Unsanded Grout VS Sanded Grout: Which To Choose?

The type of grout finishing you use influences the final look and the overall durability and endurance of your tiled surface. Whether you’re tiling a floor, a shower, or a backsplash, this article will offer you the information you need to select the best material for the job.

So, let’s take a look at the differences between unsanded and sanded grout.

What Is Grout?

Grout is an element used to fill the spaces between tiles. After being applied, it solidifies, bonding the tiles together and reinforcing the entire tiled surface. In addition, grout protects the surface by preventing liquids and other foreign items from entering the space between the tiles. Thinset, the mortar that secures the tile to the substrate, is occasionally mistaken for grout.

What Is Sanded Grout?

When you hear the term “sanded,” you might picture materials smoothed down to a sleek surface. However, sanded grout doesn’t mean grout that has been sanded using a sander. In reality, sanded grout is just grout blended with fine sand. For most tile projects, sanded grout is suitable and usually more affordable than unsanded grout.

Recommended Uses

To ensure the correct application of sanded grout, here are some suggested uses for this material.

Flooring

Sanded grout is the preferred choice for tile floors due to its increased rigidity, density, and durability compared to unsanded grout. This is attributed to two main reasons: wider joints in tile floors necessitate sanded grout, and the higher level of wear and tear on tile floors benefits from the added strength provided by sanded grout.

Tile Work With Wider Grout Lines

Grout joints that are wide can be filled with unsanded grout, but it is not suitable for gaps exceeding 1/8 inch as it tends to crack and shrink. For joints between 1/8 inch and 3/8 inch, sanded grout is a more effective option.

Surfaces That Are Subjected To Weight And Pressure

Unsanded grout is less effective under pressure compared to sanded grout, leading to reduced shrinkage and cracking. Therefore, sanded grout is recommended for surfaces like floors or tiles that will endure weight and pressure.

What Is Unsanded Grout?

Unsanded grout, or non-sanded grout, is a type of grout that does not contain sand. Although unsanded grout may be more expensive than sanded grout, it can be a better choice depending on the circumstances.

Recommended Uses

Considering incorporating unsanded grout into your home interior design? Here are some suggested applications that may assist you in making an informed decision.

Tile Work With Narrow Grout Lines

It is challenging to work sanded grout into narrow grout joints because it is thicker than unsanded grout. This will result in inefficient work and inconsistent fill because the thick sanded grout cannot fill the narrow joint.

Vertical Surfaces

Usually, sanded grout is suitable for walls, but using unsanded grout typically yields better results. Unsanded grout, with its polymers and absence of sand, has a stickier consistency than sanded grout, making it ideal for vertical grout lines as it stays in place without sagging. This makes grouting shower walls and backsplashes much simpler and results in a higher-quality finish.

Smooth Tiles

Adding sand to grout creates a gritty texture. Sanded grout can potentially create swirls and scratches on smooth surfaces such as:

• Glass
• Marble
• Limestone

In contrast, unsanded grout is smooth and doesn’t contain the abrasive silica found in sanded grout, making it ideal for scratch-free application on delicate tiles.

Which To Choose?

Sanded grout is the optimal option for common tiling projects like walls and floors. It reduces grout shrinkage, is easily available, and provides a wide range of color options. It is the preferred choice for most applications, except for a few cases that may need unsanded grout.

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