Choosing the right grout for your backsplash is an important decision that can make or break the look and durability of your design. With many types of grout available, it can be tricky to know which is best for your particular backsplash tile and application. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about grout for backsplash installations.
Introduction to Grout
Grout is a cement-based material used to fill the joints between tiles. It is applied wet and allowed to harden, creating a solid, water-resistant filler that locks tiles together. Grout comes in different colors, allowing you to complement or match your tile color scheme.
The main purposes of grout are:
- Fill joints – Grout fills the spaces between tiles, eliminating gaps and holes. This provides a smooth, uniform surface.
- Lock tiles – When grout hardens, it adheres to tile edges, keeping everything firmly in place. This prevents tiles from shifting.
- Seal tiles – By filling joints fully, grout creates a waterproof barrier that prevents moisture from seeping underneath tiles and causing damage.
- Allow movement – Grout provides just enough hold to keep tiles steady while still allowing for slight expansion and contraction of the tile assembly.
- Decorate – Grout lines add visual interest and dimension. Different grout colors can complement or contrast with tiles.
Choosing the right grout involves considering factors like tile material, joint width, location, and desired appearance. Keep reading to learn more!
Grout Types
There are three main categories of grout:
Cementitious Grout
This traditional grout is a mixture of cement, fine silica sand, and color pigments. It provides a hard, durable filler at an economical price point. Cement grout is water-resistant but not waterproof. There are different grades:
- Basic cement grout – For low-traffic, low-moisture areas like bathroom walls. Not as durable.
- Polymer-modified grout – With latex or acrylic resin added for increased strength, adhesion, and water-resistance. Ideal for showers, floors, and countertops.
- Epoxy grout – Extremely durable two-part grout that is waterproof and stain-proof. Great for heavy use areas but requires expert application.
Cement grout offers a classic, natural appearance but requires sealing to prevent staining. It can crack over time.
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout is a highly durable, chemical-resistant material made from epoxy resins and a filler like sand or quartz. It has excellent adhesion and waterproofing capabilities.
Advantages of epoxy grout:
- Extremely durable and stain-proof
- Withstands harsh cleaners and heavy foot traffic
- Does not require sealing
- Resists mold and mildew growth
- Minimal shrinkage; prevents joint cracking
- Available in many colors
The main downsides are high cost and difficult installation. Epoxy grout requires careful mixing and must be applied within a short window before it hardens. The finished surface can also be tricky to clean.
Overall, epoxy grout is ideal for countertops, showers, and floors in heavy-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms. The added cost pays off through years of worry-free use.
Urethane Grout
Urethane grout contains polyurethane resins mixed with ceramic aggregates. It has properties of both cement and epoxy grout.
Advantages of urethane grout:
- Extremely durable and flexible
- Waterproof and stain-proof
- Resists cracking and shrinking
- Easy to clean unfinished haze
- Range of color options
Urethane grout is more user-friendly than epoxy but provides similar performance. It has a longer working time and is a bit easier to tool into joints.
This high-quality grout is ideal for countertops, showers, floors, and other wet areas. It holds up well to heavy foot traffic. Urethane grout costs more than cement but provides great value.
Factors in Choosing Grout
Consider the following factors when selecting the optimal grout for your backsplash project:
Tile Material
Certain grouts work better with specific tile materials:
- Ceramic and porcelain – All grout types. Cement grout is commonly used.
- Glass – Epoxy or urethane recommended for durability and waterproofing.
- Natural stone – Polymer/latex-modified grout prevents staining and discoloration.
- Metro tiles – Match thin grout lines; avoid darker grout colors.
- Large format tiles – May require wider grout for structural support.
Match your grout to the capabilities of the tile material for best results.
Joint Width
Grout expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes. Wider grout lines accommodate more movement, while thinner joints require a more rigid, stable grout:
- Thin joints 1/16″ to 1/8″ – Epoxy or urethane grout stay in place better. Avoid sanded grout particles.
- Standard joints 1/8″ to 3/8’’ – Ideal for most cement and urethane grouts.
- Wide joints over 3/8″ – Require polymer-modified or epoxy grout for added strength.
Measure joint widths and select a grout that will adhere properly at that thickness.
Location and Use
Where your backsplash is installed and how it will be used should guide your grout choice:
- Wet areas (sink, range, shower) — Epoxy or urethane grout resists water damage.
- Heavy use (kitchens, busy baths) — Epoxy/urethane provides maximum durability.
- Light use (dining room, accent walls) — Cement grout is often adequate.
- Temperature changes (outdoors, sun exposure) — Urethane/epoxy allows slight flexibility.
- Stone or porous tile — Use polymer-modified grout to prevent staining.
Match the grout performance to the demands of the space. An indoor backsplash around a lightly used bathroom sink has less requirements than a heavily utilized kitchen backsplash above a cooking range.
Color
Grout comes in a range of colors from bright white to black and everything in between. Take into account:
- Grout color should complement the tile, not overwhelm it.
- Dark grout highlights light tiles; light grout highlights dark tiles.
- Contrasting grout shows off tile texture; matching grout unifies the look.
- Grout can match the cabinetry or countertop.
- Color variation is more noticeable in wide grout lines.
Select a grout color that works with your tiles to create the desired visual impact.
Cost
Grout ranges in price from about $0.50 per pound for basic cement grout up to $60+ per pound for premium epoxy. Urethane grout falls in the middle around $5-$20 per pound. However, more expensive grouts require less product to do the job. Consider lifetime cost, not just initial price.
Preparing for Grout Application
Proper prep work ensures the grout bonds and performs correctly:
- Allow mortar to cure – Let tile mortar dry fully (24-48 hours) before grouting so joints don’t shift.
