Grouting is the step that turns a set of individually laid tiles into a finished, watertight surface, and getting it right makes the difference between a professional-looking wall and one that looks obviously DIY. This guide covers how to grout tiles properly, from mixing to cleanup.
How Do You Grout Tiles?
To grout tiles, mix the grout to a smooth, thick consistency, apply it diagonally across the joints with a rubber float, pack it fully into each gap, then wipe away the excess with a damp sponge before it fully cures. Working in small sections and cleaning as you go prevents grout from hardening onto the tile surface, which is far harder to remove once dry.
What You Will Need
- Grout, either powder or ready-mixed, in the correct colour and type for your tiles
- A rubber grout float
- A large sponge and a bucket of clean water
- A mixing bucket and paddle, for powder grout
- A grout finishing tool or a rounded object for smoothing joints
- Painter’s tape, to protect edges if needed
How to Grout Tiles: Step by Step
1. Check the Tile Adhesive Has Cured
Confirm the tile adhesive has fully cured, usually 24 to 48 hours after tiling, before grouting. Grouting too early can disturb tiles that have not yet fully set.
2. Remove Tile Spacers
Take out any plastic tile spacers used during installation, since grout needs to fill these gaps completely.
3. Mix the Grout
For powder grout, add water gradually while mixing to a smooth, lump-free consistency, similar to thick peanut butter. Let it sit for a few minutes, known as slaking, then give it a final stir before use. Ready-mixed grout needs no preparation beyond a quick stir.
4. Apply the Grout
Scoop grout onto the rubber float and spread it across the tiles at a 45-degree angle, working diagonally across the joints so the float edge packs grout fully into each gap rather than dragging across the top.
5. Work in Small Sections
Grout roughly one square metre at a time before starting the cleanup step, since grout that sits too long on the tile surface becomes much harder to wipe away cleanly.
6. Wipe Away Excess
Using a damp, well-wrung sponge, wipe diagonally across the tiles to remove excess grout from the surface, rinsing the sponge frequently in clean water. Avoid dragging the sponge directly along a joint line, since this can pull grout back out of the gap.
7. Smooth the Joints
Once the surface is mostly clean, run a grout finishing tool or a rounded object, such as the end of a toothbrush handle, along each joint to create a neat, slightly concave finish.
8. Allow to Cure
Leave the grout to cure fully, typically 24 to 72 hours depending on the product, before the tiled area gets wet or heavy use, such as a shower being used for the first time.
9. Buff Away Haze
Once fully dry, a light haze often remains on the tile surface. Buff this away with a dry, soft cloth to reveal the finished, clean surface underneath.
Choosing the Right Grout Width and Type
Narrower joints, typically 1.5mm to 3mm, suit rectified tiles with straight edges and give a sleeker, more contemporary look. Wider joints, from 3mm upward, are more forgiving of slightly uneven tile edges and are common with handmade or textured tiles. Epoxy grout is more stain and water-resistant than standard cement-based grout, making it a good choice for shower floors and kitchen splashbacks, though it is more expensive and slightly trickier to apply.
If you are tiling as part of a wider bathroom or kitchen update, our flooring comparison guide covers tile options in more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait to grout after tiling?
Most tile adhesives need 24 to 48 hours to cure before grouting can begin. Always check the specific product’s guidance, since drying times can vary.
What is the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?
Sanded grout is used for wider joints, typically over 3mm, and offers better crack resistance. Unsanded grout suits narrower joints and gives a smoother finish, but is less suited to gaps wider than around 3mm.
Can I grout tiles myself as a beginner?
Yes. Grouting is one of the more forgiving DIY tiling tasks, since small imperfections can often be smoothed or corrected before the grout fully cures.
Why does my grout look patchy once dry?
Patchiness is often caused by inconsistent mixing, uneven application, or wiping away too much or too little grout during cleanup. A consistent mix and even, methodical wiping reduces this.
How soon can I use a shower after grouting?
Most grout needs at least 24 to 72 hours to cure before regular water exposure, so it is worth avoiding showers or baths in a newly grouted area until the product’s specific curing time has passed.
Always check the specific manufacturer’s guidance for mixing ratios and curing times for your chosen grout product.
About the Author
Spire Homes Editorial Team researches and writes practical, UK focused home improvement guides covering renovation planning, financing, interior design, and property maintenance. Our content is reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
