Infloormation

When you are ready for a new tile floor, there is one important ingredient that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. That’s the selection of a grout color. All floors have to be grouted in order to protect the edges of the tile and fill the space in between tiles. You might be wondering, “Why is this so important?”

Different grout colors can change the look of your tile floor. For example, if you have a white tile floor and you choose a dark or colored grout the grout lines are going to be more pronounced and noticeable than if you were to use a white grout which would blend with the tile. In most cases, you want the grout to blend or go away. After all, you are paying for the look of the tile and not the grout! In some cases, for example if you are using a black and white floor in a checkerboard pattern you have to choose a grout color to blend with one of the two tiles.

Choosing the right grout color depends on your goal.

If your goal is for the grout to just serve as a filler rather than a decorative element, choose a grout color that blends with the tile. If there are multiple colors in the tile, the best way to blend the grout to the tile is to choose a grout color that most closely resembles the color on edge of the tile. Since there are so many tiles offered and only a handful of grout colors, choose the color that blends best with the tile. The grout doesn’t have to match exactly. (The actual color will vary slightly from the sample anyway)

You may have a concern for dirt and staining of your grout. This doesn’t mean that you have to choose a grout color that is much darker than your tile. Be aware that you can still use a light grout color in high traffic areas, but you would need to seal it in order to protect it from staining.

Another goal may be to use the grout color to tie in an accent color. Be advised that your home’s accent color may change and you will be stuck with the accent grout color. There are ways to change grout colors, but why take the risk?!? Make use of your accent colors in other areas such as home decor items and art.

If you choose a grout color that changes the appearance of your tile floor in a way you were not expecting, know that you can change the grout color. The grout can be removed, but this needs to be done by a professional because the edges of the tile can be permanently damaged during the grout removal process. Another alternative is to use grout stain. This is much easier and can be performed by you if you have  the time and patience!

When shopping for a new tile floor, feel free to ask a Pierce Flooring representative for advice on the right grout color. We’ve made these decisions many times and can offer advice about how to achieve the look and feel you are going for.