- Clean tiles – Use a pH-neutral cleaner and wash tiles well to remove dust, grease, and soap film that could prevent grout adhesion.
- Seal porous tiles first – Apply grout release or sealer if needed to prevent staining of porous tiles.
- Follow manufacturer instructions – Mix grout per package directions and pay attention to working time limits.
With careful prep, you can achieve flawless finished results. Don’t skip steps!
How to Grout a Backsplash
Grouting a backsplash is a satisfying final step to completing your tiled focal point. With the right technique, your grout application will come out smooth and even. Follow these best practices:
1. Mix the Grout
- For cement grout, mix powder with water per package instructions in a bucket. The consistency should be thick but still able to flow easily.
- Epoxy and urethane grouts require accurately mixing the resin and hardener.
- Only mix what you can use in the allotted working time to avoid waste.
2. Apply Grout
- Use a rubber grout float or squeegee. Cut the tip for wider joints.
- Push the grout diagonally across the joints to fill completely.
- Take care not to smear grout on the tile faces. Keep grout inside the joints.
- Remove excess grout with minimal water on a sponge.
- Work in small sections so the grout doesn’t dry before you clean it off.
3. Clean Excess Grout
- Allow grout to firm up slightly in the joints.
- Use a damp sponge in a circular motion to smooth joints and clean tile faces.
- Rinse the sponge frequently and change rinse water often.
- Clean tiles diagonally to avoid pulling grout out of joints.
- Check for missed spots and go over the area. Allow area to dry fully.
4. Final Cleanup
- Do a final inspection once the grout has firmed up in the joints after about 15-30 minutes.
- Use a damp sponge to smooth any uneven areas.
- Remove any remaining haze from tile faces with a soft, dry cloth.
- Do not wait longer than about 60 minutes for cleanup or grout will adhere to tiles.
5. Finishing
- Cure cement grout by keeping it damp for 72 hours using plastic wrap or damp towels.
- Apply caulk where the backsplash and countertop meet for watertight seal.
- Once fully cured, seal cement grout to protect it from stains.
- Enjoy your newly grouted backsplash!
Follow these steps carefully for professional-looking results you will appreciate for years to come.
Grout Maintenance
With proper care, your grouted backsplash will stay looking fresh. Here are some tips:
- Seal cement grout once a year to protect from stains.
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner, not harsh chemicals. Avoid abrasive pads.
- Rinse thoroughly when cleaning to keep grout residue from building up.
- Re-apply grout sealant if grout seems to get dirty more easily.
- Re-grout if cracks appear. Remove old grout and re-apply fresh.
- Monitor epoxy or urethane grout for wear over time. Re-grout if damage occurs.
Well-maintained grout should last years with minimal repair needed. Stay on top of cleaning and sealing for best results.
Grout Color Restoration
Over time, even with proper maintenance, cement grout colors can fade or yellow. Restoring the original color is possible:
Grout color sealer – Brush-on sealers add color and provide protection. Results last 1-5 years.
Whitening cleaners – Non-acid cleaners like oxygen bleach help whiten discolored grout.
Grout stain – Specifically designed penetrating and topical grout stains renew color.
Grout paint – Thick epoxy-based grout paints completely cover old grout with new color.
Re-grouting – Removing old grout and replacing it with fresh grout restores the original look.
With the right products and techniques, you can revive the color of your grout. Consult a tile professional for the best solution.
Troubleshooting Grout Issues
Sometimes grout problems arise. Here are solutions for common issues:
Cracking – Indicates movement or instability. Re-grout with polymer-modified mix. Ensure proper joint width.
Chipping – Typically from impact damage. Can try patching first but may need re-grouting.
Efflorescence – Whitish haze on grout from moisture exposure. Mix vinegar and water to wash joints.
Staining – Re-seal grout to repel stains. For stubborn stains, use oxygen bleach cleaner.
Grout haze – A white film on tiles from poor cleanup. Gently re-wash and buff tiles.
Loose tiles – Indicates failure in thinset mortar. Re-set tiles with modified thinset and re-grout.
Address any grout problems promptly to prevent damage to tiles and ensure lasting quality.
FAQs
Q: What is the easiest grout to work with?
Polymer-modified cement grout is the most novice-friendly. It has a forgiving, longer working time than epoxy. The application process is similar to basic cement grout but it cures stronger and more water-resistant.
Q: How soon can I get wet grout wet?
Cement grout needs 72 hours of damp curing before exposure to water. Epoxy and urethane grouts cure quicker but still need about 24 hours before washing. Getting tile wet too soon can cause washout of unset grout.
Q: Why is my grout cracking in a backsplash?
Thin grout lines are prone to cracking as tiles expand and contract. Cracks also indicate movement not absorbed by the grout. Ensure at least 1/8” joints for cement grout. Use epoxy/urethane for thin joints. Make sure tiles are firmly adhered.
Q: How do I get a smooth finish on my grout?
The key is patience! Resist the urge to start cleaning too soon. Let the grout firm up sufficiently first. Use a damp sponge in light circular motions. Smooth down high spots. Rinse sponge frequently to get a slick surface.
Q: Can I change grout color when re-grouting?
Yes, you can select any color when re-grouting. Just make sure to rake out all of the old grout first down to the bottom of the joints so the new color fills completely. Contrasting grout colors can entirely transform the look!
Conclusion
Choosing the optimal grout involves considering factors from tile material to joint width to color selection. Cement-based grouts provide economy and familiar application. Epoxy and urethane grouts deliver premium durability and waterproofing for critical areas. Proper grout installation and maintenance ensures your backsplash stays beautiful for the long run. With this guide’s tips in mind, you can confidently tackle your backsplash grouting project and love the results for years of use.