How to Apply Tile Grout in 7 Easy Steps

Have you just tiled your kitchen, bathroom, or hallway floor? Applying grout is essential to achieving a clean, durable finish. Although grouting is a manageable DIY project, it requires proper preparation and attention to detail.

What type of grout should you choose? How can you fill the joints properly without making a mess? How long should you wait before cleaning the surface? Discover how to apply tile grout in 7 steps, from choosing the right materials to adding the finishing touches.

What Type of Tile Grout Should You Choose?

Grout fills the spaces between ceramic tiles and gives them a uniform finish. Several products are available on the market, each designed for different surfaces and conditions.

Before choosing your grout, consider where the tiles are installed, the width of the joints, the type of tile and the finish you want to achieve.

Different Types of Tile Grout

Here are the main options available:

• Sanded grout: Generally used for wider joints, particularly those measuring approximately ⅛ inch (3 mm) or more, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

• Unsanded grout: Particularly suitable for narrow joints and certain tiles that could be scratched by sand.

• Cement-based grout: A common product that generally needs to be mixed with water before application.

• Premixed grout: Sold ready to use, eliminating the mixing step.

• Epoxy grout: Known for its resistance to moisture and stains, although it can be more challenging to apply.

• High-performance grout: Designed to offer enhanced properties, such as improved stain resistance or greater colour consistency.

Your choice also depends on where the grout will be applied. A kitchen floor, backsplash and shower are exposed to different conditions.

In areas exposed to water, choose a product specifically designed for that purpose. However, keep in mind that grout does not replace a waterproofing membrane behind the tiles.

To learn more, check out our article on the different types of tile grout and how to maintain them.

How to Choose the Right Grout Colour

Grout comes in a wide variety of colours, allowing you to customize the appearance of your tile installation.

Choosing a grout colour similar to your tiles creates a uniform, subtle appearance. In contrast, a contrasting colour highlights the shape of the tiles and the installation pattern.

Also consider maintenance. Very light-coloured grout can make dirt more noticeable, particularly on high-traffic floors.

How to Apply Tile Grout in 7 Steps

Once you've selected the right product, you can begin applying it. Follow these steps to achieve uniform, long-lasting grout joints.

1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

To make the job easier, prepare all your materials before starting.

If you're using cement-based grout, you'll need:

• A bucket or large container

• A trowel or suitable mixing tool

• Water, according to the manufacturer's instructions

For application and cleaning, you'll also need:

• Masking tape

• Protective gloves

• A rubber grout float

• A grout sponge

• Clean cloths

• A spray bottle filled with water, if necessary

• Your chosen grout

• A grout sealer and applicator, if the product requires sealing

Having all your tools within reach will help you work efficiently, especially if your grout begins to harden quickly.

2. Prepare and Protect the Surface

Before applying grout, make sure the tiles are securely attached and that the tile adhesive or thin-set mortar has cured sufficiently, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Thoroughly clean the tile surface and the spaces between the tiles to remove dust, residue and any other particles that could interfere with grout application.

If you're working near a wall, countertop or cabinet, protect the surrounding surfaces with masking tape and protective sheeting.

3. Mix the Tile Grout

If you're using powdered cement-based grout, prepare the mixture according to the water-to-grout ratio indicated on the packaging. Mix until you achieve a uniform consistency that's firm enough to stay in the joints but flexible enough to spread easily.

Some products require a resting period before being mixed again. This can take approximately 10 minutes, although the exact time varies depending on the formulation. Avoid adding too much water, as this could weaken the joints, cause colour variations and lead to shrinkage during curing.

Prepare enough grout for your project, allowing a small amount for waste. For larger surfaces, mix smaller batches to prevent the grout from hardening before you can apply it.

4. Apply Grout Between the Tiles

Before starting, check whether the manufacturer recommends lightly dampening the surface. This can be useful for certain products but isn't appropriate for every type of grout.

1. Using a rubber grout float, spread the product over a small section of the tiled surface.

2. Hold the float at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and move it diagonally across the joints. This technique helps push the grout into the spaces between the tiles.

3. Hold the float at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and move it diagonally across the joints. This technique helps push the grout into the spaces between the tiles.

Work gradually, covering small sections at a time. This gives you enough time to remove excess grout before it begins to harden.

5. Remove Excess Grout From the Joints

Once the joints are filled, use your grout float to remove the first layer of excess grout. Hold it at a steep angle to the surface and move diagonally to avoid pulling grout out of the joints.

Next, allow the grout to begin setting before the initial cleaning. For some products, this may take 10 to 20 minutes, but always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Gently wipe the tiles with a slightly damp sponge, using diagonal movements. Rinse the sponge frequently and wring it out thoroughly. Too much water can dilute the grout, alter its colour or weaken the joints. Avoid wiping directly along the joints, as this could remove freshly applied grout.

6. Clean the Tiles and Smooth the Grout Joints

After the initial cleaning, inspect the joints. They should be evenly filled and have a consistent finish. If necessary, use a suitable, slightly damp sponge to gently correct minor irregularities while the grout is still workable. Avoid smoothing the joints with your bare fingers.

Once the grout has hardened sufficiently, a thin whitish film may remain on the tile surface. Remove this grout haze with a soft, dry cloth or according to the manufacturer's recommended cleaning method. If residue remains, use only a cleaning product compatible with both the grout and tile material. Certain acidic cleaners can damage natural stone.

For more tips, read our article on cleaning ceramic bathroom floor tiles.

7. Allow the Grout to Cure and Apply Sealer if Necessary

After application, allow the grout to cure for the period recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid walking on freshly grouted surfaces or exposing them to water before the specified curing time has passed. In a shower, pay particular attention to the manufacturer's instructions before using the shower again.

Some cement-based grouts require a sealer to improve their resistance to moisture and stains. Other products already have protective properties and don't require additional treatment.

When sealing is recommended, make sure the grout has cured sufficiently before applying the product with a brush or an appropriate applicator. Immediately remove any excess sealer from the tiles and follow the drying time indicated on the packaging.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Applying Tile Grout?

Although applying grout is relatively straightforward, certain mistakes can compromise the appearance and durability of the joints.

Here are the most common ones:

• Adding too much water to the mixture: The grout may lose strength or develop an uneven colour.

• Choosing a product that's incompatible with the tiles: Certain grouts can scratch or stain delicate surfaces.

• Working on too large an area: The grout may begin to harden before you've finished cleaning.

• Using an overly wet sponge: Excess water can weaken the joints and cause discolouration.

• Cleaning too early or too late: Cleaning too soon can remove grout from the joints, while waiting too long makes residue more difficult to remove.

• Ignoring curing times: Using the surface prematurely can compromise the final result.

Finally, remember that changes of plane, such as where a wall meets a floor or in shower corners, generally require a compatible flexible sealant rather than rigid grout.

Achieve Long-Lasting Tile Grout with Proper Application

Source: 2626985 Ontario Limited

Applying tile grout properly improves the appearance of your tiled surfaces and helps protect the spaces between tiles from dirt buildup. For a long-lasting result, take the time to choose a suitable product, prepare the surface correctly and follow each application step carefully.

Although grouting can be a DIY project, hiring a professional tile installer may be preferable for large surfaces, delicate materials or complex installations.

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