How to Grout Tile

With the numerous types of Do It Yourself projects that are possible in a contemporary home today, there are many that are exceedingly difficult, and many others that are fairly simple. When it comes to tile work, many Do It Yourselfers blanch at the prospects, because it can be a difficult, overwhelming project, especially if you do not take the time to plan it out ahead of time. Luckily, though, if you follow the easy Three P’s – preparation, patience and persistence – you will be able to easily tackle any tile work that you want or need to accomplish.

And, whether it is laying down a new floor in your kitchen or bathroom, or if you installed new tile work in a back splash area, or throughout a shower stall, there are a number of things that you need to do that are universal to all tile installing projects. Most notably, you will have to install grout around and between all of your tiles to make sure that they properly seal, and that the adhesive underneath is protected from moisture and debris over the course of time.

So, if you have taken the time to measure the space, cut all of the tile, lay it out, do a dry run, adhere everything, trim up everything, space everything out, cut out end tiles for borders and edges and set everything else up, congratulations. You are now done with all of the difficult aspects of laying out floor tile, counter top tile, or back splash tile. The remaining tasks, grouting and finishing off, are the easiest parts of the process.

Tools You Will Need

Grout

Water And Latex

Rubber Float

Grout Tool

Grout Sponge

Bucket

How to Mix Grout

The first thing that you need to be aware of is that you will need to properly mix the grout with either the latex or water, depending upon the type of grout and the nature of the application. Mixing your grout with latex will enable the grout to last longer, and hold up better to the ravages of time and use. Water, on the other hand, is free. The choice is up to you. Since every type of grout will require a different mixture amount, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the grout, and mix until the grout has a creamy, fluid texture.

How to Apply the Grout to the Tiles

What you want to do here is start at one corner of the tile area. If it is a floor, start at one corner of the room. If it is a back splash or a counter top, start at one corner of that. Use the flat end of your rubber float to spread the grout. Make sure that you are properly packing in enough grout between the tiles. Use fresh water and the pointed end of your rubber float to then squeegee the grout around the joints, and to level it off. Clean the tiles periodically, as a thin film will set in over the course of the project.

Next, take your grout tool and run it along all of the grout lines to trim excess, and to ensure that the grout is packed into the crevices.

Finishing the Tile

Next, you will want to apply caulk to the joints of the tile, ensuring that everything has a tight, proper and waterproof seal. Especially if you are working in a “wet” room where there is constant exposure to water.

You will want to keep the grout moist over the next 24 to 48 hours, because if the grout dries out too quickly it will become brittle and it will fragment almost immediately. Use a bottle mister to gently keep all of the grout moist – but not wet – as it dries.