires sealing after installation.
2. Unsanded Grout
Unsanded grout doesn’t contain sand and is best for thin grout joints (under one-eighth of an inch). It’s wise to use unsanded grout for glass, polished marble or metal tiles to avoid scratching the tile.
3. Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout is made of epoxy resins combined with a filler powder, which makes it waterproof. This type of grout is good for showers, splashbacks, floors and high-traffic areas. It’s highly stain resistant and durable but can be harder to apply than traditional grout.
Selecting the grout colour
When you’ve decided on your type of tile grout, the next consideration is the colour. You’ve got two style options:
1.Complementing
A complementary grout colour either matches the colour of your tiles or blends in. If you’re using a multi-coloured patterned tile, you’ll need to choose a grout colour that complements the palette.
2. Contrasting
If you want to make a statement, select a grout colour that contrasts with the colour of your tile. For example, black grout contrasts deeply and looks fantastic with a white tile. If you want to highlight the pattern your tile creates, a contrasting colour is best.
If you’re unsure which grout is best, ask your tile retailer for guidance.
We stock a variety of grouts, including the 50-colour palette Fugabella® Color range. Fugabella is a bio-friendly coloured grout made from resin cement for grouting of ceramic and porcelain tiles, mosaic and natural stone. With 50 colours to choose from (alongside a complementary collection of silicone), you can’t fail to find your perfect grout colour.
