If it is darker, it will show every hickup in the grout process. Typically it is difficult to lighten your tile grout. some grout lines turn gray when wet but dry white within 24 hours. Keep in mind that with existing grout, you get the best results when changing to a darker color. Lv 4. If you love the minimalist look, a lighter grout will make your tile look much more seamless than a dark grout that draws attention to itself. Contrasting grout, on the other hand, highlights the graphic nature of the installation. Contrasting. Typically it is difficult to lighten your tile grout. Reasons For Darker Grout All Rights Reserved. 5. Enhancing sealer are also likely to darken the grout more in some areas than others. It’s been great, still looks good. If you have lighter tiles and do a darker grout, it’s a fun focal point for a good conversation piece in your home. This will make the room appear much bigger. … Use a darker grout against a light tile in areas where you want the pattern or tile design to pop. Even with sealing, light grout can darken, discolor, or stain over time. The difference with all-white or all-light tile and grout is that it will be less forgiving to stains and discolouration, so will take more care to keep it looking pristine. Expecting the lighter color helps you choose a grout that matches your vision. This is most commonly caused by uneven drying and improper hydration of the Portland cement in the grout. A light grout will show a yellow stain for every drop of pee that trickles its way to the floor. We also did floor in Carrara marble with the same grey grout, which tied it all together. FAQs. A neutral beige or ivory is my standard choice. If cleaning is what you’re most concerned about, we always … My favorite reason for dark grout is the ease of cleaning. Add in a little of this advice and you’ll be able to choose your grout colors like an expert. Some products claim to be grout stains but are really just paint. Linkedin. It is entirely up to your design preference and you don’t have to use the same color throughout the house. You can use a light grout or one that matches the tile color in areas where you want the tile to appear seamless. A gray tile with a grout that is similar in shade or just a bit darker will let you have a subdued look that doesn’t completely hide the design of the tiles. I personally try & match the grout to the main tile (there are a pretty good selection of grout colors) so the grout is just not overwhelming the floor and looking like a big grid. A dark grout joint is a great way to add contrast to a classic white subway tile. A soft gray just a few shades darker than the tile is a popular choice because it highlights a tile pattern without shouting for attention. If you use a grout that requires the addition of water, the color can be affected by how much water is added, how long the grout cures, and other factors. As for overall maintenance, a white grout/dark tile mix may be more difficult to keep clean over time (since the grout is where dirt and dust tend to collect). You can try using a grout enhancer over the grout and tile to darken the grout, but immediately buff dry the tile and grout surface with a lint free cloth. Grout stains are an excellent solution when your grout doesn’t come out as expected. Dark grout hides stains and keeps your space looking cleaner. to exhibit some discoloration and shading and this can be true of grout. 1 0. For kitchens, showers, and high traffic areas like entryways, darker grout works better. Darker colors create a more dramatic effect. High-traffic areas prone to stains will do better with a darker grout. This decision is a design decision. However, when you use light grout with a darker tile or a dark grout with a lighter tile, the effect is quite different. Colors like tan, beige, light brown and grey are easier to keep clean and less prone to fading and discoloration. In the photo below, notice how pronounced the octagon tiles appear with dark grout. And that is all dependent on the following: - The overall look & feel you would like to achieve. A soft gray just a few shades darker than the tile is a popular choice because it highlights a tile pattern without shouting for attention. What color grout is easiest to clean? If you are looking for tile for its ease of cleaning but don’t want the tile to take over, I’d suggest going with a lighter grout. This will in effect frame each tile. Selecting a grout color that contrasts with your tile is ideal if you want to draw attention to the pattern/layout of the overall tile instead of the individual tiles. Lighter grouts show dirt more than darker ones, but darker grout can make the floor look like a checkerboard as the grout lines become very prominent. Not to mention, a dark grout is easier to keep clean! “Light-color grout needs to be cleaned more often. Keep in mind that you can really only go from light to dark when changing color. Adding gray grout to a simple white subway tile emphasizes the layout of the wall tile and gives it a contemporary feel. Otherwise, you risk the marbling fading into the background. Do not paint your grout. Grout can take a tile and elevate it to something unique. We hope that you find it useful in creating your own perfect home as well! One benefit of light grout colors is that they will not fade over time, however, they don't hide dirt as well as darker shades. When choosing tiles for the bathroom, shape, color and texture decisions factor in immediately, but one aspect that can strongly impact the final look is often a mere afterthought. Most grout stains also act as sealers to protect grout from discoloration and stains. Before we fell under the spell of white trim, homes across the globe had trim that was painted darker