How to Grout Marble Floors

Marble tiles must be set close together.

The grouting process for marble tile is basically the same as the process for a standard ceramic tile floor, with a few added factors. Marble tiles must be set close together, with spaces between them of just 1/16 to 1/8 inch. Such narrow spaces are challenging to grout. Use unsanded grout to prevent scratching the polished marble, pressing the grout into the spaces with a grout squeegee. Let your newly laid marble tiles set for 48 hours before grouting.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Bucket
• Unsanded grout mix
• Drill
• Mixing bar
• Rubber grout float
• Grout squeegee

Instructions

1. Clean the newly installed marble tiles and use a broom to sweep out the spaces between them.

2. Pour 1 to 2 inches of water in a bucket. Add enough unsanded grout to cover the water. Mix with your drill and mixing bar. Add more water and grout, gradually, getting the mix to the consistency of thick mud. Make enough to cover all the lines on the floor.

3. Let the grout sit in the bucket for 10 minutes. Re-stir.

4. Scoop up a trowel full of grout with a rubber grout float and drop it onto the tiles in the corner of the room that's opposite the entrance. Use the trowel to spread out the grout over as many tiles as you can reach from one position.

5. Run a grout squeegee over the area to force the grout down into the lines while squeezing it off the surface.

6. Let the grout sit in the lines for five to 10 minutes. Use a damp sponge to wipe up the excess grout. Move to the next section of the floor and repeat. Continue this process for the whole floor.

7. Let the grout set for at least 48 hours before using the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a dust mask when mixing the unsanded grout.

References

• The Tile Doctor: Grouting Floors
• Aldon Chem: Properties of Marble