Sanded vs. Non-sanded Grout and Their Differences

Whether you’re doing an entire remodel or just repairing small grout joints, the grout that you choose is vital to ensuring that it will last for an extended period of time, and endure the conditions that it's exposed to. Each type of grout is designed for very specific applications, and if the wrong one is used it could jeopardize the durability and effectiveness for your project. This can cause grout haze possibly being left behind, resulting in scratches on your tile surface over a period of time. In this blog post we’ll be addressing the different types of grout that are available to you, and which you should consider for your project whether it be large or small.

Sanded Grout

You can find sanded grout at most hardware stores locally, especially because it's the more common option of the two. The primary attribute of sanded grout is that it has sand in it (if you couldn't have guessed that one). This means that the characteristics of how it responds to moisture and movement are totally different from non-sanded grout. This results in a much more porous material, meaning it will absorb moisture and is more susceptible to staining from extended exposure to hard water, grease, and grime. However, the sanded compound allows for more leniency when being applied. It typically does a much better job than non-sanded grout at filling large gaps, whether it be between two tiles or around a shower floor perimeter.

When It Should be Used

Sanded grout should be used in most applications. These instances include when a gap or grout joint is larger than 1/8th of an inch, the area is not going to endure prolonged exposure to moisture, and the tiles are not using a floating system. If your tile project meets this criteria, then you should most likely use a sanded grout. However there are exceptions, and this is why we always recommend speaking with a professional service provider.

Non-sanded Grout

Non-sanded grout can be found locally, however you may need to do a little more searching than you would expect, as it is less common than sanded grout. You can often-times find it in Home Depot or Lowes, but not always. You can save yourself the hassle and time by traveling to a more specialized store that only supplies tools and materials for flooring companies, such as Big D Floor Covering Supplies. This will ensure that you find exactly what you’re looking for as they carry a wider range of grout options than its competitors. Non-sanded grout should be used in tighter areas where sanded grout may have a harder time providing a proper seal for. If the grout joint of focus is less than 1/8th of an inch or exposed to moisture, then you should consider using a non-sanded grouting option.

When It Should be Used

We do not recommend using a non-sanded grout in areas with larger gaps, this is because it is actually more fragile and could eventually start to crack and loosen over an extended period of time and usage. So try and avoid grouting main traffic areas (or all of the floor) with non-sanded grout. This will help ensure that your project will last and endure normal daily activities. Make sure you always take into consideration the conditions the area will be exposed to and the width of the grout joint.

In Conclusion

You now know when to use the different types of grouting options that are available to you. This article was written to help people understand that the type of grout they use is vital to it’s performance and longevity. It is never recommended to try and perform a DIY grouting project as it can result in leaving behind haze on tile surfaces, and turning the project into a much more expensive one very quickly. If this happens, then you may be stuck trying to remove etching, scratches, and staining from your travertine tile surfaces later on. This is why Phoenix Tile And Grout Cleaning offers a 6 month warranty on all of our work, alleviating our customers of any potential stress associated with doing it themselves or having to have their floors replaced altogether.

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