HOW TO PICK YOUR GROUT!

Are you looking forward to new tile floors? Beautiful and elegant ceramic tile floors can really define a room or space in any home.  While your main concern will be choosing the perfect tile for your home, you don’t want to forget the grout. Choosing the right grout color means more than just matching colors.

There was a time when white was the most popular of grout colors. It gives a clean crisp look but there are so many more colors to play with when choosing grout and for so many good reasons. Colored grout can make a tile floor look seamless and create an elegant flow to a room. Colored grout can also camouflage dirt and grime in some heavy traffic areas and prevent mildew and mold in moisture prone areas.

Grout consists of a mixture of water, sand and cement.  It is applied as a paste or mud like liquid that will harden.  A variety of colored tints can be added to the mixture and as the grout dries the color will vary slightly from when it is wet. Tile edges tend to crack and chip so the function of grout is to protect the tile’s edges.

When you choose your grout color, look at the four corners of your tile. Use grout samples and place several different colors next to your tile to help you make the correct choice. Be sure to seal the grout that is in heavy foot traffic areas to maintain its color.  Grout can be stained again if there is a color loss due to fading from the sun or discoloration from strong household cleaners.

Choosing the right grout color can change the way your whole tile project looks.  Choose a dark color grout and light tile to create a dramatic effect.  Choose a color that compliments or matches the color of the tile and it will create a uniform look in some cases practically making the grout invisible. A contrasting color in grout can help neutralize a multi-colored mosaic tile.  Accent some of the colors in your tile by choosing grouts that match those colors. Have fun with your grout choice!

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read this article and hoped you enjoyed it.  If you’d like more information on laminates, hardwoods, bamboo, carpet, tile, natural stone, or any other types of flooring, please contact ProSource of Columbia at 803-933-9088 or visit our website at www.prosourcefloors.com/columbia.