How to Spread Grout

Grout is the cement used to fill the spaces between tiles on a floor or wall. Its purpose is to meld the surface of the tiles, creating a flat span, or bridge, between the tiles, while keeping moisture from getting under the tiles. The primary tool used in grouting is a "float" -- a hard rubber trowel used to scrape the grout over the surface of the tiles, forcing it into the spaces, which are called "joints." Does this Spark an idea?

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Powdered grout
Bucket
Drill with mixing bar
Sponge
Grout float

Instructions

- 1
  
  Add about 2 inches of powdered grout to about 2 inches of cold water in a bucket.
- 2
  
  Use a drill and mixing bar to combine the grout and water. Add more of both, alternately, making enough to grout the area to be tiled. Adjust the water and powder amounts as you mix, to arrive at the consistency of thick mud.
- 3
  
  Let the grout sit in the bucket for 10 minutes. Stir it once more with the mixing bar.
- 4
  
  Wipe down the open grout lines -- spaces between the tiles -- with a damp sponge, to moisten them.
- 5
  
  Spread the grout over the surface of the tiles along the grout lines with the grout float, starting at one end. Scrape with the long edge of the grout float at a 45-degree angle, pressing the grout into the joints between the tiles while pulling it off the surface.
- 6
  
  Allow the grout to rest in the joints for 10 minutes. Use a damp sponge to wipe up the excess grout from the tiles. Let it cure, undisturbed, for one to two days.