Grout Lines
There’s no question tile
is an excellent surface in the home. It’s extremely beautiful and durable. Part of what makes tile surfaces so durable and beautiful is grout. Grout is the material that fills in the gaps between tile. Beyond it’s structural purpose, it also creates another design option. Grout is available in a variety of colors and its visual qualities will have an effect on the tile you choose and the room it’s in. Here’s some things to consider when choosing the right grout for your home.
Color
Beyond design, there are a few color-function qualities to consider when choosing a grout color that will impact maintenance. For instance, although your grout will be sealed, it is a porous material. Extremely dark and extremely light color grout will be susceptible to showing dirt and stains more so than neutral colors. If your tile surface is going in a high-traffic area, be sure to choose a color that will wear well.
Stain
If you’re thinking of reviving or restoring an existing surface or have a discolored grout problem, consider a grout stain. A grout stain works similar to a wood stain. It penetrates and adheres to the porous grout surface and can even out discoloration or change the over all color. This could be a more affordable option than removing and replacing the grout.
Contrast
Put simply, contrast is the difference between light and dark. The balance between light shapes and dark shapes will impact what your eye focuses on, because our eyes give priority to high-contrast color pairs. What this means for your tile and grout is pairing a dark grout with a light color tile or a dark tile with a light color grout will really make the tile surface stand out in a room.
Width
There’s no hard-set rules when it comes to deciding the width of your grout line. However there is a threshold for compromising the strength of surface. Smaller tiles will warrant thinner grout lines. Usually, grout lines will range between ⅛” and ½”.
Maintenance
Like any porous surface, grout should be sealed. If your tile surface is new, the sealant will be the last step of installation. The quality and lifespan of sealers varies. In general, grout should be sealed annually, but some high-quality sealants are rated for multiple years. Check the manufacturer’s directions for details.
