Grout Color/Grout Line Size

7 years ago

After much debate, we have finally chosen a wood like tile for our home. This tile will be throughout the house and replacing a horrible bamboo floor. While it is beautiful, it has been a disaster since installed in our home; living in FL, we have learned the hard way the humidity and bamboo do not go well together!

Since I am really wanted the look of a wood floor, I am really getting trapped up on the grout color and line size. Installer is recommending a Chocolate grout, but I have heard stories of grout turning too light after install and for this reason it is pushing me toward truffle or even black, as I really just want the grout to blend. Would love to hear any thoughts...

As it comes to grout lines, this tile is not rectified- it was the trade off I made for a longer plank (8x36) and I am aware that it may need a larger grout line. With that said, do you think that asking for 1/8 line is asking for issues or is this possible? Manufacturer suggests a 3/16 line. I would obviously prefer 1/8, but also don't want to sacrifice the install. After the bamboo disaster, I have to get this one right!

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Comments (3)

PRO
Skippack Tile & Stone
7 years ago
Unsure what you mean by trade off on tile size versus rectified style; they're plenty of even longer and wider tiles that are rectified and would allow the tighter grout line you want. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on grout width; as for color, it's hard to say on monitor. Put your selections on a couple of place on a few tiles and then decide. Also, there's different versions of grouts so pick premixed to ensure color consistency.
PRO
Avanti Tile & Stone / Stonetech
7 years ago
Pick a grout colour that is lighter than the darkest area of tile and darker than the lightest. When in doubt, go darker.....
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PRO
Cinar Interiors, Inc.
7 years ago
Yep, bamboo does not do well in humidity. That is why I don't sell or install it here in central Texas.

To get a true color with grout that is mixed with water make sure the installer is using distilled water. Tap water will have minerals within it. It's the minerals in water that rise to the surface of the grout when it is curing that changes the appearance of the grout color. Also, if too much water is used during the mixing stages of the grout, it can dilute the coloring. Another thing that can dilute the coloring is when the installer is cleaning the tile of grout, if too much water is on his sponge he can pull color pigment from the grout discoloring it to a lighter shade.

Non rectified tiles, the smallest recommended grout line is 3/16".