Learn the difference between grouts, and how to tell which type and color is right for your tile, your space, and the look you want to achieve.
Cement-based grout
Of the three basic grout types, the most common is Portland cement-based grout. Named Portland because the color of the unmixed grout resembles a stone from the Isle of Portland, cement-based grout is available in sanded, unsanded, and latex-modified varieties.
Sanded and unsanded cement-based grouts are the least expensive and the easiest for homeowners to work with. They are easy to find in home improvement stores, and come in a wide variety of colors. When choosing sanded or unsanded grout, think about the size of the spaces between tiles and the tile product you are using. Sand makes grout more durable and resistant to cracking or shrinking, and should be used if the joints, or spaces between tiles, are larger than 1/8 inch. Sand is abrasive, however, and should not be used on polished tiles like glass or marble unless the tiles are protected with tape.
Modifying cement-based grout with latex makes the grout more water-resistant than other cement-based grout products. Some cement-based grout mixes include latex, or latex can be added during the mixing process. Latex additives have the additional benefit of making grout colors more vivid.
Epoxy and Furan Grouts
Occasionally, a tile project will require the use of a specialized epoxy or furan grout. These grouts are more expensive, harder to find, and more difficult to install than cement-based grout, but have the benefit of being resistant to damage by chemicals. If you are installing tile in an area where you need an extremely strong or water-resistant grout, epoxy grout may be a good choice. Epoxy grout is available in sanded or unsanded varieties. Named because it contains furfuryl alchohol instead of water, furan grout is a highly specialized grout that can withstand damage by many chemicals, including acids. It is the most difficult grout to apply, and comes only in black. If you have a specialized tile project, such as a scientific laboratory or a workshop, discuss grout choices with a licensed contractor. Think carefully about what your tile and grout will need to withstand, because there are chemicals that epoxy grout withstands and furan does not, and chemicals that furan grout withstands and epoxy grout does not.
Grout Color
Once you've decided on cement, epoxy, or furan grout, and know if you want sand or latex added, you are ready to choose a color for your grout. Base your decision on practicality, thinking about where you'll use your tile, as well as the look of your tile and your decorating scheme.
As you choose a grout color, think first about where the tile will be. Light colored grout is impractical for areas that get dirty quickly, such as entryways. For high-traffic areas, choose a color that won't need to be scrubbed daily to maintain its look. For bathrooms, consider gray or light-brown grout; white grout yellows in wet areas.
Next, consider the tile itself. Light colors draw attention to the tile itself, and are a good choice if you blew your whole budget on a tile that you really want to showcase. Light grouts are also good at hiding imperfections in tile spacing. Darker colors, in addition to being highly stain resistant, draw attention to the pattern of the tile. If you've worked hard to lay your tile in an unusual pattern, consider a darker grout. Be careful working with dark grout, though, as it is harder to clean from the tiles during application.
After deciding on the type and color of grout that you want to use to finish your tile project, test it out. If there is no inconspicuous area in the space you're tiling, adhere a few leftover or broken tiles to a bit of plywood. With luck, your grout will not scratch or stain your tiles, and the look will be as fabulous as you expected.
