Grout Follows Tile, Style and Tech

Grout does much more than fill the gaps between tiles. A myriad of grout colors,

application styles, and advanced technologies have the power to transform the look

and durability of a tile installation. When choosing grout, the most crucial factors

are the desired aesthetic and the technical aspects of the tile project. The grout

decision requires understanding the project’s intended look, color scheme, tile

type/size/pattern and lighting in the space, along with the technical needs for

grout installation and long-term performance.

 

Design Considerations

 

One of the first considerations in choosing a grout is the mood or feeling desired

for the tile installation. While the tile choice usually establishes a certain aesthetic,

the grout color can enhance or even dramatically change that feeling. Traditionally,

the most commonly used grout colors are neutral whites, beiges, and grays offered

in countless variations. Today, though, grout can be just about any color

imaginable. Designers consider the look of the entire room when recommending

grout colors. Color science drives grout choice through monochromatic, analogous

or complementary color pairing options for tile and grout.

 

Monochromatic Pairings

When the grout and tile colors are monochromatic, a minimalist look is achieved by

creating a focus on the entire tile installation. Light-colored tiles, ever popular in

light earth tones and more recently, pastels, paired with matching grout make a

room look larger, more welcoming, and softer. Classic white tile with white grout is

timeless, clean and opens up a space. Deeper-hued tiles in today’s nature tones of

cool blues, greens or deep purples paired with the same color grout add depth and

seamless tranquility to a room. Warm toned tiles, like red, when matched to the

grout, emphasize energy and vibrancy. Generally, dark grouts make a space look

smaller, creating a cozier atmosphere in larger areas.

 

Analogous Pairings

Choosing a grout color that is analogous, or close to the color of the tile on the

color wheel, creates a harmonious look. The small distinction between the tile and 

grout colors, allows the two to be separate yet balanced. Neutral grouts that are

slightly lighter or darker than the tile have the same harmonizing impact.

Analogous grout pairings add depth and definition to the tile shapes, colors and

patterns.

 

Complementary Pairings

 

A complementary grout color has the most dramatic impact on the aesthetic.

Contrast delivers a bold, stark definition of each tile shape and calls attention to the

grout lines. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. A

dark neutral grout with a light tile or vice versa, provides contrast that either makes

the grout lines or the tile stand out. Dark contrasting grout accentuates grout lines,

adding interest but also makes the installation look busier. Stylish black and white

tile grout pairings leverage contrast to add bold energy and definition to a space.

 

Tile Type, Size and Pattern

The type, size and pattern of the tile are also important considerations for choosing

grout color and width of the grout lines. Currently, designers are mixing tile types,

sizes, shapes and patterns within a room to add drama and interest. From penny to

vertical subway to large planks or gauged porcelain panels, tiles can coexist in a

single space. Choosing one grout color that works for all the tiles helps bring the

various patterns together for a cohesive look. Varying the grout width to optimize

the look for each of the tile shapes/sizes/patterns is essential for finishing the look

properly.

 

Popular porcelain tiles made to look like natural wood, stone, marble or cement are

enhanced by neutral grout colors that blend in, not drawing attention away from

the tile’s beauty. Neutral-colored grouts are also well-suited to finishing large

heavy tiles, natural stone and the thin grout lines between gauged porcelain panels.

 

Lighting Considerations

 

The finished aesthetic of the tile installation is greatly impacted by lighting,

whether indirect or direct natural, or artificial light. Natural indirect light enhances

the color and beauty of the tile-grout pairing, while direct sunlight can make the

installation appear washed out and fade grout over time unless carefully sealed.

Both natural and artificial direct lighting reflects off the surface, especially glossy

tile, lightening up the tile’s appearance. Dark or matte colors and greater contrast

between grout and tile, help maintain the intended aesthetic if the direct light

cannot be softened. In darker spaces, lighter color grout highlights the tile.

Designers must also consider the type of artificial lights used. LED lights can cast

 yellow or blue hues, which impacts the perception of the grout color. Testing grout

choice on-location minimizes unplanned effects of the ambient lighting.

 

Technical Considerations

 

Grout not only fills the gaps between tiles, but also provides important protection

for the tile installation. Properly applied grout supports and stabilizes the tile

expanse, reducing chips and cracks. It keeps moisture and dirt from getting

between the tiles and gathering under or behind them which contributes to

installation failures. Mixing and applying grout according to manufacturer

instructions is critical for the grout to set properly and perform as designed. Too

much or too little water can change grout color and jeopardize its performance.

Sealing grout when recommended protects its look and longevity.

 

Jobsite Conditions

 

Jobsite conditions impact the choice of grout technology and its application. These

considerations include water access, sun exposure, air temperature and humidity,

proper mortar application and substrate/tile moisture level. Limited water access

elevates RTU grout as a solution, with newer technologies delivering improved

performance and cleanup. For grout installation, sun exposure must be managed, as

direct sunlight dries grout quickly, making it darker, while shade dries grout slowly,

potentially lightening its finished color. Air temperature and humidity must be

managed to ensure proper grout drying and curing. High-performance grout

technology, such as non-epoxy stain-resistant grout, is less sensitive to

temperatures and humidity variations.

 

Mortar applied too high in the grout joints impacts grout color. If the joint depth is

not at least two-thirds tile depth, the grout appears darker and may not set

properly.

 

For most grouts, the right moisture level is required for proper curing. A very dry

substrate or absorptive tile that removes water from grout can cause too-fast

drying, a lighter color or improper curing. Moisture testing the substrate and

absorptive tile per industry practices is essential, as is remediating moisture issues.

Grout can be used to significantly alter the tile’s visual impact, from creating a

seamless minimalist look to offering bold, dramatic contrasts. Understanding the

role of lighting, tile size/type/pattern and the grout’s technical properties ensures

a long-lasting and visually appealing installation. With grout technology

advancements, designers and installers face fewer grout challenges and many more

grout options to achieve the desired project results.

 

Byline:

Mark Tupek, Marketing Manager, H.B. Fuller | TEC, joined the company in 2021.

Before joining the organization, Mark held inside sales and sales analyst positions

with two large corporations while earning his MBA. In his current role, Mark

manages marketing projects for H.B. Fuller within the Construction Adhesives

business, focused on flooring installation trends and solutions.