Get your grout right first time

Published: 26th November 2009

Installing floor tiles is major challenge even for those who consider themselves a dab hand at DIY. We've all come across some shoddy grouting at some point and there are steps you can take to make sure it doesn't happen to you.

You're going to need a few tools to start off with, the most crucial being a bucket, a grout sponge and a proper grout float. Goggles, rubber gloves and kneepads come highly recommended too if you don't want to be feeling the effects for days to come.

You can't grout your floor tile joints until the mortar of the new floor has been given a couple of days to set properly. You'll have put spacers in between the tiles which you can remove at this point. It might be a good idea to have a sweep or hoover before grouting. Only mix a small amount of grout in the bucket at a time to make sure you don't waste any of it.

It's always better to start grouting in a corner of a room and move towards the middle. Smear the grout over the tile and then use the grout float to fill the gaps between them. Use your sponge to remove all the surplus grout from the faces of the tiles.

When you've done the entire floor, get yourself a brew and by the time you've finished, the grout will be dry enough for you to give the floor a clean. Use clean water, refreshing it regularly and make sure you've rid the tiles of all extra grout.

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