Sanded Vs. Unsanded Grout
Grout is a cement-based product used in tile installation. The grout is applied across the installed tiles and forced into the gaps, called joints, between the tiles. The grout hardens and locks the tiles together, keeping water from seeping into the adhesive holding the tiles to the substrate and giving the project a finished look. Two types of grout can be used in tile projects: sanded and un-sanded, or non-sanded. Sanded grout has sand added to the cement base, while un-sanded grout is sand free. The size of your tile joints and type of tile used determine which type of grout is best for your project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Joint Size
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Joints are the gaps between the tiles. Grout is used in these gaps to ensure adhesion between tiles; consequently, the gaps are referred to as grout lines. Joints less than 1/8 inch wide require the use of non-sanded grout, while joints more than 1/8 inch wide require sanded grout. The wider the grout line, the more grout is required to fill the joint. All grouts shrink during the drying process, but the sand in sanded grout reduces the amount of shrinkage. Non-sanded grout used in a wider joint might pull away from the sides of the tiles, causing the tiles to loosen.
Tile Type
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Types of tile include ceramic, porcelain and natural stone. For ceramic and porcelain tiles, the 1/8 inch grout line rule applies. For natural stone installations, such as travertine, marble, granite or limestone, un-sanded grout is more appropriate. When adding grout to the tile project, the grout is applied using a float, which is a tool with a flat edge that pushes the grout across the surfaces of the tile and into the joints. The sand in sanded grout might scratch the surface of natural stone.
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Mainenance
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Grout, both sanded and non-sanded, is a porous material. Dust, dirt and grime build up on the surface and within the pores of the grout. Acid-based cleaners may be used on both types of grout, but should not be used with stone tiles. Steam applications can also be used to clean grout, as well as stone tiles. Grout colorants are available for color restoration, but these do not work well on non-sanded grouts. The density of the non-sanded grout prohibits proper penetration.
Color Choice
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Pigments are used to color both sanded and un-sanded grouts. Commercially, consumers might see less color options in un-sanded grouts, with a wider selection available in sanded grouts. Fewer applications call for non-sanded grout, so manufacturers limit the color availability. However, some manufacturers do allow for custom coloring through retail or online outlets.
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References
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