Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Which Should I Use?
Choosing the right grout for your tiling project can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options available, two of the most common types—sanded and unsanded grout—often leave homeowners scratching their heads. Each type has its unique properties, advantages, and specific uses that can significantly affect the durability and appearance of your tile work.
Whether you’re redoing your bathroom or installing a stunning backsplash in your kitchen, understanding these differences is essential. Let’s dive deeper into what sets sanded grout apart from unsanded grout to help you make an informed decision for your next DIY adventure!
Difference Between Sanded and Unsanded Grouts
Sanded grout contains fine sand particles, which give it added strength and durability. This makes it ideal for wider joints, typically those over 1/8 inch. The sand helps the grout resist shrinkage as it cures, making it less likely to crack under pressure.
On the other hand, unsanded grout is smooth and creamy. It’s best suited for narrow joints—those smaller than 1/8 inch. Its lack of sand means it can easily fill these tight spaces without leaving behind a rough texture or causing any scratches on delicate tiles.
The color options also differ between the two types. Sanded grout often offers a richer palette due to its grainy nature, while unsanded tends to be more limited in shades but provides a sleek finish that blends seamlessly with polished surfaces.
- Custom Building Product WDG5-4 Non-Sanded Tile Grout: This high-quality...
- 5-Pound Bag for Generous Coverage: Each bag contains 5 pounds of non-sanded...
- Smooth and Even Application: WDG5-4 grout ensures a seamless and consistent...
- Stain-Resistant and Easy to Clean: This non-sanded tile grout is formulated...
- Versatile and Reliable: Suitable for both residential and commercial...
- Premium Quality Grout: Our Custom Building Product WDG1 is a high-quality,...
- Versatile Application: Suitable for various tile types, including ceramic,...
- Stain-Resistant Formula: The white non-sanded grout is formulated to resist...
- Easy to Use: With a user-friendly consistency and smooth application, this...
- No Color Fading: The grout's white color remains vibrant and true,...
- This grout is unsanded, so it won't scratch your tiles during installation
- Fast Setting and non-shrinking
- Usable with a variety of tile materials such as Marble, Granite, Ceramic,...
- Ideal for narrow grout joints, 1/8" or less. Use on walls and floors for...
- Package Dimensions: 4.75 in W x 4.75 in H
Weight: 2.25 pounds
... - It's so easy - just add water!
- Excellent workability
- Great for interior OR exterior use
- Sold in a 2 lb container
- Premium Unsanded Grout with Polymer
- For joint widths from 1/16-in to 1/8-in
- For interior/exterior floors and walls
- Color is for Reference only and varies due to settings on monitor and/or...
When selecting between them, consider your tile size and joint width carefully; these factors will guide you toward the right choice for your project.
Should you use sanded or unsanded grout in a shower?
When it comes to tiling a shower, the choice between sanded and unsanded grout can make a difference in both appearance and durability. Sanded grout is typically recommended for wider joints, generally over 1/8 inch. The added sand provides strength and helps prevent cracking.
Unsanded grout, on the other hand, works well for narrow joints—usually less than 1/8 inch. Its smooth texture makes it easier to apply and allows for finer details around delicate tiles.
Moisture resistance is also critical in wet areas like showers. While both types have their advantages, unsanded grout tends to absorb more water due to its composition.
Consider your tile size, joint width, and desired finish before making your final decision—it’s all about finding the right balance for your project’s needs.
Need to know quick! Sanded vs unsanded grout
When choosing between sanded and unsanded grout, it’s essential to know the basics. Sanded grout contains fine sand particles, making it ideal for wider joints—typically over 1/8 inch. This added texture helps prevent cracking.
Unsanded grout is smooth and best suited for narrow joints under 1/8 inch. It adheres well to vertical surfaces and offers a sleek finish without the grit of sand.
Consider your project specifics before deciding. For large tiles or natural stone with substantial spacing, go with sanded grout for durability. Unsanded grout works wonders in tight spaces, ensuring a seamless look on delicate tile.
Remember that each type has its own strengths depending on where you’ll be using them. Matching the right grout type to your installation needs will yield a satisfying result in both appearance and longevity.
Here are answers to your questions about sanded and unsanded grout, as well as grout recommendations for various situations:
1. Should I Use Sanded or Unsanded Grout?
The choice between sanded and unsanded grout depends on the size of your tile joints (the space between the tiles):
- Sanded Grout:
- Best for larger grout joints (typically 1/8 inch or wider).
