How to Grout Shower Tile

Well done grout makes your shower look beautiful.

The final step to finish your tile installation in the shower is to grout the tile. It's an easy, yet time consuming, task. Follow these simple instructions to make it even easier.

Things You'll Need

• Grout
• Water
• Tile grouting trowel
• Sponge
• Detergent
• Grout sealant

Instructions

1. 

   Gather your tools. Your tile grouting trowel can be either plastic or metal on top (see picture, item 1). For best results, the bottom should not be metal (see picture, item 2). If the bottom is metal, you risk scratching your tile.

2. Mix your grout according to manufacturers directions. If your grout is premixed, follow the manufacturers instructions to stir it again before using.

3. Place approximately 1 cup of grout on the bottom of your trowel.

4. 

   Hold your trowel at approximately a 45-degree angle to the tiles. Drag your trowel across the tiles while you're also pushing the trowel toward the tiles. Your movement and pressure will spread the grout into the spaces between the tiles.Use the edge of the trowel to fill the grout between the seams of the tiles. You can also use your sponge to help do this. Be sure to pack the grout down into the spaces so that the whole space is filled with grout.

5. 

   Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until all of your tile has been grouted. Check to make sure that all of your areas are fully covered with grout. If your tile has areas that need more grout, keep applying it until there are no spaces between the tiles.

6. The grout will be on the surface of your tile, too. Let it dry at least 24 hours before proceeding.

7. Wash your tile to remove the grout film from the tile itself. You can use household detergents and your sponge or compounds designed specifically for grout film removal.

8. After washing and drying your grout, apply a sealant to keep your grout looking clean and fresh.

Tips & Warnings

• If you used tile spacers, remove them before applying the grout.