Sanded Grout vs. Unsanded Grout: How to Choose

Any home improvement project should be well-planned and executed. After all, mistakes are often much more costly than the initial work. When it comes to regrouting tile, homeowners want to be careful in order to ensure that the right material, grout color and attention to detail is given to the task. Fortunately, there are standard techniques that can be utilized for this purpose. Regrouting tile, for example, usually makes use of either sanded or unsanded grout. Find out which method is right for your needs.

What is the difference between sanded grout and unsanded grout?

Quite simply, sanded grout contains sand; unsanded grout does not. Sand is used to reinforce the grout cement and give the mixture added strength, making it less prone to cracking. The mixture may also contain color pigment. Unsanded grout, on the other hand, only contains cement and the color pigment to match or complement the tiles.

So which one should you choose?

While choosing sanded grout over unsanded grout for regrouting tile is usually a no-brainer, there are actually applications where the unsanded variety is the better choice. To give you an idea about which method is best for which application, here is a breakdown:

Sanded grout is the better choice if:

• You have tile installations using porcelain and ceramic with joints that are more than 1/16″. Due to more space in the gap, a stronger adhesive will have to be used. Regrouting tile installation with larger joints using this type of mixture will also produce a more aesthetic look.
• You are using unfilled travertine tiles with wider gap joints. Travertine tiles are prone to scratching but in this case, the installation will benefit from a sanded grouting method.

Unsanded grout is the better choice if:

Should you use sanded grout or unsanded grout for your regrouting tile job?

• Joints are less than 1/16″. Sand will crowd out in narrow joints, making it difficult to finish corners and small areas.
• Tiles used are softer than other types and more easily prone to scratches. Using sand on tiles such as travertine, limestone and marble, for example, might result in slight damage to the surface.
• You want to be able to refinish stone tiles in the future. Stone tiles are usually restored using rotating diamond pads which could remove sanded grout and cause it to scratch the surface of the tile.