How do you feel about grout?
Even its name feels weird for some people, but grout is a must, especially for those who love beautiful tiles. Without it, those tiles won’t look as good, but the problem is it requires quite a bit of cleaning and maintenance.
You see, if you don’t maintain it properly, it can get stained and mildewed. Plus, once it cracks and falls, water damage is sure to follow, which means you’ll have to think about grout replacement soon.
Speaking of replacing your grout, do you ever wonder which is better: sanded vs. unsanded grout? If you ask tiling experts, they’ll tell you that each type has its uses, so the term “better” will depend on your particular project.
That being said, let’s discuss the differences between sanded and unsanded grout.
What Is Sanded Grout?
Both sanded and unsanded grout have overlapping uses, but it’s better to use the former for general use tiling.
That’s because sanded grout is widely available and less expensive. As its name suggests, sand is the element that holds this type of grout together. When sanded grout cures, you can expect better stability and resistance against cracking.
Sanded grout also comes in different colors. You can check your local hardware stores to see the variety of sanded grout colors that could work for your tiling project.
What Is Unsanded Grout?
Because unsanded grout contains zero sand, it’s not as gritty as sanded grout. It’s also more expensive because it uses special polymers as its bonding agent.
Despite being pricier, though, it can’t beat sanded grout in durability. However, it’s the best choice for glass tiles and other types of delicate tile surfaces.
Unsanded grout is ideal for narrow joints and surfaces like limestone or marble. Since sanded grout can scratch these surfaces, it’s better to use the unsanded variety. Also, you may find it easier to work with unsanded grout for vertical installations such as backsplashes and shower walls.
More on Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout
For most flooring applications, you need to think about foot traffic. That’s why most will choose sanded grout for interior and exterior flooring projects.
Sanded grout is also the material of choice for thick joints (i.e., more than 1/8 of an inch). Remember that if you use sanded grout in tight spaces, a precise application will be more challenging.
Pinholing is also more common with sanded grout in small joints. That is when tiny pockets appear when water evaporates from sanded grout.
As for using a grout sealer, there are few instances when you wouldn’t need to seal the grout, whether it’s sanded or unsanded. If you want your grout to last a long time it’s best to use a sealer that can waterproof your grout.
No Grout About It
You need grout if you want your tiling project to turn out well, and now that you know more about sanded vs. unsanded grout, it would be easier for you to choose the right kind for your tiles.
Do you want to know more about grout? If yes, don’t forget to check out our other posts. We also have tons of articles on tiling and other home improvement projects.
