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How to grout floor tiles

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How to grout floor tiles

When you lay a new new tiled floor, the very last thing that you would want to go wrong is the grouting. Why? Well you'll find that with average 12“ floor tile, and even with larger format 18“ floor tiles, that you'll have a lot of grout joints. If you are at all “picky” about your DIY floor then a messed up grout job will stock out like a sore thumb and ruin your floor. The grouting will either make or break a tiled floor, that's why it is so important to get it right.

In this step-by-step guide to grouting a tiled floor we will assume that you have already purchased your own grout and know how to mix it. We will also assume that you have got a paint scraper, grouter, a selection of old rags and a few grouting sponges at hand for the job. With that, let's go!

Cleaning the floor

Grout will show up any impurities and dirt if it is still in the grout joints. Therefore, we need to get all those joint lines cleared out before you even think about grouting them in. Take a paint scraper and using the fine edge, start scraping down all the joints to remove any excess buildup of adhesive still in there. Once you have cleaned out all the joints, hoover the entire floor thoroughly, paying special attention to the joints. Then take a damp rag and go over the floor to lift as much fine dust as possible.

Grouting the joints

With the floor clean and dry, you can start to grout the joints. Mix up a batch of grout following the manufacturers instructions, or if you know what you're doing then use your own formula. Make sure that you keep the grout in the shade and away from any source of heat, otherwise it might simply dry up before you can get it down.

Start at the corner furthest away from your exit and scoop out a large dollup of grout onto the floor. Then using your grouter, start to push the grout down into the joints. Make sure and use some “elbow grease”, grout has to be pushed into the joints so that bubbles don't form. Work your way towards the door, trying to recycle as much grout as you can on the way. If you must mix another fresh batch, try and use the exact same formula because the colour may change with a different grout : water ratio (particularly for coloured grouts). Once you have got the floor grouted fully, close the doors, don't walk over the floor and let it partially set.

Smoothing the grout

Now, get a damp rag and begin to clean down the floor again starting from the furthest corner of the room. The aim of this is to remove any large excess amounts of grout that has been left on top of the tiles and grout joints. Once you have removed the excess, it's time to smooth out the joints properly. Working at 45° to the grout lines, start to wipe over the floor. Do not wipe along the joints with your sponge or you can actually pull the grout out. Once you have the joints all cleaned and smoothed out you can basically leave it to dry. It is however a good idea to plan to make sure that you haven't missed any joints, if so fil them in with a little grout and use the same smoothing process.

Finishing up

Once the grout has dried you'll see that the floor will be covered in a fine dust. All you need to lift it is a dry cloth. Start at the far corner and rub down the floor. Come prepared for this dusty job, wear a dust mask and open any the exterior windows or doors to improve air circulation. Now just clean up your tools and enjoy the finished job.