Selecting Your Grout Color

Did you know that you have options in selecting your grout color? First, you can opt to blend the color of the grout with the color of the tile. Or, you can choose a grout color that contrasts with the tile color.

Ultimately, the choice is yours and it depends on what kind of look you're hoping to achieve with your tile project.

The Basics of Grout

Since we're talking grout, we have to cover the basics. 

Grout is important; don't skip it, don't ignore it. It's essential to your tile installation.

• It's the last step in the installation process and creates a finished look.
• Grout fills gaps and voids between tiles to protect the installation from moisture and dirt. Moisture that seems in under the tile can lead to damage and mold. 
• It's stabilizes and strengthens the installation. 
• It makes it easier for you to clean the space.

Depending on the type of installation, you'll want to select the right kind of grout.

Learn more in this article titled Why You Need Grout When You Install Tile and Stone. 

Choosing a Grout Color

As mentioned above, when choosing a grout color, you can go monochromatic and dichromatic.

• Monochromatic refers to a grout color that blends with the tile so the tile stands out and the grout does not become the focal point. An example is white tile with white grout.
• Dichromatic is a grout color that contrasts with the tile. It can be either lighter or darker and usually makes the tile pattern grid work pop up and catch the eye more than the actual tile pattern. An example is white tile with black grout.

You'll find that grout comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose a color that complements or contrasts with your tiles, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Most stores, including Tile Outlets of America, will have a grout color chart or grout samples available to assist you in your selection.

(Even when you use the Visualizer on the website, you'll see grout color as an option.)

Grout color really is a personal choice as well as a design preference. There is no right or wrong answer.

That said, it can get challenging especially if your tile has a lot of variation in its colors. The best solution is to experiment as you see Kendra doing in this video:

 

 

 

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Grout Color Examples to Inspire You

A helpful next step is to explore ideas to determine what inspires you. Do you prefer looks that blend or ones that contrast with your tile.

Look online, on Pinterest, in magazines, in your friends' homes, in Inspiration Areas such as those available in all three Tile Outlets of America stores, and here with these grout color examples.

These images come from Coverings, the largest trade fair for tiles and stone in North America. We fell in love with them because they captured what's possible with grout color in a playful and visual way.

Contrasting Grout Color with Tile Color

Contrast can be between a white or off white tile and dark grey or black grout.

Here's a contrast between white grout and a beige tile. 

 This is more subtle: blue grout with a grey tile.

 And, one of our personal favorites, here's yellow grout with grey tile.

 Which of these do you prefer? Would you have considered blue or yellow before seeing these images?

Coordinating Grout Color with Tile

This example is comparable to the mosaic that Kendra showed you in the video. This grout color coordinates with the lighter tile color, creating contrast against the darker tile. 

This last example caught our attention because of the type of tile - subway - and its contrasting beveled edges. In one case, the grout matches the bevel color, and in the others, it matches the tile while contrasting with the bevel.

The choice becomes what do you want to call attention to?

Tip From Tile Outlets of America on Selecting Your Grout Color

Here's a tip to help you with your decision.

Have two pieces of your tile with you when you choose your grout color. That way you can evaluate different grout samples between the tiles. It will help you better visualize what your tile will look like when it’s grouted.

Think of it as the equivalent of a mockup for grout. You can't go wrong.

Some Other Grout Resources

If you'd like to learn more about grout, check out these articles:

>> Use Grout Release Before Grouting Textured Tile for Easier Clean Up 

>> Frequently Asked Questions About Grout 

>> Six Top Tile Installation Questions

Ready to Pick Your Grout Color?

How are you feeling about selecting your grout color? Are you ready? Let us know if you have any questions. Don't hesitate to reach out to the Tile Outlets of America sales professionals. They will be happy to assist you.

Thanks for reading!