Did you know that epoxy grout is a natural anti-bacterial? And, since epoxy is non-absorbent, it cannot harbor bacteria, which is why it is perfect for wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, etc. Or, that you should never use sanded grout in marble installations? There are a number of different types of grout and they each serve a purpose.

GROUT SELECTION

Although grout is not a floor tile or paver, it is an important component of the floor. Grout is usually a cement-based material that is used to fill in the spaces between the tile. It is produced in a variety of colors.

There are basically two types of cementitious grout: sanded and unsanded. There are several latex additives that can be mixed with the grout during installation to provide stain resistance. It is advisable to seal your grout with a grout sealer to prevent staining.
In addition to cement-based grouts there are epoxy grouts, which are made from plastic resins of epoxy and mixed with the grout at installation. They are usually more expensive than cementitious grouts, but are extremely stain resistant. Epoxy grouts are also available in many colors. The short guide which follows should assist you in selecting the proper grouting for your tile.

GROUT TYPES

Several options are open to you when choosing grout for your tile floor, wall or counter top, and a thorough understanding of them now may spare you some headaches later. Some of the worst problems associated with tile have nothing to do with the tile and everything to do with the grout. A beautiful white marble floor, for example, is hardly seen in its best light when the white grout is black and dirty. The basic types of grout are:

Sanded grout

This is the type most commonly used for ceramic tile, stone and any tile with a grout joint of 1/8 in. or larger. Composed of Portland cement, sand and other additives, it is mixed with water and troweled into the grout joint, where it takes approximately 24 hours to dry. Although it becomes as hard as concrete when fully cured, it can pose several problems. It is very absorbent, and if it is not sealed it will soak up stains, dirt and any other liquid spilled on the tile.

Care should be exercised in choosing a good sealer to prevent staining and water absorption. Although many grouts can be mixed at the time of installation with a latex additive which will reduce absorbency, I would still recommend sealing. Another problem arises when it is used with marble. Since the grout is made with sand, it will scratch polished marble when installed. This is a common problem among tile contractors who are not familiar with stone installation. Never use sanded grout on polished marble! Polished marble should be installed with a grout width smaller than 1/8 in.

Unsanded or wall grout

Unsanded grout, commonly called “wall grout,” is essentially sanded grout without the sand. It is used on ceramic tile and polished marble with grout joints smaller than 1/8 in. All the cleaning problems associated with sanded grout apply to wall grout, which should be sealed after installation to reduce absorbency.

Latex-modified grout additives

Several latex additives are available that can be added to both sanded and unsanded grouts. These additives are blends of acrylics and latex, and will decrease water absorption, increase strength and improve color retention. Some grouts have dried latex powder added to them at the factory and do not require additional additives. A number of manufacturers also include anti-fungal and mildew-resistance additives.

Epoxy grout

This type of grout is a waterless two-part formula consisting of epoxy resins (Part A) and a hardener (Part B). These components are mixed on-site just prior to grouting. When fully cured, epoxy grouts are stain and mildew resistant; they are also less absorbent than cement-based grouts, and are easily cleaned. They should be used on tile and stone for kitchen countertops, back splashes and bathrooms. Epoxy grouts are difficult to apply, and can be quite messy during application. Be sure to hire a contractor who is skilled in their use. These grouts require no additional sealer.

Furan grout

Furan grouts are similar to epoxies, but are composed of polymers of furfuryl alcohol, which are highly resistant to chemical action. They are rarely used for residential installation, but are often employed in industrial projects, such as laboratories, dairies, meat-packing plants, etc. Furan grouts are only available in black, and special skills are required for proper installation.

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