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How to choose the right bathroom tile grout, the best brands and the consumption calculation

Tile is the most common material for decorating the bathroom and toilet. The final result of the repair depends not only on the variety and quality of the tile, but also on the accompanying materials, including the grout. Knowing how to choose the right grout for tiles in the bathroom, you can buy a suitable composition that will last a long time.

Functional objective

The grout is a dry mortar. The material is intended for filling joints between tiles. When decorating a bathroom, seams are filled in for the following reasons:

  • for aesthetic purposes - a monolithic structure looks more attractive than with noticeable inter-tile gaps;
  • visually hide defects due to violation of laying rules or uneven base;
  • to prevent moisture penetration, protect against mold and bacteria.

Varieties and their characteristics

There are several types of grout available at building supply stores. Each option has individual characteristics. Therefore, for a competent choice, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the detailed characteristics of the products in advance.

cement based

The most popular option is a cement-based mix. The popularity of the material is due to its low cost combined with ease of use. Before applying to the surface, simply dilute the dry mix with water or liquid latex to a suitable consistency. There is also a grout that is sold ready to use. It is optimal to use this option in conditions of a limited budget and the absence of high requirements for the quality of finishes.

It is not recommended to use it if the width of the tile joints exceeds 5 mm.

Based on epoxy resins

The epoxy variety is classified as a two-component variety and requires thinning with a hardener to prepare. Epoxy-based grout has the following advantages:

  1. Does not absorb dirt, provides protection against moisture penetration, retains color and does not interact with chemical components contained in cleaning products.
  2. The service life of the material reaches several decades, which eliminates the need for frequent updates.
  3. Due to its astringent properties, epoxy can replace tile adhesive. Once applied, the seams are virtually invisible.
  4. After curing, the grout becomes solid and hard, which makes it resistant to external influences and rapid abrasion. Tile joints can be cleaned with a stiff brush without risk of damage.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane grout is a single-component composition that does not require preparatory actions before use. The material contains quartz fillers, so no pigment remains on the surface and joints of tiles, which simplifies the procedure of cleaning. Additional benefits include economy of use and resistance to moisture penetration.

Additional benefits include economy of use and resistance to moisture penetration.

Latex

Latex grout is superior to cement mix in terms of elasticity. The material is available in a variety of colors, including whites and dark, deep colors with pearlescent particles. The abundance of shade choices allows you to find a suitable option, taking into account the general style of the bathroom.

Furanic

Furan material is produced exclusively in black color, which narrows the scope of its use. Typically, furan grout is used in bathrooms decorated in a dark style or in production areas that require special finishes. The main advantages of this type of material are increased strength and resistance to chemicals.

How to choose the right type

When choosing the right type of grout, it is recommended to adhere to an integrated approach and take into account a number of criteria. Thus, it will be possible to find the best option for a specific situation.

On appointment

Each type of inter-tile grout has its own purpose. Depending on the type of tile used and the features of the use of the room, you need to choose an acceptable option. As a rule, the purpose of the material is indicated in the attached instructions from the manufacturer.

By operation characteristics

Each type of grout is designed for use in specific conditions. When choosing, this factor must be taken into account so that the material serves for a long time without premature destruction.

Seam width

Cementitious grout is used for the treatment of joints up to 5 mm wide. The epoxy material is suitable for between tiles of approximately 6 mm. In tighter spaces, grout does not fit properly due to increased viscosity.

The width of the joints between the tiles is determined according to personal preferences. Narrow seams visually suppress checks. If the wall is framed with elements measuring 10-30 cm, then a seam with a width of about 3 mm is considered optimal. When using tiles of irregular shape, a wide seam is more suitable, but its dimensions should not exceed 12 mm.

The width of the joints between the tiles is determined according to personal preferences.

Finishing characteristics

Finish nuances also influence the choice of the right grout. Since different types of grouting materials differ in texture and resistance to external factors, you need to think over the decoration of the room in advance and make a choice based on all the planned characteristics.

Color

A well-chosen shade of grout allows you to enhance the interior. The presence of contrasting seams makes it possible to emphasize the strict geometry of the tiles, tying together the coverings, decorative objects and various equipment used in the bathroom. Finding it difficult to choose the right shade of material for processing the inter-tile space, it is better to focus on the color of the tile and purchase a harmonious filler. In the case of a combination of several types of tiles, it is allowed to choose the color of the grout corresponding to one of them.

Thus, it will be possible to ensure a harmonious combination of all colors in the interior of one room.

The most difficult thing is to choose a contrasting color of the material, because you need to have artistic taste or experience in design. If it becomes necessary to experiment with shades, it is better to do this in a special program for modeling the part to be repaired. White grout is considered a universal option. It harmonizes with bathroom accessories and complements all colors used in the decoration of the room.

Maker

The products of some manufacturers are in great demand in the market.This is due to the proven quality and long service life of the grout.

Review of the best manufacturers

Before purchasing equipment, it is recommended to study the rating of the best manufacturers. By reviewing top brands, you can compare product features, cost, and other important criteria.

Ceresit

Ceresit manufactures a durable elastic grout for joints 5-40mm wide.

The water-repellent material is available in a variety of colors and is environmentally friendly

The water-repellent material is available in a variety of colors, is environmentally friendly and resistant to most detergents.

MAPEI

MAPEI brand joint filler is suitable for areas with high wear and water resistance requirements. A variety of color options allow you to choose the appropriate shade to solve assigned design tasks.

Litokol

LItokol blends are available in a wide range of colors, including options with optical effects. The color of the grout remains unchanged for a long time. The material is resistant to moisture, cleaning agents and mechanical stress.

Atlas

Atlas epoxy compounds have increased chemical resistance and strength. Seam processing creates an aesthetic visual effect and provides protection.

Kiilto

Mortar from the manufacturer Kiilto is intended for sealing joints between floor and wall tiles. The products are environmentally friendly, provide a smooth surface and protect the coating from mildew.

The products are environmentally friendly and have a smooth surface

Throughput Calculation Methods

Pre-calculation of the consumption of the mixture makes it possible to purchase the right amount and save costs. There are several methods for determining the material consumption for processing seams.

Mathematical

The consumption of the substance is indicated on the packaging with the dry building mixture. This makes it possible to calculate the consumption at the stage of choosing a suitable grout, taking into account the area of ​​​​the room to be repaired.

painting

Ready-made tables of material consumption simplify the calculation process. Simply find the tile sizes and tile spacing in the chart to determine the amount of grout required.

Experimental

The simplest technique is the experimental approach. In this case, they take a small amount of the building mixture and determine how many seams it will last. By comparing the result obtained with the number of inter-tile spaces, the final consumption is calculated.

Additional tips and tricks

When choosing a grout, it is recommended to rely on two basic criteria. These include individual preferences regarding the appearance of the material and the composition of the mixture. It is better to buy mixtures from reliable manufacturers so that the grout lasts a long time and does not lose its original properties.



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