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colette_sovak

Am I responsible for grout order?

4 years ago

My GC just asked me where the grout is for the tile. I’m so confused because I don’t even know how much grout to purchase. Why wouldn’t the tiler be responsible for purchasing the grout? I have all of the colors I want to use but I don’t understand why I would have to actually purchase the grout. Do I have this wrong?

Comments (21)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Did you purchase the tile? If the GC or the tile guy purchased (ordered) and took delivery of the tile, I would expect him to order anything else needed for installation. Sounds like a gem, good luck.

  • 4 years ago

    I purchased the tile. I assumed the tiler would deal with everything else. Maybe that’s not the case, but the amount of grout needed, etc. is not something I would know. I don’t think the tile store would even know the exact amount needed.

  • 4 years ago

    When I picked out my tile, I also chose the grout. Then my contractor contacted the tile store with the amount of tile needed and he picked up the order, including the grout.

  • 4 years ago

    Both times I had grout work done I specified the exact color and the contract bought the grout. Both showed me samples to choose from.

  • 4 years ago

    You would think that the tile store would tell you how much to order. Didnt you pick your grout while you were there? It was up to you and the tile place probably could have given you the amount to purchase. The GC probably could have double check with you. Live and learn.

  • 4 years ago

    Ask the general contractor how much grout you will need, and then buy a bit extra.

  • 4 years ago

    I bought all my tile and then the tile guy had me pick the grout color from a sample chart and that was all covered by my GC.

  • 4 years ago

    I bought my tile at The Tile Shop and then the salesperson told me how much grout - I knew what color I wanted-and also picked out a caulk and asked me what kind of strips I wanted I wanted along the edge of an alcove tub. It all turned out perfect!

  • 4 years ago

    I’m just wondering who is responsible for the cost. It is not detailed in the bid. I guess that means it’s on me? Just took me by surprise. I did purchase the tile myself.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    "Assume" is the worst word in any remodeling project.

    Agree that your GC sounds like a gem...a communication gem. Good luck. I suggest you be VERY clear about starting and ending points, layout, spacing, etc.


    And if you bought your tile from a tile store...they need to be avoided in the future. Any reputable store would have had you pick the grout and caulk color at the same time.

  • 4 years ago

    Just had my bathroom tiled. i purchased the tiles myself but the tiler provided the grout and sealer as they are marble. there is no way a tiler would expect you to buy the grout.

  • 4 years ago

    Anyone is capable of buying grout as long as they know what to get.

  • 4 years ago

    My tile store had me pick out the grout colors but they also assumed that the information would then be communicated to the tile guy and he would get all the material to do the job.

  • 4 years ago

    When I purchased my porcelain wood look tile, I also picked out the grout. I was the GC and I spent a long time researching tilers and interviewing them, as well as looking at their portfolios. It was well worth it, as the instalation was top notch. I chose grout to match the darker areas of my tile. I have darker tile in my hallway and lighter tile in my bathrooms.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Go get the grout ask the tile setter how much you need and move on. Honestly this could have already been done in the time it took to ask this of a bunch of strangers . IMO if you bought the tile buy the grout.

  • 4 years ago

    I bought our tile online, but our flooring contractor supplied everything else needed. He wanted to use a specific brand, so I picked a color and told him my selection. If he hasn't reached out to you by now for your selection, then I guess you're supposed to buy it. But I would confirm what specific grout he wants to use before you buy.

  • 4 years ago

    Talk with your tile setter to see what type of grout they suggest and what they're comfortable working with. Also have them make up some sample boards while they're tiling, so they can try out the color(s) you select to make sure you like what you've chosen.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    "Talk with your tile setter to see what type of grout they suggest and what they're comfortable working with"

    Spot on catbuilder!

    With all the different grouts on the market today this discussion is required. It's not even possible to price a project without determining which type of grout is to be used.

  • 4 years ago

    Seems weird that the tile store would assume that the tiler would buy the grout, when you were buying the tile. In my area, if you buy the tile you also buy the grout. Ask your tile guy what type of grout is preferred and amount, double check with what the tile manufacturer recommends, and then purchase the grout. You already have the hard part done by knowing what color your want.


  • 4 years ago

    Contractor should have been clearer, as others noted, but it doesn't seem crazy to expect that if you're providing the tile you're also providing the grout. We are buying both for our project (and the thinset too) but that was all agreed upon upfront, and the project cost is labor only. There are lots of types of grout so it's very possible that you'd have a strong opinion on which one you wanted (although your tiler might also, so worth asking).