While tile often takes center stage, the impact of the best grout for kitchen backsplashes should never go unchecked. After all, when it doesn’t turn out as expected, it can stick out like a sore thumb. So, with all of the numerous grout options available, which is the best grout for your kitchen backsplash project? The answer depends on your priorities, personal preferences, and your kitchen backsplash design. Let’s review the different types of grout available for kitchen backsplashes.
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1. Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout is a highly durable and stain-resistant option for a kitchen tile backsplash. It consists of epoxy resins and a hardener, making it resistant to moisture, cleaning chemicals, and even mold or mildew growth. It’s also available in a wide range of colors and doesn’t require additional sealing once installed.
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With its extreme durability, epoxy grout is ideal for kitchens with lots of heavy use, and it’s particularly suitable for a tile backsplash behind a stove. It also dries fast and has a short working time, so it can be difficult for a DIY install. Consider hiring a local backsplash installer to ensure smooth, flawless results.
2. Acrylic Grout
Pre-mixed acrylic grout is a DIY-friendly option that combines acrylic resins with cement-based grout. It’s easy to work with, doesn’t require sealing, and is resistant to staining and cracking. Acrylic grout is also available in a wide variety of hues to match your tile and kitchen cabinet colors, plus it offers excellent color payoff, too.
While acrylic grout is suitable for most backsplashes, it may not be as durable as epoxy or cement-based grouts. It can also be pricier than other grout options, which can drive up your backsplash installation cost. Keep in mind that professional backsplash installation typically costs between $15 to $40 per square foot.
3. Sanded Cement Grout
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Sanded cement grout, one of the most ubiquitous and time-honored grout varieties, consists of a cement base combined with sand. Typically, sanded grouts are recommended for wider grout lines of ⅛ inch or more, extending up to one inch wide. It’s the most wallet-friendly option, plus it’s relatively easy to work with.
Due to its porosity, it’s important to seal sanded cement grout to prevent mold and mildew growth. Sanded grout can also have uneven coloration, and it’s less resistant to staining than other varieties. Also, the gritty sand particles can scratch certain tiles, such as glass, polished stone, and stainless steel.
4. Unsanded Cement Grout
Unsanded grout is similar to sanded grout, but lacks sand as an aggregate material. Because of this, it can flow easily into narrow grout lines, making it an excellent choice for smaller-format tiles. Its smoothness and workability are also ideal for delicate tile surfaces such as natural stone, metal, glass, and ceramic. Additionally, it doesn’t require additional sealing after installation.
On the flip side, the absence of aggregate (sand) in unsanded grout makes it prone to discoloration, shrinkage, and cracking as water evaporates. Unless you’re working with a stainless steel or other metal tile, it’s not typically the best choice for a kitchen backsplash.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
