When choosing tile, homeowners tend to focus on color, shape, or pattern, but they rarely consider their grout. But once installation day approaches, the real questions start to surface: Is white grout too hard to keep clean? Do you need to seal it? What kind of grout works best in a bathroom?
These aren’t small details. Grout plays a major role in the look, function, and longevity of your tile installation. In this ultimate guide to all things tile grout, we’ll walk you through the details that matter, including the ones most people don’t think to ask.
Types of Tile Grout
Every type of grout brings a different set of strengths and trade-offs. An experienced flooring installer will make product recommendations based on the room, tile type, and expected foot traffic the area will see.
Cement-based grout is the most common adhesive in home installations, and it comes in both sanded and unsanded forms. Sanded grout contains fine sand particles for added strength, making it ideal for wider joints—typically those over 1/8 inch. Unsanded grout, which has a smoother texture, works better for narrower joints and is common on walls or delicate tiles like glass.
Epoxy grout, on the other hand, is more resistant to staining, moisture, and chemicals. It’s highly durable and non-porous, which makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet environments. However, it can be more difficult to work with and comes at a higher price point. Installers often reserve epoxy grout for projects where durability and cleanability are top priorities.
Matching Grout to the Job
Once you’ve chosen a material, the next step is evaluating how well it matches the project conditions. This includes everything from the size of the tile joints to the local climate. In a city like Portland, Oregon, that means thinking carefully about humidity and seasonal shifts.
For example, in older homes with radiant heating or high moisture levels, cementitious grout may need more maintenance over time. A seasoned installer might recommend a high-performance or epoxy grout in these cases to better handle thermal expansion and moisture. However, for smaller tiles like mosaics or decorative walls, unsanded grout might be the better fit, as it offers a cleaner look with less risk of scratching the tile surface.
Grout line width also matters. Larger format tiles with narrow joints demand a different product than tumbled stone with wider gaps. A good installer will factor in the way you use the space, who will be cleaning it, and how it will age over time.
Grout Color Selection
Grout color does more than complement tile; it can change the entire feel of a room. Whether a homeowner wants high contrast to highlight tile shape or prefers a blended look that lets the surface speak for itself, color is a design decision that installers routinely guide you through.
There’s no universally “safe” grout color. Lighter shades can brighten a space but may require more frequent upkeep. Meanwhile, dark grout tends to hide stains better, but in wet areas, it can show soap scum or mineral buildup. That’s why grout color selection is as much about lifestyle as it is about looks. A homeowner with young kids or pets might lean toward mid-tone grout that offers a balance between concealment and cleanability.
Installers also consider how grout color will hold up visually over time. In high-traffic areas or damp environments, even sealed grout can develop subtle discoloration. That’s why you should test a few swatches before finalizing the choice, either directly on-site or using grout boards in a well-lit showroom.
Preparing the Surface
Before applying any grout, the installer’s job is to ensure that the surface is ready. For contractors, it’s about confirming that the tile joints are evenly spaced, free of dust and debris, and fully dry after the adhesive or mortar has set.
Depending on the tile material, installers will use different tools and techniques during prep. They may remove spacers carefully to avoid disturbing alignment, and they’ll check joint depths to ensure they’ll hold the grout properly. If the substrate is uneven or the tile hasn’t fully cured, rushing this step can lead to weak spots or visible inconsistencies.
Most grouting begins 24 to 48 hours after placing the tile, but that can vary based on the materials and environment. In more humid climates, extra drying time may be necessary to prevent trapped moisture beneath the grout.
How To Apply Grout
Once ready to get to work, a professional installer will begin pressing grout into the joints using a rubber float. They work at a 45-degree angle to the tile face to avoid dragging material back out. As they go, they’ll pack grout tightly into the gaps, then remove any excess using firm, diagonal strokes across the surface.
Timing matters here. Grout left on the tile face for too long will dry into a haze that’s difficult to remove. But if wiped too early, the joints can lose depth and strength.
Most installers wait around 15 to 30 minutes after application before beginning the first sponge pass, using clean water and light pressure. Depending on the grout type and room conditions, they may have to repeat this step a few times to eliminate haze without disturbing the joints.
Cleaning and Sealing Grout
After the grout has cured—typically 48 to 72 hours—your installer may recommend applying a sealant. While not all grout types require sealing (epoxy is naturally water-resistant), most cement-based grouts benefit from added protection. This is particularly true for high-use spaces like kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms.
There are two main types of sealers to be aware of: penetrating sealers and membrane-forming sealers. Penetrating products absorb into the grout and repel moisture without altering the surface. Membrane sealers, while more visible, sit on top of the grout and offer stronger resistance to stains and dirt, but they require reapplication more frequently. Your installer can help you determine which is appropriate for your grout type and usage.
Once sealed, maintenance becomes much simpler. Most professionals recommend an annual cleaning using a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft-bristle brush—no bleach, no vinegar. These grout maintenance tips may seem minor, but they can extend the life of your installation and prevent unnecessary repairs.
How Grout Can Shape the Whole Room
Grout may not be the first decision made in a tile project, but it affects every other element. It defines the spacing, supports the structure, and frames each tile with intention. The color, width, texture, and maintenance all shape how a room looks and functions in the long run.
That’s why the team at Portland Floor takes the time to walk homeowners through every grout decision, from product type to finish. As a family-owned flooring store in Portland, OR, we blend deep installation expertise with a showroom experience that’s truly built for you.
Whether you’re planning a tiled bathroom, mudroom, or kitchen, this ultimate guide to all things tile grout is just the beginning. We can bring the rest to life, one careful decision at a time.