Proper Grout For Porcelain Floor Tiles
To grout a tile floor start in the farthest corner of the room scoop some grout on the floor with a trowel and use a grout float to spread the grout over a small joint.
Proper grout for porcelain floor tiles. There are four basic types of grout. Demonstration of tile grouting technique using correct technique with tips for best practices. Types of grout for ceramic tile. This is used for floor tiles where the joints are 1 8 to 3 8 wide.
This thickness leaves room for the natural variation in size and the perfectly imperfect edges of handmade tile. While grout sealer doesn t prevent moisture from penetrating it does help block. We recommend a 3 16 grout size for our ceramic tile line. Work in a small area at a time roughly a 3 x 3 foot section.
Note that using the smallest grout possible will increase installation time. Spread the material in sweeping arcs pressing it into the joints to fill them completely. Use a hard edged rubber grout float and hold it at a 45 degree angle. Unsanded fine sanded quarry type and epoxy.
After working in the porcelain tile grout use a clean trowel to do another swipe across the grout area to remove any excess grout from the tiles. This is used for wall tiles where the grout joint is less than 1 8 wide. The weak link in a porcelain floor or any tile floor for that matter is the grout between the tiles. Sanded grout is normally recommended when the grout seams are 1 8 inch wide or more as the sand provides extra bonding power that prevents cracking.
Special types such as slate or quarry tiles often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing. Working in roughly four square foot sections proceed across the room pressing and wiping the grout down into the lines. Finished grout lines will vary from 1 16 to 3 16. Use this method for both pre mixed and powdered grout.
The grout should completely fill the lines. As a general rule floor tiles should have grout lines of 1 8 inch or larger depending on the type and size of tile. You should wait another 3 hours before going over the tiles once more. On vertical surfaces apply grout upward.
Use whichever side or corner of the float is necessary to fully compress grout into the entire joint. Apply the grout diagonally across the tile joints to squish the grout into the joints photo 5. Then wait 15 30 minutes for the grout to set before wiping off excess grout with water and a grout sponge. If smaller spacers like 1 8 are used it will accentuate the size difference of handmade tile.
Grouting may seem scary but it doesn t need to be. Most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches but larger versions are available.