Grout colour and grout types: how to choose for floors and walls

Grout is the part of a tiled surface people think about last and notice first. A good grout choice can make an ordinary tile look polished. A poor one can make an expensive tile look busy or grubby within months. Here is how to choose the colour, the type and the joint width, and where grout should not be used at all.

Choosing a grout colour

Blend for a calm, seamless look

A grout close to the tile colour makes the grout lines recede, so the eye reads one surface. This suits large format tiles, stone looks and small rooms where you want the space to feel bigger. Blending also hides small variations in joint width.

Contrast to show off the shape

A contrasting grout highlights the tile layout. White subway tiles with a mid grey grout look crisp and graphic. Hexagon, herringbone and fish scale tiles often look best with a contrast that shows the pattern. Contrast is less forgiving of uneven joints, so it suits experienced tilers and rectified tiles.

Practical colour rules

• Floors: mid tones hide dirt best. Pure white floor grout shows every mark, and very dark grout can show soap scum and efflorescence.
• Showers: a mid grey or warm grey is forgiving of soap and water marks.
• Mosaics: with so many grout lines, the grout colour changes the overall tone of the sheet a lot. Look at a grouted sample, not just the tile.
• Kitchen splashbacks: choose a colour that will not stain from cooking splashes, or use an epoxy grout.

Types of grout

Cement based grout

The most common grout for homes. It is easy to work, comes in a wide range of colours and is usually the most economical. Sanded versions suit wider joints, unsanded versions suit narrow joints and delicate surfaces. Cement grout is porous, so a penetrating sealer after it cures helps it resist stains.

Epoxy grout

Epoxy grout is made from resin and hardener. It is highly resistant to stains and water and does not need sealing, which makes it popular for showers, kitchen splashbacks, benchtops and mosaics. It is harder to apply and sets faster, so it needs an experienced tiler, and it can cost more to install.

Ready mixed and urethane grouts

Some ready mixed grouts offer good stain resistance and colour consistency without mixing on site. Check the manufacturer's guidance on where each can be used, especially in wet areas.

Joint widths

• Rectified porcelain: often around 2mm to 3mm, which suits a seamless look.
• Non rectified and handmade looks: usually wider to absorb small size differences.
• Mosaics: set by the sheet spacing.
• Large format floors: follow the tile manufacturer's minimum, because some movement allowance is needed.

Your tiler should follow the tile and grout manufacturers' recommendations and the relevant Australian standards. Tile sizes are covered in our tile sizes guide.

Where to use silicone instead of grout

Grout is rigid. At internal corners, where walls meet floors, around baths, shower bases, vanities and anywhere two surfaces can move differently, a flexible sealant such as silicone is used instead. These movement joints stop cracking. Choose a silicone colour that matches your grout so the lines look continuous.

Caring for grout

1. Wait for the grout to cure fully before heavy cleaning or sealing. Follow the product instructions.
2. Seal cement grout in wet areas and on floors with a penetrating sealer, and reseal as the manufacturer recommends.
3. Clean with a pH neutral cleaner. Strong acids and bleach can damage grout and some tiles.
4. Ventilate the bathroom after showers to reduce mould growth on grout and silicone.

Choosing grout with your tiles

Bring your tile choice to our Geelong or Reservoir showroom and look at it beside grout colour samples. Grout always looks a little darker when wet and a little lighter when dry, so compare under good light. Browse mosaic tiles, marble look tiles and all tiles, and see our guide to porcelain, ceramic and mosaic tiles.

Planning a full bathroom? Book a free measure, and if you would like your tiling done by qualified trades, we can quote the installation with your tiles and fixtures.

Common questions

What grout colour hides dirt best on floors?

Mid tones such as mid grey, warm grey or a colour close to a mid tone tile hide dirt best. Pure white floor grout shows marks quickly.

Is epoxy grout worth it in a shower?

For many people, yes. Epoxy grout resists stains and water and does not need sealing. It needs an experienced tiler to apply.

Should corners be grouted or siliconed?

Internal corners and changes of plane, such as where the wall meets the floor or a bath, are usually finished with a flexible sealant rather than grout, so the joint can move without cracking.

Shopping from the inner north?

Customers from Preston, Thornbury and Northcote can reach our Reservoir showroom in minutes. Each local page covers drive times, product advice and a free measure. See all areas we serve.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.