Grout for floor tiles - what color grout?

Question

I just had new white/gray ceramic tiles placed in my basement. The grout color that the contractors used was beige.
1) Is this an appropriate color to use?
2) If I don't like the color is there something I can use to change the color now that the grout is set already?
3) Is there some protecting spray or liquid that I'm supposed to use on the grout to prevent it from staining?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Well for the tiles you describe basically they should have used either white or grey. White grout if you wanted the tiles to stand out more (they would appear more white) or a choice of anywhere from a light grey to a dark grey if you wanted the tiles to individually stand out, the darker the colour the more it would stand out. Black would have been cool if that was your colour scheme (B/W). I actually put down tiles just like you described at my old house and used the light grey (or silverish) and they looked quite nice.

But BEIGE? Yuk. You should have asked them these questions before hand. It seems they used what they had handy so as not to spend the extra money on grout.

I would ask at a ceramic tile center what they recommend. If you really hate the grout, I'd compain the to company and have them come and dig it out and do it proper...but good luck attempting that.

If the ceramic store says you can use some kind of pen or paint do it, then seal it with a good sealer. What will happen if you don't seal it is you will eventually have dirty grout and it will be patchy, meaning the high traffic areas will have "black" grout and other areas wills till remain clean looking.

So paint/pen or seal it, and that will be a big job too on your hands and knees with a paintbrush and cloth to clean the tiles.

Paint might be cheaper and you should maybe water it down so it spreads easier and doesn't clump. Put it in a margarine tub or something and get the right consistency. Maybe use a triangle make up sponge or foam brush and have a lot of cloths handy to wipe off the tiles. Paint should be dry for 24 hours before applying sealer. You're lucky its a light grout that you can maybe do something with--it if was dark you probably wouldn't be able to get as good a result in damage coverup.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I think beige is a poor choice. I hate when contractor do that, they should be thinking along the lines of how dirt will show and whats best for the customer and not their own taste. there is grout tint you may be able to paint it a dif coulour but its not too fun to use and its a tint so it may stain other things inc your tile if there are any chips in it from cutting. I would say remove the grout and start fresh. with white/gret tiles I could think a winter grey would look nice or even a artic ice. by choosing these tones they will blend into the tiles more. if you are looking for them to stand out like a checker board then go like dark grey or even black. but its very bold and if you might be selling in the future then it could be a turn off for some buyers. the artic ice and winter grey are both from a grout company called "Custom" sold at Home Depot and prob many other hardware stores. Personally i would call the contractor and ask to remove the grout and put in the one of YOUR choosing and not his. this is part of a satisfaction on the job completed.

Answer 3

For grout and tiles, it's kinda hard about colors.

Yes, white would have looked better in the beginning... But, a problem that arises is dirt.

Over the next year(s), no matter what color you choose/use, it will turn to a dark color due to dirt.

Beige was NOT a good color with your color scheme. They should have used a grey or black (or white) grout. There is a product out there that "protects the grout", but suddenly I can't think of it. Contact your local hardware store.

Also, contact your contractor about the color. He may not do anything about it, but something should be said.

Answer 4

I absolutely would NOT use a beige unless it was the w1 beige which is very light

It is very difficult to tell you what color because the names are weird.. one cannot say.. green... brown..... red... etc... they have weird names

Here is ONE site that you can go to to get an idea of colors:

http://www.abc.ph/ie4/tilegroutchart.htm

http://www.sgm.cc/html/install/groutco.html (I like the silver in this one)

At any rate.. choosing the right grout color is VERY important. To me.. it is more important than choosing the color of the tile.. It is important to realize how the colour of the grout can effect the overall appearance of the finished installation. Dark coloured grout tends to highlight the shape of the tile more with less observance of the grout colour.

Answer 5

I don't think beige would be a nice contrast to a white/gray tile. A gray grout would look much better. Home depot or Lowes might carry a pen to change the grout color. You can get a grout sealer their as well.

Answer 6

I feel your pain..i went through this with my bathroom floor last year... the only thing that helped at all was a steamer and it didnt get it as clean as I wanted. What I did was go to home depot and buy grout dye and redied my grout then made sure to seal it well..... I can not stress the importence of the sealing enough either... if you dont seal the grout (which it sounds like was not done) then you will keep having this problem as long as you own your home.

Answer 7

get floor paint and paint the grout