Learn the differences between unsanded and sanded grout to opt the serious product for your tiling project .
So you ’ve finally narrow down yourfavorite tileand even chosen the perfectgrout colorwhen you ’re depart with a choice you did n’t anticipate : sanded vs. unsanded grout . So what ’s the difference between them , and which is ripe for you ?
If you ’re regrouting be tile to update the look or because thegrout is dirtyor crack , you call for to absent the old grout and exchange it with new because fresh grout wo n’t adhere to subsist grout . If you ’re doing this , you may require to hire a professional since you ’ll need to use a mellow - speed slant grinder , and some tiles can be well cut or damaged during the process .
Credit:(L) Edward Gohlich, (R) Meredith Corporation
( L ) Edward Gohlich , ( R ) Meredith Corporation
Many factors limit whether you should choose sanded vs. unsanded grout , from the surface you ’re tile to thetype of tileyou’re using . Even the width of your grout lines affects this decision . Learn the difference between sanded and raw grout and which is unspoilt for your roofing tile projection .
What Is Grout?
Grout is a material that fill the gap between tile . After software , grout hardens , connecting the roofing tile to one another and strengthening the full tile control surface . Additionally , grout protect the substrate by maintain liquid and other foreign object from penetrating the gap between the tile . Grout is sometimes confused for thinset , which is the trench mortar that holds the roofing tile to the substratum .
What Is Sanded Grout?
In the DIY region , the terminus " sandpaper " might make you think of a material that ’s beensmoothed by a sander . However , sanded grout does n’t refer to the grout being sanded with a sander . alternatively , sand grout is grout that has ok sand added to it . Regarding the cost of sanded vs. unsanded grout , sanded is generally less expensive and can be used in most tile coating .
What Is Unsanded Grout?
Sometimes call up non - sanded grout , unsanded grout include no Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin in its constitution . Unsanded grout is more expensive than sanded grout but can be a better choice for specific applications .
Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: When to Use Which
For most applications , sanded grout will do the job . It ’s cheaper , firm , and available in more people of color . However , some tile line necessitate raw grout , so it ’s deserving knowing the key differences between sanded and unsanded grout before purchasinggrout for a projection .
Sanded Grout Is Best for Floors
Because sandpaper grout is stronger , denser , and loosely more long-lived than unsanded grout , it ’s the preferredgrout for roofing tile floors . First , roofing tile base typically have wider articulation , which require sanded grout . Second , roofing tile base encounter much more wear and snag than roofing tile wall , and they benefit from the supplementary effectiveness of the sanded grout .
Sanded Grout Is Best for Wide Grout Lines
While you’re able to easily work unsanded grout into a large grout join , it wo n’t perform well in joints expectant than 1/8 inch , as it has a tendency to break through and wither . Sanded grout is a superior option for joints rove from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch .
For tile joints beyond 3/8 in , front for grout that ’s plan for use in wide joints .
Unsanded Grout Is Best for Narrow Grout Lines
sandpaper grout is thicker than raw grout , making it unmanageable to work into narrow-minded grout junction . This will not only result in inefficient work but also discrepant filling , as the loggerheaded sanded grout plainly wo n’t fill up the narrow-minded roast .
While you might be tempted to add more water supply to sanded grout to make it sluttish to work into the narrow joint , doing so will lead to slumping and something call " pinholing " , which is a effect of the surplus water vaporize as the grout dries , leaving cavity behind . The grout above the cavities will collapse over time , resulting in visible holes on the grout ’s surface .
Sanded Grout Cracks Less Than Unsanded Grout
Sanded grout performs intimately under pressure than unsanded grout , leading to less cracking and shrink , realize sandpaper grout better for applications like floor or any tile control surface subject to weight and pressure .
Unsanded Grout is Better for Vertical Surfaces
In most cases , sanded grout can be used on walls , but you ’ll probably have near results with unsanded grout . Unsanded grout ’s polymers , along with its deficiency of sand , make it stickier than sanded grout , helping it stay in perpendicular grout lines without sink . This makes it much easy to achieve capital upshot when groutingshower wallsand backsplashes .
Unsanded Grout Won’t Scratch Tiles
The moxie that ’s added to sandpaper grout makes the solution coarse . Sanded grout can leave scratch line and swirls if used on smooth tiles such as glass , marble , and limestone . Unsanded grout is smooth and does n’t contain the same silica aggregate , clear it ideal for scratch - barren program around soft tiles .
Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout Costs
If cost plays a role in decide between sanded vs. unsanded grout , consider sandpaper pick to save money . On average , unsanded grout is near twice the cost of sanded grout . This significant toll variant come down to the make-up of the two materials , as including inexpensive sand as a filler significantly cuts the cost of sanded grout . Additionally , raw grout must expend more expensive polymers to make up the void left by the guts .
How to Keep Grout in Good Condition
Whether sandpaper or unsanded , keeping grout in good conditionstarts with right app . Pay limited aid to the manufacturer ’s instructions when blend and lend oneself the grout , and always heed the specified drying and bring around times . Unless your grout enunciate otherwise , always seal off both unsanded and sandpaper grout to ensure water can not permeate the grout and compromise the substratum .