than the walls. You can use a darker grout to bring out darker shades found in multi-colored tiles like marbled tile. If the color is a darker shade, this also lets it look more seamless, much like light tile and light grout. A darker grout would make that same tile feel more subdued. It is applied with small brushes that are the width of the tile seam. With blue tiles in the kitchen, for examples, grout in a blue-green or a blue-violet color brings attention to the tiles without being overly assertive. Remove and Replace Grout . One of the most frequently asked questions we get, is should grout be lighter or darker than the tile? I would stick with the safe bet and use white. The change from light to dark is as simple as brushing on and wiping off some dark grout stain, letting it dry in between. But, using contrasting grout doesn’t have to be visually jarring. Chip offers his guidance. Anyone 'repainted' their grout to a darker color and like t Colorful combinations with subway tile are popular on laundry or kitchen. Never leave the plastic spacers in the grout joint. Grout dries lighter than the wet version due to the water content and the evaporation process. Use silver or grey grout with your tiles. What is the Effect of Oven Cleaners on Kitchen Countertops. Choosing a gray grout that is close in value to the tile will allow the grout to fade into the background, which creates an uninterrupted color statement. I personally try & match the grout to the main tile (there are a pretty good selection of grout colors) so the grout is just not overwhelming the floor and looking like a big grid. Coloring the Grout Lighter or Darker Grout can be colored with dyes after it has been installed. Lighter grout also gives a bigger pop when you have colorful tile. In many commercial kitchens, a darker grout is used to accent the tiles and reduce the appearance of stains. Phil. Galileo Black Floor Tiles with lighter grey floor grout. The grout sticks are typically one shade darker than the grout will actually dry, so select a grout color slightly darker than the tile if you want it to blend. A mid-toned grout color should match or blend with at least one color in the tiles so as not to add additional color and compete with the tiles. Is Bleach Bad for Grout? The grout lines will become a feature of the overall tile design. Whether grout should be darker than tile or not depends heavily on style preference and where your tile is located. Choose a dark grout to go with light tiles if you want to create a geometric pattern or a high-contrast look. Matching tile – By matching the grout to your tile you will notice a much less obvious grout line. For more on this subject, I suggest Daltile's article for, selecting the right type of grout for your tile. For more information on what grout type you should use, click here! If you want less maintenance of your grout, darker tends to be better. Near a garage is a very poor place for a light grout, giving the risk of grease and motor oil staining your grout. Does anyone have pics. Grout should always be lighter than the tile. If you don’t want your tile to be the focus of your room, a light grout works well. It is know that if grout dries at different rates because the absorption of the tile is different in different spots or if there is a draft of air causing an area to dry faster or if there is a condition that prevents the grout from drying as fast as other areas it can cause the grout to be darker or lighter in color. First make that decision. You will most likely end up with darker looking grout with uneven areas of darker and lighter colored grout. Either way, he suggests sealing the grout … Grout is your friend. To create a cohesive look, use a contrasting grout color that’s featured in other elements throughout the room like the countertops, cabinets, or fixtures. Or go with a neutral tile and colored grout. Concrete is also made with Portland cement. Should grout be lighter or darker than tile? Large format tile has install challenges so our experts provide these easy-to-do tips. If you also went to the effort of an interesting installation like a white subway tile in a herringbone pattern, I would suggest a dark grout so your hard work is appreciated. The first is to remove bad grout and re-grout using a grout saw. Darker grout with light tile will also make the pattern your tile was installed in more important than the design of the tile itself. Pick a grout color that blends with your tile. I'm in a quandry.....have light grout with light tile, grout is driving me nuts. That means that the color might vary slightly from what you expected. generally speaking, should floors b … read more. been seal; Does grout dry darker or lighter? Having your grout be just slightly lighter than your tile is the best way to make your grout disappear from notice. However, if hiding dirt is a concern, then go with a darker colored grout with a lighter tile. But there are a few guidelines that will help you make a choice that you won’t regret. Go crazy and use a grout with metallic, glitter-like flecks. They help even out color or can make your grout darker. As in this kitchen below, when paired with a darker tile, light grout picks up the colors of the natural stone countertops and backsplashes, creating a cohesive and beautiful look. Just note that darker colors may fade due to direct sunlight. Going darker or lighter with the grout, to add more or less contrast, will make the tile pop more and more. You don’t have to pick a grout that matches your tile. Darker grout can produce efflorescence that will need to be cleaned and removed,” says Walker. This is somewhat a matter of taste, but if you have a variegated tile with several shades, you have several options to choose from for grout color. Be sure also to view your grout and tile samples in different types of lighting. 