The Importance of Grout
Every Batman needs his Robin. In the world of home projects, if tiles are Batman, then grout is Robin… It is the wind beneath tile’s wings. Although it may not be the headlining star, it plays an extremely important supporting role. The type of grout you use can make or break your tile. Its importance should not be ignored.
The first step in choosing the right grout is becoming familiar with the different available options. In this blog, we will go over each kind and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Epoxy
- What is it? It is a tile adhesive that is created by using resin and a filler.
- Pros:
- Extremely Durable even in harsh and/or moist conditions
- Can take just about any type of cleaner
- Practically stain proof
- No sealers needed
- Cons:
- Expensive
- Sets very quickly
Sanded
- What is it? Sanded grout is created by mixing sand into concrete. Sand and concrete form a strong bond.
- Pros:
- Shrink-resistant
- Does not easily crack
- Great for wet and wide grout areas because it is not slippery
- Relatively easy to apply
- Cons:
- Rough texture
- Difficult to polish
- Unpredictable drying colors
Non-Sanded/Unsanded
- What is it? As the name suggests, it is cement without sand and is typically used for grouting joints that are between 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch.
- Pros:
- Smooth texture
- Sticky consistency makes it easier for vertical tiling
- Does not scratch tile
- The easiest option to re-grout and re-polish
- Cons:
- Cracks more easily
- Can become dingy
Solid State Tile
At Solid State Tile, we typically use Tec Power because it “provides excellent performance in virtually any environment, including high traffic and wet conditions, and in residential and commercial applications.”However, we understand that every project is different and our helpful staff will assist you in choosing the option best-suited for your needs.
