Grout question

[stevegraves]

We’re having honed & filled limestone installed in a bathroom remodel. I’ve read that sanded grout can scratch the surface. If that’s true, should we ask our contractor to use unsanded grout instead? The stone is an ivory color, FYI, and we intend to use ivory colored grout, to blend.

I’ve also read that unsanded grout can only be used on 1/8” or smaller spaces. If that’s true, does 1/8” seem appropriate for 6” x 6” hexes?

Thanks in advance for any expert input!

[rmckee84]

It depends on the stone and the grout. Many times the only way to tell is to do a mock up. What does the tile manufacturer say? I'm not a big fan of unsanded unless it is the only option in a particular scenario.

Grout joint size is determined by the consistency of the sizing of your chosen tile and partially by installer skill. The rule of thumb is 3x the difference in the size of tile. So if you lay out a dozen tile and measure all of them and find there is a 1/16" difference then grout joint would be 3/16". With that said a skilled installer can get away with a smaller joint most times.

[Davy]

Steve, is this a tumbled stone that has rounded edges or is it squared edged stone? A pic might help.

[stevegraves]

Not tumbled, I don't believe - sharp edges. The tops are honed and filled but the edges pitted.

FYI, I already went through the hassle of sealing the top with Stonetech impregnator, which required taping the edges to prevent leakage on the grout joints... I'll try to attach a photo of that as well.

[Davy]

Like Ryan said, I think I would lay 8-10 pieces together and see how they fit and how precise they are cut. Also stack a hand full on their edges and see if any are bigger than the others.

With square cut stone, if the sizing is real close, I like using a tight joint, about 1/16 and then use an unsanded grout. But, that's up to you, a larger joint can be used. As long as you don't over force the sanded grout into the tiles, I doubt you'll scratch them. Folks tend to have troubles when they open the joints to 1/8 then use an unsanded grout. Anything over 1/16 joint, I'd use sanded grout.

[stevegraves]

Ryan, Davy - thanks. You guys are a godsend, honestly. They're not perfect but very close to the same size. I'll attach a few pics that will hopefully get that across. My gut tells me you're right, Davy, that 1/16" inch spacers with ivory unsanded ground would be the best way to go...

[BelkTile]

Unsanded would be best for the honed and filled.

[stevegraves]

Thanks Mike! We're in Fort Wayne, so Midwestern neighbors. I appreciate the input.

S.

[claycarson]

You can use sanded on trav if you decide on wide joints. It probbly won't scratch if you wipe it on GENTLY. Unsanded is safer for scratching but slumps in fat joints.

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[stevegraves]

Should an entire floor (it's an 11' by 8' area) be grouted at once? The reason I ask is that my contractor is talking about grouting one area, then coming back a few days later to grout another (continuous) area.

Thanks for any input!

SG

[BelkTile]

It would be best if it were all grouted at the same time.