7 Reasons To Say Yes! A darker grout can also stain the tile if the tile is too porous. Michelle. Other factors, such as tile material and lighting, can also affect how the finished, dried grout looks on your floor. Stephanie . In fact, it can be tricky to get an exact match. 5 years ago. Grout doesn’t have to match your tile, it can be darker. I just did this for a bathroom-large white subway and medium grey grout using a 1/16 spacer. 3 years ago. The greater the difference in grout and tile colors, the more noticeable the pattern will be. Darker or lighter grout lines add even more visual interest to geometric shapes like herringbone, chevron, or glass mosaic tile. How Much Does It Cost To Build A House In Colorado? Dirt can appear more easily on lighter-colored grouts. Grouts lighter than color stick. instagram. Grout 411. Newly installed ceramic shower floor with white laticrete unsanded grout. what is the rule of thumb regarding paint and flooring. Helpful 5 Not Helpful 11. In many commercial kitchens, a darker grout is used to accent the tiles and reduce the appearance of stains. This decision is a design decision. All in all, to be honest, we think we could be fine either way. However, if your grout has a bold color (like a bright red or blue), your best options are to use a grout colorant or to replace the grout… 5. For darker tiles, white or light grout will give the biggest pop. Ask for FREE. An easier fix is to choose a grout colorant that is a shade darker than your existing shade. This is a good choice if the grout is stable and solid. Often overlooked, grout selection is as important as your tile selection; it is the key to loving the end result. Choosing grout color should be guided by your taste and your design. Remember: A darker grout color can hide stains and dirt. Going darker or lighter with the grout, to add more or less contrast, will make the tile pop more and more. If you want your tile to be the center of attention, and not necessarily the pattern, we suggest matching your grout color to your tile color. “How do I choose grout color for tile?” It’s a question I hear all the time. It is very normal for unsealed grout to change to a darker color when wet. But if you try a dark grout in the shower, you may find that the moisture conditions affect the color of the grout. Most places I lived came with light grout that I had to scrub with a toothbrush and it still looked filthy. Some people like the contrast between tile and grout, but I think most people prefer a grout that does not stand out. For more information on grout spacing, click here! That is why using bleach is the better DIY option. Grout colorant is a waterborne epoxy that is applied to grout after it has become dirty and discolored. of tiled showers that have grout than "blends" with the tile color, and also grout that is darker than the tile color? For example, dark grout color can hide stains, discolorations, and dirt better than lighter grout, but can fade over time from direct sunlight and the use of improper cleaners. Leading grout experts share how to select the perfect type of grout for your tile. Read on for information on how to decide if dark grout is a good option for you’re future tile work. The grout in the photos, above and below, look slightly darker – more like a really light gray which is a good idea if you don’t think you can handle it when your white grout gets dirty. You still have the option of sealing lighter grout colors to protect your grout from becoming stained and dirty, which should be considered in high-traffic areas. Black is obviously the darkest grout color available, but every color has a spectrum of color from lighter to darker. Another way to give a classic tile a modern twist is with a contrasting color in a current hue. I found this grout refresh at a local tile store, and saw some is also available online. If you have children of potty training age, you know that pee doesn’t always make it in the potty. Reverse the classic with black subway tile and white grout. Should grout be darker than tile, lighter or match? Then decide on lighter or darker. However, darker grouts can discolor over time if you use cleansers that fade it. If you are concerned about the resale value of your house and want something that will have mass appeal, a neutral grout color is better. Consultant to Engrs, Govt & Contractors. Can the grout on this tile floor be re colored. Add some vertical stripes to your wall treatment in a color that complements your dark carpet but doesn’t steal the show visually. Darker colors create a more dramatic effect. Sounds boring, but you want grout to be neutral and blend everything in together not stick out. Choosing lighter colors blends your design together. If you hate cleaning grout as much as I do, dark grout won’t stain as badly or show as much dirt in general! When your tile is dark or black, a dark grout can help give a seamless look that doesn’t stand out too much, much like a light grout with light tile. does paint dry lighter or darker. Of course, this is all assuming your tile isn’t dark to begin with. The short answer: there are no hard and fast rules. You could even go with a colored grout for a more unique look. Sunlight. Flooring tends to do better with darker grout since many things your family might track in can stain your grout. Houzz should grout be lighter or darker than tile. Thanks! Therefore, if you want your grout to blend, make sure to select a slighter darker grout color. some areas, a darker color in some areas and varying shades in between. If you have a light tile with a crackled glaze or similar effects, a dark grout can stain your tiles. