Tile grout is a dense fluid used to fill the gaps between tiles after they have been installed. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, helping to keep tiles in place, prevent moisture from seeping between them, and give the tiling a finished appearance. Grout is commonly used in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, floors, and backsplashes.
Types of Tile Grout:
Cementitious Grout:
Sanded Grout: Contains fine sand and is typically used for wider joints (1/8 inch or more). It’s durable and resistant to shrinking and cracking, making it suitable for floors and larger gaps.
Unsanded Grout: Does not contain sand and is used for narrower joints (less than 1/8 inch). It is smoother and works well on walls, countertops, and smaller joints.
Epoxy Grout:
Made from epoxy resins and a filler powder, epoxy grout is highly durable, stain-resistant, and waterproof. It’s ideal for areas exposed to water, such as showers, and where a high level of durability and resistance to chemicals is required. However, it’s more expensive and harder to apply than cementitious grout.
Furan Resin Grout:
Similar to epoxy but made with furan resins, this grout is highly resistant to chemicals and is used in industrial settings. It is very durable but requires special handling and is not common in residential applications.