How to Grout a Tile Floor

Grouting a floor is labor intensive, but knowing and using the proper tools, techniques, and materials will make the job easier to complete and achieve professional results.

1. Assuming your tile is already laid, you need to select the style and color of grout you will use. If your grout joints are 1/4 inch or smaller you need to use unsanded latex, or epoxy grout. If your joints are larger than 1/4 inch you need to use sanded, or epoxy grout. Todays epoxy grouts are engineered to be easy to use. The finished product is more durable, and will hold up to many years of use.

2. Gather your tools. Here is a list of everything you should need.

grout saw or grout removal tool

grout float

buckets- at least two. one to mix grout, one with cold water to clean.

drill- with mixer paddle

heavy duty sponges- the more the better (I like to use two or three depending on the size of the floor)

3.Clean any mortar from between the grout joints with the grout removal tool or saw. Vaccuum any debris you left behind in the joints.

4. Mix the grout according to the manufacturers directions.

5. Work in small areas no more than 25 square feet at a time (a 5 foot by 5 foot square). First wipe the tile down in your area with a damp, not soaking wet, sponge. This will help to keep the grout from bonding with the top of the tile, but still allow it to "pack" into the joints. Next you want to put a pile of grout on the floor in the middle of your first 25 square foot work area. Hold the grout float at a 45 degree angle to the floor and work the grout across the tile at a 45 degree angle to the joints. Work the grout with the float until all joints are filled in your area, while using the float to squeegee as much excess off the top of the tiles.

6. Using a damp, not wet, sponge and clean cold water, wipe the excess grout from the top of the tiles. Wring out your sponge often, and try to stay away from the joints. You will not remove all the excess grout with this first wipe. It is preliminary.

7. Repeats steps 5 and 6 until all tile has been grouted.

8. Starting with clean sponges and buckets of cold clean water, do a final wipe of tiles and joints. Any joints that look uneven can wiped to "form" them at this point. You want to give the joints and even consistent look.

9. When the floor dries completely, buff the tops of the tile with a clean, dry terry cloth or micro-fiber rag to remove any efflorescence (which will look like a hazy dust on the tile).

10. Wait 12 hours before allowing foot traffic. Wait 72 hours before sealing if required. Wait 24 hours after seal is applied to wet mop.