Proper Grout For Porcelain Floor Tiles

Finished grout lines will vary from 1 16 to 3 16.

Proper grout for porcelain floor tiles.

The weak link in a porcelain floor or any tile floor for that matter is the grout between the tiles. Testing the grout on sample tile is a good idea. Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time. Work in a small area at a time roughly a 3 x 3 foot section.

Special types such as slate or quarry tiles often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing. The grout should completely fill the lines. Use a hard edged rubber grout float and hold it at a 45 degree angle. We recommend a 3 16 grout size for our ceramic tile line.

There are four basic types of grout. This thickness leaves room for the natural variation in size and the perfectly imperfect edges of handmade tile. This is used for wall tiles where the grout joint is less than 1 8 wide. As a general rule floor tiles should have grout lines of 1 8 inch or larger depending on the type and size of tile.

While grout sealer doesn t prevent moisture from penetrating it does help block. Apply the grout diagonally across the tile joints to squish the grout into the joints photo 5. Use whichever side or corner of the float is necessary to fully compress grout into the entire joint. This is used for floor tiles where the joints are 1 8 to 3 8 wide.

You should wait another 3 hours before going over the tiles once more. Some care is required if using sanded grouts on highly polished tiles as the sand can actually scratch the surfaces. After working in the porcelain tile grout use a clean trowel to do another swipe across the grout area to remove any excess grout from the tiles. Then wait 15 30 minutes for the grout to set before wiping off excess grout with water and a grout sponge.

Use this method for both pre mixed and powdered grout. Most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches but larger versions are available. Pour a quart to half gallon of grout on the tiles. Sanded grout is normally recommended when the grout seams are 1 8 inch wide or more as the sand provides extra bonding power that prevents cracking.

Unsanded fine sanded quarry type and epoxy. Working in roughly four square foot sections proceed across the room pressing and wiping the grout down into the lines. To grout a tile floor start in the farthest corner of the room scoop some grout on the floor with a trowel and use a grout float to spread the grout over a small joint. On vertical surfaces apply grout upward.

Demonstration of tile grouting technique using correct technique with tips for best practices. Grouting may seem scary but it doesn t need to be.