Tile Installation and Tile Repair
Most Frequently Asked Questions from Consumers:
From Newly Forming FAQ on Tile Installation, Tile Repairs & All Things Tile Related:
Many people have asked me over the years which grout to use in their house particular to their tile installation. There is a simple answer to every question. Always use sanded grout whenever possible.
The industry standard states that un-sanded grout be used on grout joints 1/8 or less and sanded grout is used on grout joints 1/8 and larger up to 1/2 inch. So 1/8 inch grout joints can have sanded or unsanded (non sanded) grout applications. The reason sanded grout is always the best option in my opinion and experience is because it is undoubtedly much stronger and longer lasting. The reason being the sand in the grout acts like the gravel in concrete and binds the concrete together and keeps it from cracking. Unsanded grout doesn't have this binding strength and cracks and chips out over the long term and from my experiences doesn't last as long as a sanded grout. Some applications require a un-sanded grout when joints are too small for sanded grout to penetrate or in instances when sanded grout may scratch the installation material. Such materials as Marble, Travertine and soapstone are easily scratched and a sanded grout is not applicable [according to the manufacturer]. But anytime there is a choice between SANDED AND UNSANDED grout, and sanded can be used, it would be advantageous to use the SANDED GROUT whenever possible.
Below are pictures of examples installed this past week in Manchester MA of both sanded and sanded grout applications. As well as glass and 'metal mosaic tile that manufacturers recommend be installed with unsanded grout But I will explain how and why I used sanded grout for the installation.
Glass tile can be easily scratched when sanded grout is applied with a grout float especially when applied by an unskilled tilesetter. Manufactures recommend using the unsanded grout to install their product. But if sanded grout is applied with the hands and not a hard rubber float sanded grout can be used without scratching the tile giving the installation the long lasting strength that I would prefer in my home .
Below are pictures of examples installed this past week in Manchester MA of both sanded and sanded grout applications. As well as glass and 'metal mosaic tile that manufacturers recommend be installed with unsanded grout But I will explain how and why I used sanded grout for the installation.
Glass tile can be easily scratched when sanded grout is applied with a grout float especially when applied by an unskilled tilesetter. Manufactures recommend using the unsanded grout to install their product. But if sanded grout is applied with the hands and not a hard rubber float sanded grout can be used without scratching the tile giving the installation the long lasting strength that I would prefer in my home .
The advantage of a UNSANDED grout is that the finished product has a smooth finished grout line, clean and smooth to the touch. Sanded grout ends up being rough like sandpaper to the touch.
I always try to bring my customers the highest quality installations at the most economical price , and for DIY and consumer readers with tile questions/concerns here on this blog I have the same philosophy; to bring my readers the information of options for both quality, longevity and economics
This is my opinion only based on years of tile experience. But other tile installation professionals may have different responses based on their training and experiences, so I welcome any to share their thoughts here with my readers. I want this to be a place where people can get help.
Feel free any time to ask questions and inquires and I will do my best to help anyone in any country regarding any tile situation where my opinion can help you in making the best decision for your job. I realize my opinions are based on my experience, training and perceptions, so other professional tile installers may have different, not necessarily right or wrong just different than mine, so consider it one man's make to make the best decision about your job thanks.
Chris
I always try to bring my customers the highest quality installations at the most economical price , and for DIY and consumer readers with tile questions/concerns here on this blog I have the same philosophy; to bring my readers the information of options for both quality, longevity and economics
This is my opinion only based on years of tile experience. But other tile installation professionals may have different responses based on their training and experiences, so I welcome any to share their thoughts here with my readers. I want this to be a place where people can get help.
Feel free any time to ask questions and inquires and I will do my best to help anyone in any country regarding any tile situation where my opinion can help you in making the best decision for your job. I realize my opinions are based on my experience, training and perceptions, so other professional tile installers may have different, not necessarily right or wrong just different than mine, so consider it one man's make to make the best decision about your job thanks.
Chris
 |
| Broke joint floor tile with a 3/16 grout joint with sanded grout |
 |
| 1 inch hexagon marble which can be easily scratched by sanded grout using a rubber float I hand grouted with sanded grout for strength |
 |
| 2 inch hexagon marble tile with a dot easily scratched by sanded grout using a rubber float hand grouted with sanded grout for strength |
 |
| broke joint floor tile using a 3/16 grout joint and sanded grout |
 |
| glass and metal mosaic tile recommended to use unsanded grout to prevent scratching If hand grouted carefully sanded grout can be used for strength |
 |
| glass and metal mosaic tile recommended to use unsanded grout to prevent scratching If hand grouted carefully sanded grout can be used for strength |
