Choosing the perfect kitchen floor tiles is only one part of the tile selection process–it’s also important to choose the right grout. Grout is the porous substance in the narrow lines between the kitchen floor tiling. It holds the tiles together and acts as a sponge for spills, grease, and dirt.
Grout is often the hardest part of kitchen tile flooring to keep clean. Choosing the wrong grout can cause homeowners to regret installing tile. So, how can you make sure you select the right version, while keeping your tile low maintenance?
At Beaver Tile & Stone, we’re experts in kitchen floor tiles in Romeo, MI, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your kitchen floor tile design.
How to Choose the Right Grout for Low-Maintenance Kitchen Floor Tiles
Low-maintenance kitchen floor tiles don’t just depend on the tile material itself. The grout is equally important. The grout color and sealant type are two critical decisions you’ll make during installation.
The material you choose can mean the difference between easy management and hundreds of hours of scrubbing to remove stubborn stains.
The three main factors you should consider when selecting grout for low maintenance kitchen floor tiles include:
Grout Color
Grout color isn’t just about aesthetics. The right color can be a strategic choice that makes it easier to clean your kitchen floor tiles. For example, a darker, or contrasting grout color can hide kitchen stains from coffee, grease, or spills.
A darker color may be a good idea for high-traffic areas of the kitchen or homes with pets and kids.
Darker colors can also enhance the design of your kitchen floor tiles, where dark likes define the pattern. A medium gray or taupe color can hide dirt while still providing a clean look.
If you want a seamless look with your kitchen floor tiles, look for a grout color that matches the tile color. This makes the grout lines disappear and allows the tile shape and texture to be the dominant element of the design.
No matter what color you choose, keep in mind that a stark white generally isn’t recommended in high-traffic areas like kitchens. Only choose white if you can find an advanced, non-porous grout type.
Sealing & Epoxy
The sealing and epoxy you use for grout are essential for the longevity of your kitchen floor tiles. A traditional cement-based grout is highly porous and must be sealed to resist stains. If you choose this material, you’ll need to use a sealant for maximum protection.
The two types of sealant include:
- Topical or Barrier Sealants: Sit on the surface and wear off quickly.
- Penetrating Sealants: Soak into the grout and create a long-lasting barrier.
Sealing should be replaced every 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of sealant you choose and the amount of traffic in your kitchen.
Another option that’s great for low maintenance kitchen floor tiles is epoxy grout. This type of grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder that’s not cement. The key advantage to this material type is that it’s non-porous, waterproof, and stain resistant.
Epoxy grout is more expensive and requires a professional to apply it. However, its non-porous nature means it will never need sealing.
Aftercare
The right aftercare for your kitchen floor tiles is important for protecting your investment. First, never use harsh chemical cleaning products on grout or sealed tile. These can erode cement-based grout and strip away sealant, leaving the kitchen floor tiles exposed to staining or damage.
Oil-based cleaners aren’t a great option either, as they can leave a sticky residue that attracts more dirt.
Instead, a pH-neutral, commercial tile and grout cleaner or gentle soap is the best option. A stiff-bristled brush and steam cleaner are also essential for keeping grout clean, and are more effective than a mop.
Visit Beaver Tile & Stone for the Best Tile for Kitchen Floors
If you want the best grout options and kitchen floor tiles in Romeo, MI, or the surrounding areas, consult with our experts at Beaver Tile & Stone. Our team is dedicated to expert customer service and helping you design the kitchen of your dreams.
With over 50 years of experience, we’ve helped numerous homeowners select, install, and care for their kitchen floor tiles.
Our showrooms across Michigan are stocked with many types of tile and stone products at incredible prices. As a result, you can be sure to find a tile that meets your needs and budget.
Want to learn more? Contact us online today or visit our website to find the Beaver Tile location near you!