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missindie1

Glass subway tile and sanded grout. Anyone have issues with it?

7 years ago

We have my backsplash in, at least on the main wall. Now I have to decide on the grout. BF thinks we should use sanded grout due to the 1/8" grout line, but I have read where the grout can scratch the glass, and to use unsanded. Also see where many pros prefer and use sanded with no problems. I guess I will have to buy some of both and test it out. The BF thinks I am overthinking things...but man I would be so pissed if my tiles got scratched. :-(

This is the tile...

Anyone have any experiences they can share?

Comments (13)

  • 7 years ago

    Thanks! White grout - it makes a bold distinct look that I like. I looked at so many tiles, but I kept coming back to this one. :-)

  • 7 years ago

    Like beth09, no help here. :) But I've got breath held and all fingers crossed for ya!

  • 7 years ago

    1/8 is fine for either. I'd do unsanded.

    Chessie thanked Milly Rey
  • 7 years ago

    I looked at so many tiles, but I kept coming back to this one. :-)

    Than that's the one you should get. Looking forward to the reveal.

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Definitely unsanded ! Did a job a number of years ago- same type of glass tile- tried the sanded- scratched the he++ out of it. Luckily was a sample area. The trick to using unsanded in 1/8 deep joints- use a stiffer mix. A little less working time, but a LOT less shrinkage.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Neither. Use a modern grout with microfines for body to the fill, so it won’t crack but that isn’t cement based. Using unsanded in too large grout joints will shrink and crack. And you cannot do small enough grout lines in most glass to use unsanded. Or, you shouldn’t if you don’t want lippage. Better have that wall dead flat too as part of your prep. If it isn’t, you will have even more issues with lippage and uneven grout lines.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Tile is in already. No lippage issues to worry about. So what do you consider to be a “ modern grout with micro fines”?

  • 7 years ago

    Bostik Dimensions is a top notch choice with glass. It keeps glass’s luninosity.

    Chessie thanked User
  • 7 years ago

    Yes I had looked at the Bostik. Unfortunately it does not come in white so it's not an option for me.

  • 7 years ago

    No way would I do white with that dark gray tile. A medium to light gray. White will show all of those uneven grout lines.

  • 7 years ago
    Sophie is right as usual about the grout color. I would try to match the glass color rather contrast with white.
    This was in my former home. The greenish tile had a matching color grout. I did want the overall color for the backsplash, but not contrast of a lighter grout. It was perfect for me.
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Really do appreciate the advice, but the grout will be white. I've given thought to using a gray, but it just looks too "eh" for me. The contrasting look is why I chose gray tile in the first place. I love it. I don't care for matching the tile color with the grout - at least not for the type of tile that I have. And for the record, it is a very medium-gray. I had samples of darker gray and lighter too, both, when I was deciding on the tile. The medium was just right.