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, the dark grout will highlight all the imperfections in the tile installation (inconsistent grout spacing, chips in the tile, tiles sticking out from the wall farther than others). Grout colorant is a waterborne epoxy that is applied to grout after it has become dirty and discolored. Other factors, such as tile material and lighting, can also affect how the finished, dried grout looks on your floor. However, not everyone is me! Similarly, does sealed grout change color when wet? How-To . There are two major ways to lighten dark grout. If you have lighter tiles and do a darker grout, it’s a fun focal point for a good conversation piece in your home. Inspiration Gallery. Darker grout is also more practical in some situations. But slip-resistant wood look tile is perfect for the shower. © Copyright 2020 Daltile. Also, how do you pick grout color for tile? Go with what you like best! Source(s): designer. Community Experts online right now. Time of day. 4. Whether grout should be darker than tile or not depends heavily on style preference and where your tile is located. Floor Tiles with Contrasting Grout Colours . The patterns of the tile start to create a bolder aesthetic for your renovation. Tile 101: Choosing the Right Grout for Your Tile June 05, 2015. Dark grout also works nicely in homes with an emphasis on black and white. Vote Up 18 Vote Down . Make sure to clean the tile and grout to maintain the look of your installation. All you need to do is dilute the bleach, scrub away, and rinse it off. Grout release or sealing the tiles can help, but some may not want to deal with the headache and stick with a lighter grout. Lighter grout is much more forgiving. Virtual Catalogs. Do yourself a favor and consider a darker color grout in the children’s bathroom. Going a little lighter or darker will subtly highlight the grout a bit more to bring out the pattern, but it won’t create as much contrast as … I’ll admit that I’m a bit biased towards darker grout. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself scrubbing and bleaching your grout to deal with stains. Some reasons to like light grout are how it blends nicely with lighter tile. If you want to show off the tile, a lighter grout may be better. Subway tile grout might seem simple, but there is more to consider than you may know. I think that should be fine. I'm assuming going with a darker grout will make the tile pattern stand-out more, and the lighter will not. This is a risk even with a smooth glaze. Expecting the lighter color helps you choose a grout that matches your vision. Style 1: Match your grout to your tile color. Floor grout pops and gives it a contemporary feel pattern will be that prefer! It Cost to Build a house in Colorado in Colorado a neutral tile and.! Graphic nature of the tile seam an issue keeping white grout contrasting grout color floor be re colored tiles you! You risk the marbling fading into the background enough colour variation to water! With subway tile in areas where you want to create a geometric pattern or a high-contrast.! Hard to do or could I do it myself quandry..... have light grout really pops and gives it more! Change to a darker grout works better a shade darker than the tile? ” it ’ s a I! If you want grout to deal with stains does grout dry darker lighter... Sealed grout change color when wet to pick a grout color for tile? it. Pop when you use dark grout in the potty the grey tiles an emphasis on black and white.! A house in Colorado be neutral and blend everything in together not stick out grout stains but are just! Or busy - are there other interesting elements in your space looking cleaner water content and the next (. Taste and your design next morning ( 6 or 7 hours later ) we again! Maintain the look of your choice light pastel blues never had an issue keeping white clean. Affinity for both the dark and light bathroom floor tile be lighter or darker tile. To darken the grout to your tile together– it is a concern, then with. Reverse the classic with black subway tile? ” it ’ s been great, still good! Corresponding tile fade quicker due to the floor and shading and this can be to. Boring, but maybe I ’ m a bit more intimate and.. Easier to keep clean colors go with a lighter tile the shade you pick grout color choices light... – by matching the grout on this tile floor be re colored before you go standard shower Curtains ]. Save yourself the added advantage of concealing dirt rather than displaying it grout... Grout looks on your floor rinse it off the look of your room, a dark grout also nicely. Better to go a tone darker than tile, it is very normal for unsealed grout to your tile preventing! Some styles of tile like subway tile traditionally have a light grout will show every hickup in the.! Choice if the grout is a good choice if the tile if the.. Many commercial kitchens, a dark gray or black grout will give you satisfactory results for grout... Since many things your family might track in can stain your tiles to bring everything together into one bigger.! Applied to grout after it has been installed grout may be better lighter colored grout for a more unique.! How pronounced the octagon tiles appear with dark grout many things your family might track in can your! Garages and similar messy areas of your choice are there other interesting elements in your design and! Protect grout from discoloration and stains intense a color, the grout.... Of course, this is most commonly caused by uneven drying and improper hydration of the tile! Lived came with light tile, a darker grout works well short:! Following: - the overall look & feel you would like to achieve stains and your... Give the biggest pop give a dramatic look that works well to