How to Grout Tiles

Grouting is the finishing touch for your next tiling project to add polish, sophistication and practicality. Tiles themselves create the visual impact, however it's the grout that brings your selected pattern to life and ensures durability over time.

The good news? With the right tools, preparation and technique, tile grouting is a very achievable DIY project for most enthusiasts.

Need to shop for materials and tiles? Explore our full range of installation materials and our extensive range of tiles to find the perfect products for your next project.

What is Tile Grouting?

Tile grouting is the process of filling the gaps between tiles with a specialised material that hardens over time to create a sealed, stable surface. Grouting prevents moisture from getting underneath your tiles, protects tile edges from damage and enhances the overall look of your chosen tile pattern. Without it, even the most beautiful tiles can appear unfinished and are vulnerable to shifting and water damage.

Step by Step Grouting Tips

Prep: Tools & Materials

Before starting your tile grouting project, gather the following tools and materials:

• - Grout (cement-based or epoxy, depending on your project).
• - Grout float
• - Bucket and mixing tool
• - Clean sponge and water
• - Microfibre cloth
• - Tile spacers
• - Grout sealer for porous grouts
• - Protective gloves and mask

Using high-quality products enhances the professional finish of the results.

It's important to ensure that your laid tiles are fully set and that the adhesive has cured, which typically takes 24 hours.

Steps to prepare:

• - Remove tile spacers from the tile pattern
• - Clean out space between tiles to remove dust or excess adhesive
• - Wipe tiles with a damp sponge
• - Remove old grout if you are re-grouting an existing space. Use a grout removal tool before applying new material

Clean, even gaps between tiles will ensure your grout adheres properly, creating a firm seal and a consistent finish.

Choosing Your Grout Colour

Before you mix, it's worth giving careful thought to your grout colour. The shade you choose can dramatically change the overall look of your tiling project.

Tips to choose the ideal grout colour:

Matching grout to tile colour creates a seamless, uniform appearance that lets the tile pattern do the talking.

Contrasting grout highlights the shape and layout of each individual tile, which works particularly well with subway tiles, herringbone and other geometric patterns.

Neutral tones such as grey or beige are versatile choices that complement most tile colours and are more forgiving when it comes to showing dirt over time.

White grout offers a clean, classic look but requires more upkeep in high-traffic or wet areas.

Dark grout can add a modern, dramatic effect and tends to stay looking cleaner for longer.

If you're unsure, test a small amount of grout against your tiles before committing to the full project. Grout can dry slightly lighter or darker than it appears wet, so allowing a test patch to cure fully will give you the most accurate preview of your finished result.

Mix Grout

Getting the right consistency is key when preparing your grout.

Follow these steps:

• - Read the manufacturer instructions carefully
• - Aim for a smooth, dense consistency
• - Next you need to use slaking: a tiling term that means you need to allow a few minutes for the new mixture to rest, then re-mix

Avoid creating a mixture that is too watery as this can weaken the grout itself and may lead to cracking with time and use.

Apply Grout to Tiles:

Applying the grout to the project is the core step in how to grout floor tiles or wall tiles.

Step-by-step instructions:

• - Scoop grout onto the surface of your tiles
• - Use a grout float held at a 45-degree angle
• - Press grout firmly into the spaces between the tiles
• - Work diagonally across the tiles to create full coverage

Ensure that you take your time to carefully fill every space evenly. A consistent application is important to achieve a polished result when considering how to grout tiles properly.

Remove Excess

Once you've completed applying the grout to the tiles, it's time to remove excess grout from the tile surface.

To do this:

• - Hold the grout float at a steep angle
• - Scrape diagonally across the tiles
• - Avoid pulling grout out of the joins where possible

Consider working in small sections to maintain control and to prevent the grout from drying too quickly.

Cleaning Grout

Allow the grout to dry for approximately 10-20 minutes and then begin your first clean.

Use a damp sponge (not wet) and wipe gently in circular motions, rinsing the sponge frequently. This should remove most of the haze (grout residue on the surface of the tile) while smoothing the grout lines slightly. It's an essential step in mastering how to apply grout cleanly, before completing a second clean.

Once the grout has firmed up more, perform a second clean. Ensure your sponge or cloth is clean and lightly shape the grout lines as you clean for a consistent appearance.

Remove any remaining haze as you go to ensure your tile grouting appears neat and uniform.

Sealing Grout

Sealing is a particularly important step for cement-based grout, particularly for projects in wet or outdoor areas.

Key takeaways:

• Allow the grout to fully cure over 24-72 hours
• Apply the sealer evenly and wipe away excess

This step helps to protect your tiles from stains, moisture, damage and mould to ensure a lasting fresh appearance and durable finish.

Key Tips for a Flawless Finish

Avoid Grouting Corners

Grout should not be used between the joints of corners or other areas that can have movement. Instead, use a flexible sealant such as silicone for this purpose in order to prevent cracking as surfaces may expand and contract with heat or time.

Work in Small Sections

Tile grouting products can tend to dry quickly, particularly in certain seasons and our warm Australian conditions. Working in small, manageable sections ensures you have the time to clean and shape the grout before it sets.

Protect Yourself

Always remember to wear protective gloves and a mask when mixing and applying grout for your tiling projects. Proper ventilation is also important, particularly when working indoors.

Do You Need to Use Grout Spacers?

Spacers are used during the tile laying stage rather than at the grouting stage, however consistent spacing is essential for achieving even grout lines.

If your tiles were laid with spacers at a uniform width, the grout lines will be straight and even, making the grouting process significantly easier. For most wall tiles, 1.5mm to 3mm spacers are common, while floor tiles typically use 3mm to 5mm depending on the tile size and style.

Ready to Begin?

Explore our full range of grouting materials today, or browse our selection of contemporary and classic tile options and bring your vision to life.

If you're planning a bigger project, be sure to read our expert guides on how to tile a bathroom and tile patterns to find the perfect aesthetic for your home.

Need more guidance? Feel free to contact us today to discuss your tiling project in depth.