After months of planning and thoughtful consideration, you’ve finally found the perfect tile to complete your home renovation. Time to kick back, relax and let Carpetland USA do our thing! But, there’s still one very important piece of the puzzle that can make all the difference in how the tile looks in your home – grout.
What is grout?
Grout is a dense liquid mixture, typically made up of water, cement and sand, that is used to fill and seal in gaps between tile and other structures. While that may not sound pretty, grout can actually have a dramatic effect on the tile and room’s aesthetic.
How do I choose the right grout?
Rule number one – there’s no “right” or “wrong” grout color, because it’s all about your opinion and what you are trying to accomplish in the room you’re tiling.
Here are things to consider when determining what will go best in your space:
TILE COLOR
What’s the color of the tile you’ve chosen? Is it light? Dark? Patterned?
Light Tile – Lighter tiles like whites and light grays paired with a lighter colored grout is going to give off a clean, crisp feel. This pairing is great for smaller rooms because it will make your space feel larger than it is. The light tile and light grout combination will also blend in more with its surroundings, making it nice for rooms where you already have some dramatic flare. On the flip side, a darker grout is going to draw your eye to the lighter colored tile, so if you’re wanting to use your tile as a focal point in the room, a darker grout paired with lighter tile would be the route to take!
Dark Tile – The same rules apply as above, only reversed! Darker tiles paired with darker colored grout is going to soften the look of your tile and make it blend into the room more. However, if you’re looking to make a statement and really make your darker tile pop, go with a lighter grout.
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Patterned Tile – If your tile has a few different colors in it, once again think about how you want to utilize the tile in your space. Do you want the pattern to seem seamless and blended? Opt for a lighter color! Or, are you looking to add even more drama? Go darker!
THE PLACEMENT
Another important aspect to consider when choosing grout is where the tile and grout will be in your home. Is it in a high traffic area? Then you may lean more towards a darker grout for less maintenance. Are you installing a backsplash? Unless you’re a real maniac in the kitchen, lighter grout colors work well here! A good rule of thumb to follow is that the lighter grouts will show dirt and imperfections more quickly. For example, water often rusts white grout so if you’re tiling a shower and don’t want to be constantly cleaning on your hands and knees, then go dark.
All-in-all, it really comes down to your preference and the look you want in your home! If you need help deciding on a tile, grout, or a tile and grout combination, the experts at Carpetland USA are here to help you find which works best for you and your home. Schedule a free, in-home measure and estimate with our team today!