How to grout

Grout is an essential component to your tiling installation; it prevents water from finding its way through the purposely-left spacing between your tiles causing tile failure. It also provides a finishing touch which can transform your project, available in a variety of types and colours you just need to select the right one for your project.

Here's a quick how-to video to show you the technique and process, with more detailed information available below on the types of grout and what you'll need for your tiling project.

• Internally tiled walls with a minimum joint width of 1mm (movement dependent)
• Internally tiled floors with a minimum joint width of 2mm (movement dependent), a ready mixed grout is not suitable for floors.
• Exterior tiled walls with a minimum joint width of 1mm (movement dependent). Use a frost resistant cementitious grout and use admixture if required (see manufacturer’s guidelines). A ready mixed grout is not suitable for outdoors.
• Exterior tiled floors, use a frost resistant cementitious grout and use admixture if required (see manufacturer’s guidelines). A ready mixed grout is not suitable for outdoors.
• Hygienic facilities, use an epoxy grout (see manufacturer’s guidelines).
• Swimming pools with a maximum joint width of 3mm, use a frost resistant cementitious grout. A ready mixed grout is not suitable for outdoors or swimming pool areas.
• Floors with underfloor heating with a minimum joint width of 3mm, a flexible grout is required.
• Wet rooms or shower wall with a minimum joint width of 2mm (movement dependent). Non-flexible and ready mixed grouts are not suitable for use with power showers.

You’ll need the following tools to complete the job to a professional standard:

Suitable grout, see manufacture’s guidelines | Mixing Paddle | Clean mixing bucket | Suitable grouting float | Bucket trowel | Grouting sponge | PPE | Tile Polishing Cloth | Wash Kit (including grout clean up pads) | Porcelain or Stone Cement Residue Remover

Before grouting check for any potential staining risk, apply grout to a leftover tile or offcut. If discoloration occurs or difficulties are encountered with cleaning off any surplus grout, apply BAL Protective Sealer and repeat the trial.

Ensure all your grout lines are clean and free from debris and dust, also make sure there’s no excess adhesive residue by removing it with a damp sponge. And most importantly, ensure the adhesive is completely dry before grouting (check the adhesive packaging for drying times).

You can either lift out or push the tile spacers further into the adhesive bed so they don’t obstruct any of the grout joints. Lastly, have a bucket of cold clean water ready. If you’re grouting porous tiles in temperatures above 25°C, dampen the joints with clean water first. It’s not advised to grout in temperatures below 5°C or in damp conditions.

Tiling in hot and humid weather will dramatically alter the setting times so always mix up small quantities, grout and clean off a little at a time in warmer conditions.

Remember not to grout the perimeter joint of the floor or the internal joints of the walls, complete the job by sealing the perimeter and internal joints with BAL Micromax2 Silicone sealant, which can be colour matched to the BAL Micromax3 grout.

When grouting tiles, you should make the same considerations when choosing your grout as you do when choosing your adhesive. For example, if grouting a floating floor, you will need to consider the need for extra flexibility to cope with the additional movement in the floor. See our individual fixing guides for the most relevant grouting advice for your project type.

Mix water and grout powder in a mixing bucket as instructed on the packaging as different grouts require differing quantities of water, also bearing in mind not to mix too much as it will harden quickly. Place some grout on the tiles, hold the grout float at a 45° angle and apply the grout ensuring all the joints are filled. Once all the joints between the tiles are grouted (working in small areas), allow approx. 15 minutes for the grout to touch dry (at 20°C). Using a dampened sponge (not wet), clean the surface diagonally to the grout lines.

Rinse out the sponge frequently with clean water. Don’t apply too much pressure on the grout joints and don’t over wash them, if you do it will remove the pigment out of the surface of the grout and white patches will appear in the grout. If you have over-washed this can be easily solved by gently sanding off the top layer of the grout with fine sandpaper. Allow approx. 60 minutes for the grout to set sufficiently within the joints, polish the tile surface with dry clean cloth.

As stated in the instructions, if completing a shower, do not use the shower for at least two weeks to allow the grout to fully cure. For more information on grouting a wet room or power shower, read our full grouting guide.