SHOULD GROUT BE DARKER OR LIGHTER THAN THE TILE? This is somewhat a matter of taste, but if you have a variegated tile with several shades, you have several options to choose from for grout color. Choosing lighter colors blends your design together. Darker colors create a more dramatic effect.
Look for undertones. Whether you are matching or contrasting, if you have a warm tile, you will want a warm grout color. Likewise, if you select a cool tile color, you want a grout that reads cool. You'll want to test the tile and grout in the same kind of light that will be shining on it in your house.
White grout is always going to be the most demanding to keep looking pristine, of course, so even with white tiles, you might want to choose a gray grout that will blend in subtly but cause you less work in the long run.
Black grout will never be out of style and will always look timeless and classic paired with white subway tile.
Using a light colored grout, particularly in conjunction with white tiles, can produce a bright, clean look, but it is a very high maintenance choice. Even with consistant cleaning it is nearly impossible to protect it from staining and discoloration over time. Because of this, dark grout has gained in popularity.
Dark gray is a good choice if you want the grout to stand out more against the white tile. It provides more contrast without being too bold. We actually used a pearl gray with white subway tile in the pantry of our current home. We love that it doesn't show dirt while giving the tile a modern, but yet timeless look.
Grey grout is a beautiful choice for white tiles as the slight contrast in color helps make the white tile pop. Once you add a color difference between your tile and grout, the shape of the tile is revealed more clearly, and the grout itself forms a pattern out of the negative space.
What is important to know is that white grout will show dirt more, therefore you'll have to spend more time cleaning it. If you're set on white grout, you might consider using Epoxy Grout, which is stain-resistant.
A dark grout joint is a great way to add contrast to a classic white subway tile. The contrasting grout warms up the white tile, preventing any sense of sterility while adding depth and dimension. Not to mention, a dark grout is easier to keep clean!
If you're looking for a grout color that stays clean, your best options are going to be tans and grays. Since these colors are basically the color of dirt, they don't show dirt the same way other colors will. White grout will yellow or become brown over time, especially if you have children or pets.
GROUT COLOR
There are hundreds of shades of white and grey to choose from—each one producing a different look. Bright white grout is tricky to work with. If it outshines your tile, the tile can look old or dingy. It is also difficult to get clean.
Sanded grout should be your default choice for general use tiling, such as for flooring and walls. Sanded grout is widely available, has the greatest range of mixed color choices, and reduces grout shrinkage.
Epoxy grout is becoming the new standard in grout. It answers many of the concerns you might have with traditional grout. Epoxy grout must meet standards in water cleanability (how long water can be left on grout before it leaves a residue), shrinkage, sag, bond, strength, thermal shock, and chemical resistance.
Grout colors that contrast with your tile color will create a more complex look, which may be overwhelming in a large space. Matching grout to the tile color, on the other hand, creates a more continuous surface visual and can help make a small space appear larger.
Consider the size of your rooms
Colours such as walnut, charcoal or other dark and warm tones will lend a cosy feeling to your space and make your rooms appear smaller. On the other hand, if you're mostly dealing with smaller rooms, then consider going with a light or natural coloured floor tile.
Sanded Grout Is Best for Wide Grout Lines
While you can easily work unsanded grout into a large grout joint, it won't perform well in joints larger than 1/8 inch, as it has a tendency to crack and shrink. Sanded grout is a superior option for joints ranging from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch.
Yes, unfortunately, black grout experiences fading over time. Grout is highly porous and will stain unless properly sealed. This is true of all grout colors (including lighter grout ). Even sealed grout, over time, won't prevent ugly stains from reappearing in areas where it is exposed to more water exposure.
It's Modern and Timeless
While trendy, black grout presents a timeless look. It is one of those farmhouse-style trends that won't go away anytime soon. It won't go out of style and will make any kitchen or bathroom look modern with a classic look.
There are many grout color options that would work well with gray, but the most popular and best looking combinations are white, light gray, dark gray or charcoal, and a blue gray.
It's true—grout needs to be deep cleaned every four to six months to stay looking like new. However, by using a sealant and cleaning up spills quickly, you can keep white grout looking great with less time on your hands and knees scrubbing.
Grout doesn't last forever. You can expect a lifespan between eight and sixteen years. Its lifespan will vary depending on how you treat your shower.
A question we're often asked is, “how long should grout last in my bathroom last?” Grout doesn't last forever and has a lifespan of between eight and sixteen years, depending on your upkeep and treatment in your shower area specifically.
I'm sorry there isn't such a thing as white grout that stays white on a floor, it's just a myth. Within a couple of months the main areas you walk on etc will be a pale grey/white and closer to the walls where there is minimum traffic will look slightly whiter..
The best color to choose so that it doesn't look dirty is a neutral color like beige or light to mid-toned gray. Neutral colors are closest to what dirty grout looks like so just choosing it right off the bat is the way to go to hide any stains.
If you don't want to invest in a dedicated grout cleaning product then you can always create your own using baking soda and water. Simply add one part water to two parts baking soda and mix into a paste, rub it on the stained grout, let it sit overnight, then scrub off the following day with a stiff nylon brush.