• Carpet Care 2000
  • Carpet Care 2000
  • Carpet Care 2000

When to Use Sanded or Non-Sanded Grout on Tile Floors in San Ramon, CA; Joint Size, Type of Tile & Cleaning Maintenance

Now that you have figured out the right tile for your home, you need to make another decision. What type of grout do you want to use? There are different types of grout that are used with different types of tile. Not only are there different types, but different colors as well. Some work better for certain areas in your home than others will. Carpet Care 2000 is here to talk about your options when it comes to grout. Hopefully you will be able to make a better educated decision when we are done!
 

Difference Between Sanded and Non-Sanded Grout

The biggest difference between these grouts is obviously the presence of sand. Unsanded grout is a Portland cement based substance with powdered pigments and water. There are also grouts made from epoxy that consist of a resin and hardener. Sanded cement based grouts are very similar to the ones mentioned above, they just have sand mixed in with them.
 

When to Use Non-Sanded Grout

Whether you are using cement based or epoxy grout, they can both have the presence of sand if that is recommended. When using unsanded grout, you need to have joints that are less than 1/8 inch wide. This type of grout works well for vertical surfaces like walls. It clings well to surfaces and that makes it a great choice for wall tiles.
 

When to Use Sanded Grout

Sanded grout can be used on wall tiles, but the biggest thing that will make you decide on sanded grout is the size of the joints. If the joints are more than 1/8 inch wide, you will want to use a sanded grout. This grout is a great option because it resists shrinkage and cracking. It can be used for smaller joints, but because it is a bulkier grout, it can be difficult to avoid pinholes in the finished product. If your joints are more than 3/8 inch wide, you will need a grout that is heavily sanded. This is usually known and labeled as a wide-joint mixture.
 

How to Choose Grout to Match Tile

When choosing your grout, a big factor is the joint size, but the type of tile you are choosing also needs to be taken into consideration. If you are using tile that has a very smooth, polished surface like marble, you will want to avoid sanded grout because it can scratch the tile surface. You want to make sure you are choosing the right grout for whatever tile choice you have made.
 

Tile & Grout Cleaning & Sealing in Tracy, Livermore, San Ramon, Dublin, Ripon, Mountain House, Walnut Creek, Danville & the East Bay of California

A big part of safeguarding the investment you make in your tile floor is proper cleaning. You should have them cleaned professionally one to two times a year. This will keep your floor in the same condition it was in the day it was installed. Having Carpet Care 2000 professionally clean your tile and grout will extend the life of your tile floor. Call us today to set up an appointment to clean your tile floor.

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