Sealing Cracks in Allure

[zootjeff]

Hi,

I put down about 300 sq ft of Allure flooring from Home Depot. The planks are 3' by 1' and they have dark 12" tile prints with fake grout lines. They connect together pretty well but I'm convinced there is no way to avoid some amount of cracks 1/32 to 1/64 inch thick.. I'd like to seal these and I'm considering an unsanded grout. I'm going to experiment with it on on some scraps.. I'm worried that if I use a silicone it will eventually attract dirt. Does anyone have experience with this?

[Brian in San Diego]

Jeff,

I doubt grout will work long term but you are welcome to try it.

Brian

[jgleason]

I've ssen the Allure stuff. There really isn't anything you can do other than install with as small a gap as possible. Proper alignment is critical and it can be installed without a visible gap between pieces.

[zootjeff]

So far it looks pretty good on the samples I've tried with the unsanded grout.. It blends in really nicley..

What are you worried about it not working long term?


My issue is that I want the floor to be water proof and mop-able.. if I mop it with all these cracks, the water will set in the cracks and guk will build up.. With the unsanded grout in cracks, there is no room for guk.. The worst that will happen is that the grout will crack over time, but that's better then a thin line of grime forming over time..

I'm pretty happy with my sample so I think I'll go for it.. The grout looks just like the fake line that each plank has anyway..

How is this much different than those glue down vinyl tiles that you grout between?

I'm also worried about my dog, she looses it now and then an pees and pops.. If that gets into the small cracks between tiles, it will drive me batty knowing there is feces build up between tiles.. And with a little one on the way who is going to crawl on it, seems like good peice of mind..

Just wondering if unsanded grout is a good way to go or if there is another product.. Seems like the grout is fine enough..


-Jeff

[zootjeff]

Update:

The grout color dries much lighter than when it is mixing.. I'm still playing with scrap samples. Right now I have a good shade of brown unsanded grout and I have a box of black unsanded grout.. I'm testing samples of 2:1 Brown to black and 4:1 Brown to black. Went to the dollar store to pick up some mixing cups. Have to wait an hour for the grout to dry.