How to Grout Ceramic Tiles
One of the joys of homeownership is being able to decorate without permission or approval of a landlord. The freedom to decorate extends to the bathroom and the flooring. Tiling a bathroom creates a clean and tidy look. Unfortunately, that look is diminished if the grout work is not done well.
Supply List
- Tiles
- Grout
- Several sponges
- Grouting tool
- Bucket of clean water to rinse the sponges out in.
Steps
- Mix a batch of grout, which will last for about 15 minutes of grouting, so that it doesn't dry up. The mixture should be about the consistency of peanut butter. Spread a base layer of grout on the floor or surface being tiled, then lay tile in the desired pattern. The base layer of grout will secure the tiles.
- Repeat until all tiles are laid.
- Use the grouting tool and spread grout around and over the tiles, focusing on the joint lines. If spreading at a 45 degree angle, the grout goes on smooth and easy.
- Remove the excess grout mixture off of the grout lines with a wet sponge, wiping the direction of the line to smooth. The grout is supposed to lay lower into the floor than the tiles. If the grout rises about the tiles, remove the extra until it is lower than the tiles.
- Repeat these steps for the entire floor or other surface being tiled until complete.
- Get a new, clean, wet sponge and wipe the tiles with it to remove the film of grout, being careful to avoid the grout lines. Repeat until the grout residue is gone.
- Allow the grout to dry for about a day and enjoy the end results.