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!