All About Grout!

When the showroom consultants meet about blog topics we like to think about things that can educate our clients! One huge thing that has changed in the tile industry is Grout! Yes that dreaded thing that you sometimes have to scrub with a toothbrush or that you can never get clean! They make grout that helps prevent all that! In this post we are going to discuss the differences in grout, their applications and why it is important to choose the right grout for your project! Here we go!

First lets address what grout is suppose to do!

Grout is used to lock tiles tight, keeping out water and giving floor and walls and finished look. Nobody really pays much attention to the grout but with today's trends it is becoming a part of the overall design. People usually take notice when it starts to crack, become stained, or fall out altogether. These are the things that drive most people crazy!!!

Cement based grout has been used for years in the tile and stone industry. This is basically your basic grade grout that comes sanded and un-sanded and can be used for many applications. This is the grout that you see cracking, staining, and chipping. Even with improvements in the additives, the grout overtime will break down and need to be updated. That's where the new types of grout come in!

Epoxy grout is made up of two parts, resin and hardener, it comes in both sanded and un-sanded varieties and is impervious to most chemicals and stains. Most epoxy grouts have a two part system and need to be mixed together before use. We recommend this grout for most kitchen counters, backsplashes, high traffic areas, and floors for both residential and commercial applications. The stain resistance, hardness and durability make epoxy grout a strong contender for any project.

Urethane grout is another form that is water-based and is typically pre-mixed. This basically means that the grout is in a pail and ready to use. Urethane grout offers color accuracy, stain protection and crack resistance for both residential and commercial tile installations, making installation up to 50% faster. This grout never needs to be sealed and if flexible enough to resist cracking.

Both urethane and epoxy grout are great choices for your project, they are easy to use and have great anti-microbial properties that resist mold and mildew. Yup, finally a product that helps with cleaning! Weather you are a DIY customer or a contractor all of these products are easy to use and our installation specialist can assist you with any questions at all four of our locations!

New Year, New Designs, New Projects! Tips to make the remodeling process easier!

Looking to remodel in the new year? Well we want to make that process a little easier! In this blog we will address the key things that you need to think about when you are starting the remodeling process. Here we go!

1. What inspires you!?
It is always good to do a little research! This can include going to design websites or other places to get pictures of designs or styles that you like! Look for the way that the tile is laid, the grout color and even the overall aesthetic that the room gives. Its easy, just look for things that you like! For example, colors, textures, tile design, or even your favorite era. These small things can help our showroom consultants better understand your personality and style. 

3. Think about price!
How much are you willing to put into the renovation?! This aspect will determine the type of tile that we help you select. Having a budget will give us the ability to keep the selections within that budget but also keeping to the style that you like.

4. Pick your counter tops first!
This is something that really dictates the tile in  your space. The counter top is the hardest thing to find. If you come and pick your tile first, it is going to be harder to get that perfect counter top to match the tile! If you are going with a solid color counter-top then we can work with that element to get the design that you want!

5. Think about materials!
One thing that needs to be considered is if you are going to use a porcelain or natural stone for your design. This is something that a lot of people overlook. The trends in tile are going more toward the porcelain tiles but mixing them with natural stones to create a transitional look! Check out our blog on different types of tile to learn more!

6. Contractors!
One thing that needs to be addressed in the beginning stages of planning is what contractor will be doing the work. It will make your life so much easier if you can get some quotes on what it will cost to complete your project. Our locations work closely with some of the best contractors in the Upstate and are happy to recommend them based on the scope of your project.

With all of these things to consider it can be a little overwhelming to even being the process on remodeling your space, but these tips should help organize your thoughts and put the project into perspective!