Asked on Nov 18, 2018
How do I put grout on porcelain tile flooring?
by
Ginny
+7
Throughout our entire-living areas ( minus our bedrooms,using carpeting); we are putting down beautiful italian porcelain tiles from Italy. We are using the long rectangular shape ( 48 x 8). I’ve finally found the perfect medium gray distressed-wood look that we have been longing for. The look is very-beachy; with mostly gray, hint of white, hint of light blue throughout;, plus you can see the round-knots on some of the pieces ( it’s exactly what you see when you cut a tree (round circles). My question is; when applying the grout; we need to be careful not-to make the “grout” standout! We want the beautiful wood-look porcelain pieces to shine. Should we be using a much (lighter-gray shade) of grout, (so the tiles will stand out)? I need to be careful with this one; as the tiles were quite costly. I’m concerned that using a darker-grout, could takeaway from the beauty of the wood-look tiles! Thanks for your help & responses.. Ginny
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You can experiment with colors. Take two pieces of tile and space them the width you will use on the floor. Put grout between them to see what color you like best. Do this on waxed paper or other nonstick material. Grout is cheap so if you need to buy 3 or 4 bags the cost will be minimal.
Set the tiles without spacing between or minimal spacing. Use a grey that is close to the main color of the tile. (Sometimes I'll squint to see the color that disappears best.)
A lighter color grout will look stark and get dirty while a darker grout will frame the tile.
Sounds like it will be a wonderful floor.
Perhaps you can take a tile with you and look at the various grays and see which will look the best. I would think something close to the main grey in the tile would be best. A lighter or contrasting color would stand out compared to the tiles.
Whoever you have installing your tile should have a sample with them. If you're doing it you're self (which I don't advise), take a sample to a tile store and match it with a darker color in the tile. Floors get dirty and it really shows on floors.