Choosing a Grout for your Tile Project
Whether you are using tile on a shower surround, on the wall, kitchen backsplash, or for your flooring (indoor or outdoor), you’ll need grout. Grout is used as a filler for the joints between tiles once the tile you are installing has been set. Most grouts are a powdered mix of cement, lime, color pigment and sometimes sand that hardens when mixed with water and left to cure. When it comes to a new tiling project, choosing the perfect tile material and style is typically at the forefront and choosing what kind of grout to use usually takes a backseat. However, the grout color could make or break your tiled surface. It determines whether your eye will be drawn to individual tiles or the pattern overall.
Consider Grout Color
Grout color can emphasize certain elements of your tile, fade into the background, or completely steal the show — either way, choosing the right grout color is essential to a successful tile design. Here are some considerations, ideas, and frequently asked questions to help you find the perfect grout color.
Grout Color Choices
Matching Grout Colors– When the grout color matches the color of the tile, it creates a uniform look where individual tiles blend and become indistinct. However, the closer the grout color is to the tile color, the more uniform and textured the space looks, making a seamless pattern wherever it is used.
Contrasting Grout Colors– Choosing a grout color either lighter or darker than the color of the tile itself is a way to really highlight the tile and make the individual tiles the focal point. Choosing a contrasting grout color draws attention to the overall tile pattern, layout, and design. With a contrast, the placement of the tile becomes more visible and almost acts as a frame for each tile itself.
Choosing the Right Grout Color
These factors all contribute to your tile design:
Application Size– How large or small the area is where you’re laying tile, will play a role in what color grout will work best. Contrasting grout colors brings a more complex look. This can be overwhelming in a very large space where matching grout color may be more appealing. In a small space, matching grout and tile creates a seamless, continuous look which can help the area appear larger.
Tile Placement & Location– The location of your new tile can affect the choice of grout color. If you’re completing a kitchen backsplash, the grout color will be in a more direct line of sight than it would be on the floor. It is important to consider the style of tile and the overall look you’re trying to create.
Maintenance– If practicality and function is at the forefront of your decision, keep in mind that lighter grout colors will require more maintenance. Neutrals such as beige, grays, and browns are safe choices for bathrooms and kitchens where the grout may get grubby over time. Darker grouts will hide stains and imperfections, however they may fade over time or be susceptible to staining from harsh cleaning products.
Design– Size and location do play a factor in the choice of grout color, but it is also important to consider the tile design and its complexity. For very specific styles, such as achieving the subway tile look, you’ll choose a darker grout color to achieve the iconic look. But some general rules of thumb are that matching tile and grout create a minimalist look, with grout lines fading into the background. For a more dynamic design look, contrasting grout colors–either darker or lighter than the tile design. If you’re just looking for that middle ground, choose a neutral grout such as a greige or gray tone to split the difference.
Tile Pattern– If the tile you’ve chosen already has a pattern or is bolder in design, thinner grout lines and a neutral color will help the tile be the main focal point. However, grout color is also a great way to draw attention to the layout and design of your tile.
Surrounding Design– It is important for the grout color to complement the surrounding decor and colors of your space. Grout may look less bold, even if you’ve chosen a contrasting grout color, when it picks up the tones in the surrounding design. The good news is, much like tile samples or paint samples, you can ask for grout color samples to make sure you can get a good match.
When it Comes to Grout Choice, Trust the Experts
Armed with this information on choosing the best grout for your tile project, the best case scenario is to work with a trusted expert through the process. Contact the professionals at Flowers Flooring to schedule a free in home estimate.
About Flowers Flooring
Flowers Flooring is your family flooring specialist with two locations – Cornelius, NC, and Winston-Salem, NC. Both locations service a 100-mile radius from the showroom. Both locations specialize in flooring sales and installation, including carpet, laminate, hardwood, sand & finish, hardwood restoration, vinyl plank, vinyl tile, rubber flooring, tile floors, tile showers, tile backsplash, area rugs, interior painting, and more. To reach the Cornelius, NC location please call (704) 445-7750 and to reach our Winston-Salem location, please call (336) 660-0977. Please be sure to inquire about our current promotion and financing offers.
