Grout Colors
It may not be glamorous, but grout plays a vital role in the installation and finished look of your tile project. The Tile Shop offers a wide array of grout colors and long-lasting caulk to help you achieve the finished look you desire.
It may not be glamorous, but grout plays a vital role in the installation and finished look of your tile project. The Tile Shop offers a wide array of grout colors and long-lasting caulk to help you achieve the finished look you desire.
Explore Grout Colors
Grout plays an important role in the structural soundness of your tilework, but its aesthetic contributions are just as important. Whether you want the grout to disappear into the background, blend harmoniously with the tile or stand out and make a statement of its own, the grout color you choose can have a big impact.
Shop for Grout by Color
White Grout Colors
White is often considered the standard color for grout, and for good reason. With lighter color tiles, white grout allows you to create a seamless look that feels fresh and clean. On the other hand, using white grout with darker tiles creates a stark, vibrant contrast that can give a very modern feel.
Selecting the exact shade of white grout, it's important to make sure the color coordinates with the tile. For example, a brilliant white grout would work well with a wall of white subway tiles. Tiles with light colors may benefit from an off white or ivory grout that has undertones that pair with the tile's color.
Grey Grout Colors
For nearly every tile color, grey grout is a versatile choice that can create multiple effects depending on where it is used. Light or medium grey grout used with bright or saturated tiles can create a subtle border that allows the tiles to take center stage. Dark grey grout is also helpful for creating a dramatic, uniform look with dark grey and black tiles.
Most shades of grey grout are popular for how well they hide dirt. This is especially helpful for floors that need wider grout lines. Grey grout ensures that sanded grout colors will be less likely to look dirty or dingy between cleanings.
Other Grout Color Options
Grout colors are not limited to white and grey. Rich shades of brown, yellow and taupe are all available to help complement your tile's color scheme and highlight specific tones within more intricate designs. This is particularly useful with natural stone tiles, where using white or grey grout would look out of place and distract from the beauty of the tile.
We're Here to Help
You do not need to navigate the subtleties of pairing grout and tile colors alone! You can schedule a free design consultation and our expert staff will help guide you on how to choose a grout color that will help you achieve your personal design vision.
Ask the Tile Experts
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Applying grout is an important step in your tile installation. Grout is a cementitious or epoxy product that’s spread into the spaces between tiles with a rubber tool (known as a float) then wiped away from the tiles, leaving the joints filled.
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Grout is the product that fills in the spaces between your tiles. Mortar is the glue or adhesive that attaches your tiles to a surface.
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A cement mixture that contains very fine sand, sanded grout is the most common grout type because it provides increased stability, better resistance to cracking and less grout shrinkage. Unsanded grout has a smoother texture since it doesn’t contain any sand grains. Its thinner consistency makes it easier to work into narrow joints, so it’s recommended for joints less than 1/8” wide and for glass and metal tiles that will scratch if they’re used with sanded grout. You should also use unsanded grout when working with soft, polished tile, like limestone or marble, since the more abrasive sanded grout might scratch your tile’s surface. Since it’s easy to work with, unsanded grout is a great choice for vertical surfaces like tiled shower walls.
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While some thinset mortar dries relatively quickly, always follow the instructions for dry times on your mortar or thinset’s packaging. Wait 24–48 hours before walking on the tile.
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Depending on your grout, wait 24–48 hours before you walk on the tile.
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While it depends on your type of grout, cementitious grout will generally dry a lighter color. Think of it like a freshly poured sidewalk. Over time, the color lightens and evens out, and your grout will act the same.
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Not all grout needs to be sealed, so refer to the specific instructions for yours. Sealing is recommended for Portland cement-based grouts because it makes them easier to keep clean.
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Once it is cured, all grout should be heat resistant. Make sure to install grout inside of the recommended temperature range when wet. Always make sure to check the specifications for your type of project.
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Grout does not break down in water. If your grout is going to be submerged, check the specifications on recommended cure time for the application. A sealer is recommended for cementitious grouts to help with cleaning and prevent staining.
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Yes. You can restore or change the color of existing tile grout with grout colorant available at The Tile Shop.
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There’s no wrong answer when it comes to choosing grout for your white subway tile. White grout is a popular choice because it’s classic, timeless and draws the eye to the tile first. Choosing a darker color, like grey, black or even brown, is a great way to add a different element and make your grout stand out.