Every dad wants to tackle the job of grouting tiles but doesn’t know the entire process or the best way to do it.
In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to grout tiles on the floor or wall and ensure you know everything to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
Table of Contents
What Materials Do You Need?
Before you get ready to start, double-check to see if you have everything necessary to grout floor tiles or wall tiles. Here is what I recommend:
Grout (I recommend BrickFlex for its versatility)
Clean water
Mixing bucket
Grout float
Sponge
Scraper or trowel
Clean rags
How To Grout Tiles
Step 1
Open your grout bag and pour a small amount into the mixing bucket. Remember that some grout goes a long way, especially with larger tiles with fewer grout lines.
Slowly pour the water while mixing the powder until you achieve a thick paste consistency. Avoid making it too soupy—you want the grout to fill the joints between tiles and stay on the tiles.
Step 2
The first step is to scoop some grout using your grout float and work it into all the joints between the tiles. Initially, you must work it in very well to create a seal and prevent water from seeping through.
The most important thing is to completely fill every gap; otherwise, you could end up with holes later. When you push the grout in, hold the float flat and scrape off the excess by angling it.
Step 3
You’ll want to keep your workspace as tidy as possible when grouting floor tiles. Have a scraper to remove unwanted or old grout on the tile surfaces.
This will help you massively down the line when sponging the tiles clean with a damp tile sponge.
Step 4
Once you’ve applied enough grout, set it aside for around 10 minutes for the initial setting process. When you touch it, the grout should be solid but damp.
If it is too soft and you can imbed your fingertip, you must wait longer for it to harden.
Step 6
Repeat the sponging process to ensure all the excess grout is removed from the tile face. Use fresh water for cleaning the tiles, which is clean; this means you will need to change them fairly often.
Once you have applied the grout for the first time, let it dry a little bit more and then come back with a clean, damp sponge for a final pass to wipe off any haze left over.
Step 7
A close inspection of your grout lines is a must. If you find any holes or gaps, you can continue filling them with a little extra grout. Push it into the hole and flatten it out just like you did before.
Step 8
When you have checked the grout lines, clean your tools and dispose of any dirty water.
The grout can then cure fully, which often suggests around 24 hours before it can get wet or walked on.
Enjoy Your Beautiful Tiled Floor
Your tiles will have now been successfully grouted. Sit back with a cuppa and enjoy your hard work.
FAQ's
For best results, let the grout sit for 15-30 minutes before wiping, depending on the room temperature and humidity. In warmer conditions, you should start wiping sooner, as the grout will dry faster.
Watch for the grout to become firm but not completely dry. When you press your finger against it and leave a slight impression, it’s ready for wiping. If you wait too long, the grout can harden on your tiles, making cleanup much more difficult.
Start with a small area and gather all necessary tools: grout float, sponges, buckets, and mixing tools. Mix small batches of grout to prevent it from drying out while you work.
Apply the grout diagonally across the tiles using your float at a 45-degree angle, ensuring complete joint coverage. Work in manageable sections of about 10 square feet at a time.
This methodical approach helps beginners control the grouting process and achieve professional-looking results.
No, applying new grout over old grout is not recommended. It won’t properly adhere and could lead to crumbling and water damage.
Instead, remove the old grout using a grout saw or oscillating tool to a depth of at least 1/8 inch. Clean the joints thoroughly of all debris before applying new grout. This extra preparation time ensures a lasting, waterproof seal between your tiles.
Uneven grout lines often result from inconsistent pressure when applying the grout or improper cleaning technique.
Use steady, even pressure with your float when applying grout, and clean in diagonal motions across the tiles.
Also, ensure your grout mixture maintains the same consistency throughout the project. Wait for grout to cure fully (usually 48-72 hours) before evaluating the final appearance, as it may look different when completely dry.
Don’t wipe the grout immediately after application. The initial cleaning should be done when the grout has started to firm up but isn’t completely dry.
After the first wipe with a damp sponge, wait about an hour before doing a second cleaning to remove any remaining haze. Use clean water for each wipe, and avoid using excessive water, which can weaken the grout.
Medium grey or charcoal grout colours typically show less dirt and staining over time. While white grout provides a clean look initially, it shows dirt more readily and requires more frequent cleaning.
When selecting grout colour, consider your tile colour, room usage, and maintenance preferences. Darker grout colours are generally more practical and maintain their appearance longer in high-traffic areas.
How to Grout Tiles in 8 Steps
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