Grout fills the joints between tiles and plays an important part in the finished look of your wall or floor. A closely matched colour can help tiles blend together, while a contrasting shade highlights their shape and layout.
Choosing the right grout colour starts with the look you want to achieve and a product suited to your tiles and project. Here are three steps to help you decide.
Step One: Choose a Suitable Grout
Grout products come in different colour ranges, so first narrow down the products suitable for your project. Consider the tile material, joint width and where the tiles will be installed.
Cement-Based Grout
Cement-based grouts are commonly used for wall and floor tiling. The suitable joint widths and applications vary between products, so check the manufacturer's instructions for your chosen grout, including any sealing recommendations.
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout can be an option where high chemical and physical resistance is needed. Confirm that the selected product suits your tiles and application, and follow its specific mixing and cleaning instructions.
Grout for Wider Joints
Wider joints may require a grout formulated for that purpose. Choose by the product's specified joint-width range and intended use. For outdoor areas or pools, confirm suitability for those conditions rather than relying on the grout's appearance or texture.
Tip: Take your tile details and planned joint width with you when discussing grout options, so the product and colour can be considered together.
Step Two: Choose Your Grout Colour
Decide whether you want the grout to blend with your tiles or make their shape stand out. Neither approach is right or wrong — each creates a different effect.
Match Your Tiles for a Softer Look
A grout colour close to the tile's background colour makes the joints less noticeable and creates a more continuous appearance. This can work particularly well with marble-look, concrete-look, timber-look and stone-look tiles.
Look at the undertones as well as how light or dark the colour is. A warm beige tile may sit more comfortably with a warm neutral grout than a cool grey. For tiles with several colours, start by comparing grout samples with the main background tone.
Use Contrast to Highlight the Pattern
A contrasting grout colour draws attention to tile edges and laying patterns. It can make subway tiles, herringbone layouts and mosaics a stronger feature.
The greater the contrast, the more noticeable the joints will be. Grey grout against white tiles can offer a softer contrast than black, while a pale grout can outline darker tiles.
Consider the whole tiled area when choosing. A contrast that looks subtle around one tile can create a much stronger pattern when repeated across a wall or floor.
Connect Your Wall and Floor Finishes
Your grout can also help connect different surfaces. For example, a grey grout on a white tiled wall can echo the colour of a grey floor. Compare the combination with your cabinetry, benchtop and other finishes to see how it works as a whole.
Compare Physical Samples
View grout colour samples beside your actual tiles, ideally in the room's natural and artificial light. Online images are useful for inspiration, but screen colours may differ from the finished result.
For a more reliable impression, ask about making a small sample panel using your selected tiles and grout. Let it cure according to the product instructions before judging the colour.
Tip: Compare a close match, a slightly lighter shade and a slightly darker shade. This makes it easier to see whether you prefer a blended finish or more definition.
Step Three: Prepare for Grouting
Once you have selected a suitable grout and colour, work out how much you need. Coverage depends on the tile dimensions, joint width and depth, and the total area being tiled. Use the chosen product's coverage guidance when calculating quantities.
Before starting, read the manufacturer's instructions for surface preparation, mixing, application, cleaning and curing. Check any sealing and maintenance requirements too.
For a walkthrough of the process, read our step-by-step guide to grouting tiles.
Need help choosing? Bring a tile sample and your project details to your local Beaumont Tiles store to discuss suitable grout options and colours.
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