Grouting Ceramic Tile
It’s amazing how much better your tile will look after you’ve grouted the joints. Grouting the tile nearly completes the install and rewards all the hard work of preparing the subfloor and properly laying the tile.
I recently grouted my bathroom tile installation. It was an easy job that only took a couple hours. Any DIYer can grout tile and this post will walk you through the steps.
Tools for Grouting Tile
Here are the tools I use for applying grout:
- Rubber grout float
- Margin trowel or something similar
- Clean sponge
- Water bucket
Mixing Grout
After you’ve selected the appropriate grout, it’s time to mix. Check if your grout already has a latex additive. If not, decide if you want to add it in lieu of water. Follow manufacturers directions for mixing. Your goal is a thick, brownie-mix, consistency. Take the time to carefully mix your grout. Too much or too little water can lead to poor results.
Applying Grout
You want to begin at the farthest point from the door or entryway and work your way out of the room. Don’t grout yourself into a corner.
Retrieve a portion of grout and begin working it into the joints with your grout float. Completely fill the joint, working the float at an angle. Be liberal with the amount of grout until you get a better feel for how much grout each joint needs. Use the float to remove excess from the tile face.
Apply grout to a couple square feet and then grab your sponge and water bucket. The sponge is really the key to making your grout look good. Dip your sponge in the bucket and thoroughly squeeze out excess water- a wet sponge will add water and lead to crumbling grout. Use the sponge to clean up the tile face and smooth your grout lines. Gently go over grout lines until the surface is just below that of the tile. Rinse the sponge and change out the water very frequently.
As you work, you may see a slight haze on the tile surface. You can clean this off with the same, slightly damp, sponge. Be careful not to touch the grout.
It’s recommended that you mist the grout over the next few days. The mist prevents the grout from drying too quickly resulting in a weaker bond. This step is especially pertinent if your tile work is in direct sunlight or an arid location. Give the grout about 48 hours to completely set
Tips
- Use a pre-sealer on porous tile, otherwise the grout will penetrate the tile giving it a permanently hazy look.
- Work the grout float at an angle, pressing the grout in place.
- Use multiple buckets of water so that you always have clean water handy.
- I’ve had great success with Miracle Grout Cleaner to get grout looking like new.
What do you think? Have you ever grouted tile?
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