Floor Tile Grouting Tips

You must start with a clean floor before grouting tile.

Many home owners choose ceramic tile for their flooring because it is a highly durable material that comes in a wide variety of colors. Ceramic tile also lends itself to do-it-yourself installation, so homeowners can save money by putting down their own flooring. One of the most important steps in the installation process is grouting the tile. While grouting floor tile is not difficult, it is important to do it properly in order to make your floor last as long as possible.

Make Sure the Floor Is Clean

Before you begin grouting your tile, make sure that the floor surface is clean. If dirt or debris is present in the tile's grooves, it may become mixed into the grout and ruin its appearance. Use a paint scraper that has a fine edge and scrape along the tile joints to remove any debris. After you have scraped the floor, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining dirt. A model with a hose attachment typically works best because you can focus the hose directly on the joints. Afterward, use a damp rag to remove any dust that may still be present on the tile and in the joints.

Use the Right Type of Grout

There are several types of grout available, so when you are preparing to grout your floor tile, be sure to choose the right type. Use a sanded grout that is made from a blend of fine cement powder and silica sand. This combination allows the grout to resist the heavy wear and tear that floors usually receive and effectively fills in the wide grout joints that are typical of floor tile installation so there is no shrinkage as the grout cures.

Mix the Grout to the Right Consistency

When mixing your sanded grout, it is important to make sure that the mixture reaches the right consistency. You must be able to easily spread the grout with a rubber float, so it should not be too wet or too thick. Mix the grout with just enough water that it becomes almost stiff enough to roll into a ball and retain its shape. When mixing the grout, do not create batches that are too large. As you work, you will need to stop to remove excess grout from the tile and use a grout sponge to strike the joints into shape. While you are performing these tasks, any mixture that you have standing by may begin to harden and become unusable. Mix smaller batches as you work to avoid wasting grout.

Practice Proper Technique

When you are inexperienced in grouting floor tile, the best way to prepare for the task is to practice grouting on a work surface. Place scraps from your floor tile or pieces of inexpensive tile that is similar to the type you are using on a tile-backer board and lay it on the floor of your garage or basement. Mix some grout and apply to the tile. Use a rubber grout float for application and remember to pull it across the tile at a 45 degree angle so the float does not press down into the joint and remove the grout. After applying the grout, wait several minutes and begin to remove the excess grout with a grout sponge. Practicing will allow you to perfect the proper technique without worrying about damaging your floor. When you move onto the real floor, be careful to work in small sections so the grout does not harden before you have a chance to remove the excess. In addition, it is best to begin in the farthest corner of the room and work toward the exit so you do not have to kneel on freshly grouted tiles as you work.

References

• Ask the Builder: Grouting Tile
• The Floor Doc: How to grout floor tiles