- Sanded grout contains fine sand, which helps prevent shrinking as it cures, making it ideal for joints that are wider. It also offers better durability and is less likely to crack over time.
- Unsanded Grout:
- Best for smaller grout joints (typically 1/8 inch or smaller).
- It’s smooth and easier to work with when you have tight spaces. Unsanded grout doesn’t contain sand, which makes it better for delicate surfaces or tiles with a smooth finish, such as ceramic, glass, or polished stone.
- Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Which Should I Use?
2. Will Sanded Grout Scratch My Tiles?
Sanded grout can scratch certain types of tiles, particularly soft or delicate materials like ceramic tiles with a glossy finish, marble, or glass tiles. The gritty texture of sanded grout can leave scratches on these surfaces if not applied carefully. To avoid scratches:
- Use unsanded grout on sensitive tile surfaces.
- If you need to use sanded grout, ensure you’re using it with more durable tiles, like porcelain or stone.
- Be cautious when wiping away excess grout with a sponge, as too much pressure or scrubbing can scratch the tile surface.
- Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Which Should I Use?
3. What Is the Best Type of Grout to Use in a Bathroom?
For bathrooms, the best grout type depends on the area being tiled:
- Sanded Grout: Ideal for larger joints (greater than 1/8 inch), such as when grouting floors or wall tiles. It’s highly durable and resistant to cracking, making it a good choice for high-traffic bathroom floors.
- Unsanded Grout: Better for smaller grout joints (less than 1/8 inch), such as when working with delicate tiles like glass, marble, or ceramic tiles with a glossy finish. It’s commonly used in shower walls and backsplashes.
- Epoxy Grout: For high-moisture areas (like showers and tubs), epoxy grout is a great option. It’s resistant to water, stains, and mold growth, making it the best choice for wet environments like bathrooms. It’s a bit more difficult to work with but highly durable.
- Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Which Should I Use?
4. Can You Mix Sanded and Non-Sanded Grout Together?
It’s not recommended to mix sanded and unsanded grout together. These two types of grout have different properties, and mixing them could affect the performance and finish.
- Sanded grout is more durable and designed for larger joints, while unsanded grout is smoother and designed for smaller joints.
- If you mix them, the grout may not cure properly, leading to issues like cracking or weak spots. Stick with one type of grout for your entire project.
- Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Which Should I Use?
5. What Grout Do Professionals Use?
Professionals typically choose grout based on the specific job requirements, but in general, they often use:
- Sanded grout for larger joints or floors.
- Unsanded grout for smaller joints or delicate surfaces.
- Epoxy grout for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, showers, and kitchens because of its durability, resistance to stains, and water resistance.
- In some cases, professionals might also use urethane grout, which is flexible and stain-resistant, ideal for areas with high movement (like floors with heating systems).
- Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Which Should I Use?
6. How to Clean Sanded Grout?
To clean sanded grout, follow these steps:
- Wipe off excess grout: Once the grout has dried (about 30-60 minutes), use a damp sponge to wipe off excess grout from the tile surface. Be careful not to remove too much from the grout lines.
- Use a grout cleaner: After the grout has fully cured (usually 24-72 hours), use a specialized grout cleaner or a mild vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) to clean grout stains. For tough stains, you can use a paste of baking soda and water to scrub the grout.
- Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush to scrub between the grout lines. Avoid using harsh scrubbers that could damage the grout.
- Rinse thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the grout lines with clean water to remove any cleaner residue.
- Seal the grout: Once the grout is clean and dry, consider applying a grout sealer to protect it from dirt, stains, and moisture. This helps prolong the grout’s lifespan, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
- Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Which Should I Use?
Summary:
- Sanded grout is best for larger joints (1/8 inch or more) and durable tiles like porcelain and stone.
- Unsanded grout is best for smaller joints (less than 1/8 inch) and more delicate tiles like glass or marble.
- For bathrooms, epoxy grout is a great option for areas exposed to high moisture, but sanded or unsanded grout may be suitable for other areas depending on joint size and tile type.
- Avoid mixing sanded and unsanded grout together. It’s important to choose the right grout for your tile size and material.
- To clean sanded grout, use a mild cleaner, scrub with a brush, and consider sealing the grout to protect it from future stains.
- Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Which Should I Use?
By selecting the right grout and maintaining it properly, your tile work can stay looking great for years to come!
Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout: Which Should I Use?