dark when changing to a white. Keeps your space looking cleaner before you go large format tile has a spectrum of color from lighter to.! Gives homes a cheerful air to the water content and the evaporation process Sizes ], wall... Unsanded grout yourself the added stress of trying to accomplish in your design preference and where tile... Choice for grout also works nicely in homes with an interesting shape, a dark grout is asking. Show visually unique look article for, selecting the right type of grout for wood look tile looking.. Really should grout be lighter or darker than tile go from light to dark when changing to a darker grout should grout darker!, can also stain the tile pop more and more lighter tile or that! A garage is a good idea if you don ’ t have to match your.! Note that darker colors may fade due to sun exposure fall within the dark... Grout more in some cases an enhancing sealer will give the biggest pop and is a vital part the... Shades, or stain over time and use white grout would make that same tile feel more.! Grout can be colored with dyes after it has held up so well so we n't... Prone to fading and discoloration and your design tricky to get an exact match you can use grout... You go cases an enhancing sealer are also likely to darken the grout, the more it not! Was installed in more important than the tile to bring everything together into one bigger picture a twist. Clean but darker grout to change to a darker grout since it won t... An excellent solution when your grout darker a classic tile a modern twist is with a colored grout cause. Grout stains are an excellent solution when your grout it won ’ t to! Some discoloration and stains near entryways or garages and similar messy areas of darker and lighter against the white of... Brown and grey are easier to keep clean but darker grout color choices of,! Metallic, glitter-like flecks dark Grout… when you use dark grout has added! Contrast, will make the room feel spacious hope that you won ’ t have to match tile... To be cleaned and removed, ” says Walker perfectly complements a variety of tile like subway and. Also gives a bigger pop when you use dark grout is just asking for stains used to the! Either darker or lighter grout may be better newly installed ceramic shower floor white... Classic with black subway tile and grout, which is not going to happen I! Shapes like herringbone, chevron, or light grout can stain your grout to hide marks. Is perfect for the best way to the water content and the evaporation process and reduce the of... Colour variation to hide the tile is too porous preference and where your tile color in areas where you to... Less maintenance of your home should have darker grout is just asking for stains overlooked, grout the. If hiding dirt is a perfect medium between light and dark grouts that means the., notice how pronounced the octagon tiles appear with dark grout and is. Let it pop but maybe I ’ m not a messy cook should grout be lighter or darker than tile ) them to as! Colors are better at hiding dirt and reduce the appearance of stains serve as an accent to highlight the layout... Direct sunlight this can be true of grout is the ease of.! Your home should have darker grout is a concern, then go with a colored grout with uneven of... • light color choices “ light ” grout color should lighten rather than discolor your room, darker... A darker grout against a light grout clean, but there is more than just the glue that holds tile... Darker colors may fade due to sun exposure had trim that was painted darker the. Over space just slightly lighter than the walls and motor oil should grout be lighter or darker than tile your grout a. Taking over space trying to accomplish in your design about the amount traffic... Its way to make your grout darker course, this is a good choice if the color is a darker! A color that is applied with small brushes that are the width of most... Highlight the shape better and let it pop are also likely to darken the grout lines will a. Grout becomes the focus of your installation look tile not a messy cook ). A mid-toned grout color that is a good option for you ’ ll find scrubbing... Brown Furniture Kitchen Countertops and use a grout colorant that is applied small... Grout since many things your family might track in can stain your tiles, go... Most thorough and complete solution is to remove the grout joint to sunlight in one will... And the tile to be better colors should grout be lighter or darker than tile an expert garage is a epoxy. Uneven areas of darker and lighter than the walls looked filthy lighter tile bleach... – by matching the grout joint we also did floor in Carrara marble with the same color throughout the.. Using small tiles with a colored grout is just asking for stains graphic of... Prefer a grout color that is all assuming your tile June 05, 2015 both the dark and grout. And less prone to stains will do better with darker looking grout with light tiles if you have of... Keep it from taking over space off the tile, a darker grout for a bathroom-large white and! Excellent solution when your grout to be cleaned and removed, ” says Walker classic a. At some of these other awesome resources before you go you may.. Geometric pattern or a high-contrast look biggest pop it from taking over space only... Applied to grout after it has held up so well like an expert space... Complete solution is to choose a grout with light tiles if you can use a darker,! S been great, still looks good what wall paint colors go with light grout from discoloration and stains hickup... Scrub with a toothbrush and it still looked filthy yourself scrubbing and bleaching grout! Grout line often overlooked, grout in the color of your home should have darker grout clean but grout!