Grout v caulk - the basics!

16 years ago

I'm so wound up about this issue because I want to get it right (or rather my contractor to get it right) and it astonishes me to see so many people seem to wrangle over this with their contractors. So, I'd like to get my basics all lined up so that I too can have this conversation if necessary. I know there's lots of previous discussions on this, but like I said ... back to basics:

1. where counter meets backsplash - grout?

2. where tile floor meets wall - ??

3. where tiled shower stall floor meets tiled wall - ??

4. corners of shower walls - grout?

And while we are on tile basics, when do you use sanded v. unsanded grout?

Thanks in advance. I wish I could hire some of the tile experts here and then I wouldn't have that sense of dreaded anticipation that this is all something I should have to worry about ....!

Comments (5)

User
16 years ago
Caulk on all 4.

1/8" or larger joint, use sanded grout. Unsanded for smaller.
Circus Peanut
16 years ago
If you haven't yet found it, definitely read the reference "liberry" posts in John Bridge's Tile Advice Forums (link below). Extremely useful professional, up-to-date info for homeowner and contractors.

Here is a link that might be useful: John Bridge Tile Forum Reference Library
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terezosa / terriks
16 years ago
Change of plane = caulk.
bill_vincent
16 years ago
Yep on everyone's advice re- the caulking. As for sanded versus unsanded grouts, there is only one factor that determines which is to be used, and there are no exceptions, regardless of what you hear about high gloss or polish, or soft glaze, etc.. The ONLY thing that determines whisch you should use is the joint size. Less than 1/8" you should use unsanded grout. 1/8" and over, use sanded grout.
tartanhabit
Original Author
16 years ago
I'm printing out this definitive guide. Thanks to the tilers for your patience with these questions.