Choosing the right grout comes down to three main factors: joint size (width), location/environment, and color.
Choosing the right grout involves selecting the correct formula for your tile joint size and the color that matches your design goals.
Whether your grout should be lighter or darker than the tile depends entirely on the design style and the level of maintenance you want. There is no right or wrong answer, but each choice creates a completely different look.
The 1/3 rule for tile is an installation method where each row of rectangular or plank-style tiles is offset by exactly one-third (33%) of the tile's length instead of the traditional 50% half-offset. It prevents uneven edges (lippage) and creates a more visually pleasing floor or wall design.
The best grout for travertine is epoxy grout or high-performance unsanded cement grout. Epoxy is highly stain-resistant and ideal for wet areas, while unsanded grout protects softer, polished stones from scratches. The right choice depends primarily on your joint width and travertine finish.
Pre-Grout Sealing Travertine
If the stone does not require to be pre-sealed, it is generally recommended to apply a coat of sealer on the surface prior to grouting. This is to act as a grout release and assist in the grout clean-up process.
Common grouting mistakes involve incorrect mixing, improper tool techniques, and bad timing. These errors often lead to weak, cracked, or discolored grout lines.
Wall or floor: if you're tiling on walls, smaller grout lines are commonly used for a sleek and seamless appearance (2-3mm). On the other hand, floor tiles often require slightly wider grout lines (typically 3-5mm) to allow for natural movement and accommodate any slight irregularities in the subfloor.
The 50% (or "half-bond") tile pattern is not recommended—especially for large-format or rectangular tiles—because it places the highest point of a slightly bowed tile directly next to the lowest point of an adjacent tile, creating uneven, sharp edges known as "lippage".
Grout color trends are shifting away from stark contrasts and leaning into warm earth tones, seamless tone-on-tone matching, and modern twists on classic looks. The newest and most popular design choices include:
A bad grout job often shows as uneven lines, inconsistent colors, or messy application like smears and "peaks and valleys". It can also result in structural issues such as hairline cracks, pinholes, missing chunks, or powdery textures caused by improper mixing.
Generally, grout should be deep-cleaned every 6 to 12 months. However, the exact frequency depends heavily on the location and usage of the tile.
The short answer is no, you cannot just smear new grout over old grout. If you apply a thin layer (or skim coat) over the top, it will lack the thickness to bond and will flake, crack, or peel off within a few months.
Choosing a grout color determines whether your tile blends into a seamless surface or pops as a bold design element. Decide on your aesthetic using three main strategies:
Another option that's great for low maintenance kitchen floor tiles is epoxy grout. This type of grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder that's not cement. The key advantage to this material type is that it's non-porous, waterproof, and stain resistant.
Contractors often skip sealing grout because it adds significant time to the build, which drives up labor costs. Some modern grout types already have sealers built into the mix, or are made of epoxy, completely eliminating the need for sealing. Additionally, many builders purposefully avoid sealing to prevent trapping moisture underneath the tile.
The facial area of tiles also has a bearing on the required grout width, with smaller tiles measuring less 1m2, or where one side is less than or equal to 600mm in length, required to have a minimum grout width of 2mm. For larger tiles measuring up to 1200mm in length, a grout width of at least 3mm is required.
Bathroom design is shifting toward immersive, tactile, and natural aesthetics. The newest overarching trend is "tile drenching"—extending a single, continuous tile finish across floors, shower surrounds, and even ceilings to create a spa-like envelope.
When grouting tile, never pack the joints too loosely, mix the grout too watery, or wipe with a soaking wet sponge. These mistakes cause weak, cracked, or discolored grout lines. Always aim for a "peanut butter" consistency and wring your sponge out completely when cleaning.
You should wait 15 to 30 minutes after applying cement-based grout before sponging it off. The exact time depends on the temperature, humidity, and the specific grout you are using.
Bleach can also weaken grout and damage any sealer that's been applied. Over time, bleach makes grout more porous, which means it gets dirty even faster. Why to avoid: Like bleach, ammonia strips away protective sealers. It can also discolor grout and weaken the integrity of the grout over time.
If you want grout that effectively "doesn't get dirty," epoxy grout is your absolute best option. Unlike traditional cement-based grouts, epoxy is completely non-porous. It naturally repels water, resists stains from grease or grime, and prevents mold and mildew from taking root in your grout lines.
The most popular overall choice is cement-based grout because it is budget-friendly and widely available. However, epoxy grout is rapidly becoming the industry standard for durability in wet areas.
For instance, thicker grout lines give more of an Old-World appearance, while modern designs may call for thinner grout lines. If you're unsure, you can always speak with an interior designer to determine which grout line width is best for the project.