Is it necessary to grout?

Question

I have finished tiling my Kitchen backsplash and I really like the color of the mortar against the tile. My local home improvment store does not have a grout that matches quite as well. I have plenty of the mortar left over and would like to just us it to fill in between the tiles. Is it neccesary to grout or will the mortar work just as well if I use a good sealer?

Answer 1

I would still grout. The grout helps give the tile a finished appearance, and it helps protect the material under the tile from moisture. It's very stable under different temperatures, and durable. Ask the home improvement store if they have dyes that you can add to the grout to make it a color you like, or consider getting 2 different colors, and mixing them to make the color you like. It'll cost you more, but grout isn't that expensive.

Answer 2

I have honestly never heard of using mortar as grout - but I suppose it could be done. My only hesitation would be related to 1. the fact that mortar - long term - may not hold up like grout when exposed (i.e it may crack). 2. Mortar will likely be much more difficult to clean and keep pliable while working it in the grout lines. All in all though, I think it is a novel idea that just might work. For safety, I would call the mortar manufacturer and see if it can be used as a grout. Otherwise, you may be better off just finding a grout that matches as close to the mortar as possible.

Answer 3

There is a company named Aquamix that makes grout colorant you might try that to match the color. They also make sealer. You can get it at Lowes. I do not work for either place however I have used the product and have been very pleased with it.