What about the grout?
It’s easy to get excited selecting from the many beautiful tiles out there, yet what most people forget to select next is its undeniable counterpart, grout. Grout is the mortar or paste that fills the crevices between tiles and comes in many different colors. Depending on your tile of choice, it can be installed at various visible thicknesses as well. It’s second nature for interior designers to think about this functional and visible feature when construction planning, but homeowners not working with a designer might leave this selection in the hands of their contractor or installer. We’re here to help shed light on what choices you have with grout and the impact it can make on the room’s overall visual impression.
Grout comes in various colors, mostly neutral and can be selected as smooth or sanded. The difference between the two textures are apparent. Smooth is, well, smooth, and sanded has a subtle, grainy texture to it. The use of each depends on the thickness of grout needed. Oftentimes, handmade tiles with more irregular edges require a larger space between the tiles to account for their irregularities in shape. A minimum of ⅛” spacing is typically required for these handmade tiles.
Pictured Left: Turquoise grout in this dentist office bathroom paired with white and navy tile, Moniker Design Studio
Alternatively, your classic subway tiles are mass produced and machine made, ensuring more uniformity and allowing for smaller clearances between the tiles. Sanded grout is better for the larger gaps while smooth grout can be preferred for tight grout lines. A good rule of thumb is if the spacing is over ⅛” thick, sanded grout should be used. Grout lines larger than ½” are subject to cracking, however, best to consult with your installer for more information.
Grout color is another important thing to consider. With more decorative tiles, we recommend using a grout color similar to the tile itself so the tile becomes the focal point, not the linear grout pattern. When it comes to tiles like penny tile or 3x6 subway tile, the grout can be used to either differentiate each tile in a dramatic way or create a more subtle look when choosing a grout color similar to the tile itself. Take a look at the images attached to help you better understand the differences your grout color can make in your space.
Pictured Right: Black grout with black tile, Design by Jette Creative
White subway tile with charcoal grout
Image from Cle Tile
White subway tile with white grout
Image from Cle Tile
Need more help than just grout? Let’s talk through it!
