Can I use sanded grout on porcelain tile?

Sanded grout is used for tile surfaces where the possibility of scratching from the sand content in the tile grout will not be a problem. Unsanded grout is usually recommended for tile that is easily scratched, such as natural stone, glass, and certain porcelains and ceramics.

Also to know is, what kind of grout do you use for porcelain tile?

Epoxy grout

Also, can you use sanded grout on subway tile? Unsanded Grout Common uses for this grout: ceramic wall tiles like subway tiles and also natural stone, such as marble, that is usually set with a tight joint. The rule of thumb is if your grout joint is 1/8 inch or smaller then you want to use a non-sanded grout.

Moreover, can you use sanded grout on polished porcelain tile?

Sanded grout is normally recommended when the grout seams are 1/8 inch wide or more, as the sand provides extra bonding power that prevents cracking. Some care is required if using sanded grouts on highly polished tiles, as the sand can actually scratch the surfaces. Testing the grout on sample tile is a good idea.

Does porcelain tile need grout?

The short answer is no, you should not. Although grout does not add to the stability of the tile installation (unless it is epoxy grout), you still need to grout it.

36 Related Question Answers Found

What kind of mortar to use for porcelain tile?

Thinset. Thinset is your go-to tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. Traditional versions are cement-based powders that are mixed with water before application. Thinset tile mortar provides a very strong bond and is resistant to moisture and mold growth.

How do you apply grout sealer to porcelain tile?

Grout Sealing on Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors

Sweep floor to remove any abrasive debris.
Mix sealer, according to directions.
Allow sealer to completely penetrate into the grout 5-15 minutes.
Liberally apply a second coat following steps 2 and 3 if needed.
Wipe up all sealer from the surface of the tile.

Can you lay porcelain tile without grout lines?

You can lay porcelain tile with no grout, you cannot lay ceramic tile.

Does porcelain tile need to be sealed?

The surfaces of most ceramic and porcelain tiles do not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, all unglazed tiles including dense porcelains, should be sealed prior to grouting.

What mortar should I use for porcelain tile?

Porcelain Tile Professional Thin-Set Mortar. Designed to provide superior bonding of porcelain tile to concrete surfaces, backerboards and self-leveling underlayment. Polymer-modified Porcelain Tile Fortified Thin-Set Mortar can also be used with radiant heating system installations.

Do you need to seal porcelain tile grout?

The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, the grout joint between the tiles is usually very porous and generally made of a cement-based material.

Can you use grout sealer on porcelain tile?

While porcelain tiles are nonabsorbent and fairly stain resistant, the grout that surrounds the tiles is not. Once grout has dried and cured for at least 72 hours after installation, it can be sealed with a clear, impregnating sealer that will help impede staining and give you more time to clean up spills.

What is the smallest grout line for tile?

First, the smallest grout lines, less than 1/8 inch, are ideal for rectified tiles. Rectified tiles are perfectly uniform, with precisely defined edges, requiring the least amount of grout.

Can I use sanded grout on glossy tile?

Unless it is a modified formula, sanded grout should be sealed after installation. Unsanded grout contains no sand and is best used for thin grout lines and for delicate tile surfaces as well as for most glass tile.

Which grout is better sanded or unsanded?

Unsanded grout should be used in joints that are less than 1/8-inch-wide. It has a smooth texture and clings well to vertical surfaces, which makes it useful for grouting ceramic wall tiles. Sanded grout should be used for flooring and wall tile joints wider than 1/8 inch because it resists shrinkage and cracking.

How can you tell if grout is sanded or unsanded?

You can generally tell if you have sanded or unsanded grout just by looking at the grout and feeling it with your finger. If you look closely at the sanded grout you will be able to see the sand in the grout. Unsanded grout will have a much smoother texture with no appearance of sand in the grout.

How do you smooth grout after it dries?

Use warm water and wipe it over the surface of the tiles with a sponge. Then using some fine wire wool, rub gently over the grout which will begin to dissolve and rub off at the same time. Once the tile is clean and has no more hardened grout, wipe over with a damp cloth and leave to dry.

How thick should sanded grout be?

If the joints between the tiles are under ?”-thick, un-sanded grout is will be easier to use and give better adhesion in those narrow spaces. For thicker joints of ?- to ½”-thick, go with sanded grout for best bonding and less shrinkage.

How much sanded grout do I need?

Average Coverage

A 25-pound bag of dry grouting compound, when mixed with water, usually is sufficient to grout around 200 square feet of typical 4 1/4-inch square ceramic tile that is 1/4 inch thick, with 1/8-inch grout lines. A 200-square-foot area is equivalent to a wall about 8 feet high by 25 feet wide.

Is grout waterproof?

Contrary to popular belief, ceramic tile and grout, by themselves are not waterproof. Water can penetrate through cement-based grout and work its way through the substrate. To prevent water damage, you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible.

What's the difference between sanded and unsanded caulk?

Use sanded caulk anytime sanded grout is used in an installation. Additionally, sanded caulk should be substituted anytime it appears that a large amount of caulk will be needed to fill a joint. On very tight joints, or tiles and counters that abut one another, standard, unsanded caulk should be used to make the join.

Can you put unsanded grout on top of sanded grout?

You won't be able to directly apply the non sanded grout over what is already there. Sadly, you will need to remove all the old grout. I would use a thin blade to remove it. A grout removal blade may be too thick and can scratch the edges of your tiles.