All About the Grout
- Nancy Lane
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
I dropped my favorite go-to grout colors in a post a few years back, and those largely haven't changed - after all, here at NLI, we stick with timeless and classic (and sometimes with a twist). But today feels like a good day to have a design nerd moment and talk about the finer details of grout. Indulge me, won't you?
Grout Lines and Thickness
The grout selection process for any tile work is far more than simply choosing the best color to pair with the tiles you've selected. Grout fills joints to ensure that your tile installation lasts through inevitable construction shifting over time, and the top of the tile surface can be cleared of dirt or debris easily. I don't know about you but I lean to the side of low, low maintenance.
All designers have their preferences, but I am personally a fan of a 1/16" grout line. There's less area for mildew and grime to take hold, and it looks more sophisticated and clean, in my opinion. I have done a 1/8" grout line for exterior spaces in the past, but that is my upper limit for a project.
I will still default to my installer, because they do tile day in and day out, and if a certain tile or tiling pattern necessitates more grout, I'm here for it. I typically ask the installers for a sample board to be made with a good chunk or portion of tile to see how the pattern and grout lines will turn out as well.
Large grout lines over 1/2" exemplify a more casual, European cobblestone kind of look. I hate to admit it, but I always secretly wonder if not enough tile was ordered when I see super large grout lines, and the grout really needed to stretch to cover their surface.
Grout Chemistry
I prefer to use an all-in-one grout, meaning one with high stain resistance and no sealing required, but here at NLI, we lean on the expertise of the tile manufacturer and installer. Once we specify tile and layout for a project, we'll pull the specifications as recommended by the manufacturer, then confirm with our tile installer, since most will have certain brands they prefer and are more comfortable using.
My Number One Tip: DO NOT Use White Grout
Some people may think I'm crazy, but I've seen enough installed tile to know that I personally will never specify a true white grout color ever, pinky promise. Maybe it's my OCD, but in my experience, it's {obviously} more prone to stains. It looks beautiful right when it's installed, but give it a little while and it could start looking dingy.
I've seen it turn too many times in kitchens on backsplashes, especially where owners love to cook (think tomato sauce and red wine). In many a bathroom, I've seen what mildew or discoloration from cleaning chemicals can do, especially to the once-white colored grout. I don't know about you, but that would bother me until the end of time.
Have a look at my favorite go-to grout colors if you're looking for inspiration!
If you're considering a bathroom and/or kitchen renovation and are feeling overwhelmed, and would like help from start to finish with planning your design dream and selecting fabulous fixtures and finishes, don't hesitate to reach out to us today!
