When you’re planning a tile project, the colour and type of grout you choose is just as important as the colour and type of tile you choose. This is mainly because both elements have to go hand-in-hand if you want the finished project to look as beautiful and complete as you imagine it during the design phase.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the different types of grout and how to choose the right colour for your job, as well as how to maintain it so it will look like new for years to come.
Types of Grout
The two most common types of grout are cement-based and epoxy-based, and both of these come available in sanded and un-sanded varieties.
Cement-based grout is the least expensive, most commonly used, and most widely available type of grout. Our brands Mapei & Kerakoll produce two well known ranges called Ultracolor Plus & Fugabella Color respectively. Both ranges have a huge selection of colours and you are bound to find a match to your tile.
Grouts featuring epoxy, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive, and trickier to apply. They have the added benefit of being waterproof & stainproof. We recommend this product if you are selecting tiles for your bathroom, shower, kitchen or garden that are light in colour and you do not want your grout to discolour. Always check with your installer that they're comfortable with working epoxy. Below is a demonstration video explaining the Fugalite Bio range - our stocked range of epoxy grouts.
Choosing the Right Grout Colour
Much like paint, grout can be manufactured in a very wide array of colours and tones. And as you might expect, the grout you choose will have a dramatic impact on your overall project. This is why we recommend choosing several sample grout colours and spacing them around your tile sample. At European Heritage we offer over 100 different colours of grout from Mapei & Kerakoll's Ultracolor Plus, Keracolor Flex & Fugabella Color ranges. Here are three options to keep in mind when comparing grout colours.
Matching Colours: If you choose a grout colour that matches the colour of your tile, then the grout lines will become less pronounced. This is a good option if you’re using extraordinarily beautiful tiles that you want to showcase.
Contrasting Colours: If you choose a contrasting colour for your grout, you will be able to create a finished project that draws attention to the layout of the tile. This is ideal for projects using highly detailed geometric or decorative tiling patterns. Another popular style is to use dark-coloured grout with white subway tiles.
Neutral Colours: Choosing a grout that’s grey, beige, brown, or another light neutral colour is arguably the safest bet. These colour tones are ideal for those who want their project to look good in the traditional sense.
Maintaining Your Grout
The most important thing you can do to maintain your grout is to seal it once it is cured. Preferably, you will want to use a “breathable” penetrating sealant because this type of sealant is less likely to peel or turn cloudy with trapped moisture when compared to sealers that consist of “membrane-forming” elements.
The key to success is applying the sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once sealed, your grout will require regular cleaning from time to time to maintain its beauty and to preserve its integrity. Using a quality grout cleaner from a brand like Fila or Lithofin will help prevent grease, mildew, and detergents from building up and wearing down your grout over time.
Need Help Choosing the Right Grout? Visit European Heritage
European Heritage is the UK’s premier source of tile, grout, and tile cleaning and maintenance products. If you need assistance choosing the right grout for your project or you know what you want, just visit one of our European Heritage showrooms or shop our website online, and you’ll find all of the resources you need.