Installing tile floors is very tiring work. It takes a lot of lifting of heavy tile and bending down. It is a dirty job, especially when it comes to working with the grout. While the work can be physically demanding, you can make your project much more cost effective by doing it yourself. Furthermore, you can have complete freedom of design if you install your own floor. One of the most important decisions you have to make regarding your tile floor is what type of grout to use. This article explains how to choose the best grout for your project.

Sanded or Non-Sanded Grout

The first thing you need to consider is the size of your grout line and what type of grout to use. The most important distinction is whether you are going to use sanded or non-sanded grout. Sanded grout, as the name implies, has sand in the mixture that provides bigger grains to a fill-in thicker grout lines, like those that are over 1/2" wide. It generally has a rougher feel and is more common in outdoor construction. Non-sanded grout is commonly used in interior settings, like bathrooms and kitchens. It is especially common on countertops that have extremely thin grout lines. Also, non-sanded grout is usually a little shinier, so it will look better on a glazed or ceramic tile floor. Remember, in the end, it is all a matter of personal preference. You will also notice that non-sanded grout is more expensive then sanded grout. This is another reason why it is not used on floors with thick grout lines.

Premixed?

No matter what type of grout you decide to use for your project, you will see premixed options available. Premixed grout is convenient because you obviously don't need to worry about adding water and mixing it together. However, it is much more expensive when you consider the cost per ounce of grout. If you are doing a full room remodel, even if it is just a bathroom, you should buy unmixed grout and do the mixing yourself. It requires a little more work, but it will save you a lot of money.

It is also important to get samples of the various grout colors to see what works best with your particular tile. Just remember that your grout will be a slightly lighter color once it dries, so don't worry if it seems too dark at first. However, if you find the task of tiling overwhelming, consider contacting a local tile installation specialist, such as Art Tile Co. Inc.