Are you looking for an answer on the query “should you grout vinyl tile”? You’ve landed on the right page where we have discussed every details about it.
Using luxury vinyl flooring correctly can actually increase a home’s resale value, making it an excellent investment. Vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl tiles are two types of this product.
For various reasons, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) have gained popularity as a flooring option for kitchens and bathrooms.
If you’re considering installing LVT in your house, there are a few things to keep in mind before making your final decision. To learn about the query “should you grout vinyl tile,” have a look at this article.
What Is Grout?
Filling the voids and strengthening the floor, wall, or countertop by tying the tiles together, grout prevents the edges of a tile from cracking and chipping, according to its generic definition.
As a result, it is both aesthetically pleasing and functional to use grout. Sealant, paint, or latex additive can be used to obtain the desired grouting effect in your flooring.
Keep Reading: Ultimate Pros & Cons Of Vinyl Flooring
Types Of Grouts
Cementitious and epoxy grout are both types of grout. The cement version is cement-based, whereas the epoxy version comprises two separate components.
When it comes to cracks and stains, cement is typically more porous. Due to its non-porous nature, epoxy is stainproof and waterproof.
Choosing the suitable grout for vinyl tile flooring will help it resist the wear and tear of foot traffic and other elements.
Vinyl tiles’ peeling and lifting corners are particularly problematic. This unfortunate occurrence can be avoided if proper care is taken during the grouting process.
Cement Grout
Before we get started, we’d like to point something up for your consideration. Whether you choose the following choices, sealing the grout is a good idea.
First, let’s take a look at sanded and unsanded cement-based grout. After that, I’ll go into greater detail about the grout sealer.
Sanded Grout: Sanded grout is suggested for joints larger than 1/8 inch because of its sandy content. Sanded grout has a coarser texture than unsanded grout to the eye and to the touch.
Sanded grout has the added benefit of enhanced adhesion to joints because of its greater density. The less expensive alternative is sanded grout, which has excellent shrinkage resistance. However, sanded grout is recommended on horizontal surfaces, such as floors.
Unsanded Grout: In terms of adhesion, unsanded grout falls short, but its stickiness and smoothness make up for it. Consequently, this grout is ideal for vertical installations, where the joint width is less than 1/8 inch.
With sand-based grout, you risk scratching the vinyl tile and marble, and most mosaics; with unsanded grout, you can fill in the gaps between tiles without spending as much effort.
Because sanded cement grout can be used for larger tile joints, it is preferred for flooring solutions. This isn’t a huge deal, even though unsanded grout has a shorter lifespan than sealed grout.
Sealer
Using a certified grout sealer to further protect against moisture penetration is preferable because cement grout is porous.
Additionally, you can enhance the grout’s color-preserving and general strength capabilities by applying a sealer.
You have the option of sealing the grout after installation or using an additive to incorporate it into the grout. Make sure that the sealer you choose is suitable for the grout you use before you begin sealing your grout.
Additives
Polymer additives in today’s grout significantly advance over prior grout choices in terms of both strength and flexibility. The following are examples of readily available additives:
- Grout is made stronger and more durable by sealant additives, which also help prevent stains and discoloration.
- Colorant additions are a great option for individuals who wish to spice up their tiled space.
- Latex additions improve the flexibility of grout and the resistance of joints to water penetration.
Anti-fungal and mildew-resistant additives are typically included in sealant formulation.
Keep Reading: Properly Using Swiffer On Vinyl Flooring
Epoxy Grout
In terms of stain and discolor resistance, epoxy grout is a polymer composite that offers better flexibility. Epoxy grout comes pre-mixed instead of cementitious grout, which must be combined with water.
There is no need to seal epoxy grout. It’s also incredibly long-lasting, water-resistant, and stain- and chemical-resistant.
Previously, epoxy was seen as harder to apply because of its short curing period; however, producers like Mapei constantly improve their products to make them easier to apply.
Even while epoxy grout tends to be more expensive than typical cement grout, there are a number of advantages to using it. Know more about drawbacks of epoxy flooring.
Tips To Grout Vinyl Tiles
Correctly applied grout can make or break your tiling project. Your vinyl tiles will look more sophisticated and have a ceramic-like appearance due to using this product. Here are some pointers for extending the life of your tiled floors and walls.
- You can use a blade or knife to remove any buildup from the joints. Keeping the joints clean will allow the grout to fill them to capacity, resulting in considerably stronger bonding.
- Vinyl tiles can be grouted, although not every vinyl tile is suited for this purpose. To grout the vinyl tile floor, you’ll need to purchase tiles with grouted edges designed specifically for that purpose.
- In general, sanded grout and unsanded grout are the two most common varieties. Decide on the one that’s most appropriate for you.
- If you can master the skill of mixing, the rest of the process will be a breeze. Mixing grout in a larger quantity once will result in a sloppy job.
- This is an excellent suggestion for everyone, but it’s especially helpful if you’re just starting off. You should always break a project down into smaller pieces and work on them one at a time.
- After the grout has been set, apply the proper cleaning products to eliminate the tiles’ haze, such as vinegar or baking soda.
- The grout will not cure properly if you walk on newly grouted tiles for more than 24 hours after drying.
Tips For Cleaning LVP
In order to extend the life of your vinyl tile flooring, it’s vital that you follow a regular cleaning and maintenance regimen, whether you use epoxy or cement grout. In order to maintain the luster of the vinyl tile floors year after year, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
- If you can, sweep every day if possible.
- Spot and clean up any hazardous spills as soon as possible.
- Once a week, clean your vinyl plank flooring.
- Avoid using strong floor cleaners.
Manufacturer-recommended grout cleaners should always be used for cleaning grout. A vinegar solution, a soft cloth, and a soft-bristled brush usually trick.
Keep Reading: Right Way To Install Vinyl Flooring On Stairs
Grouting Vinyl Tiles: Should You Grout Vinyl Tile
Some vinyl tile alternatives allow for the use of either epoxy or cement grout. As a result, epoxy grout may be a better option because cement grout is more fragile and susceptible to breaking.
If you want to identify the best grout mix for your job, our first recommendation is to go to your flooring manufacturer.
Putting grout on vinyl tile is the same as it is on classic stone or porcelain tile, regardless of the material used to create it.
Tools
We believe that having a positive experience will play a role in determining your overall satisfaction with the project. Now that you’ve picked out the suitable materials, it’s time to buy the right equipment. If you go with groutable vinyl tile, here’s a short reference tool checklist:
- Groutable peel-and-stick vinyl tile
- Straight-edge
- Tile spacers
- Manufacturer-approved grout
- Utility knife
- Grout float
- Grout sponge
- Floor roller
- Margin trowel
- Bucket of water
- Ammonia-contained cleaner
- Spray bottle
DIY
Be certain that even if you don’t have any previous expertise with home remodeling projects, you can handle the installation and grouting of vinyl tile floors.
The sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing a DIY project will inspire you to tackle the next task on your to-do list. To begin with, make certain that a tile you choose can be grouted.
Grouting can be done as soon as the peel-and-stick vinyl tile is installed.
- The spacers you put in between your vinyl tiles to ensure a sufficient distance have to be removed.
- With the use of a floor roller, you can guarantee that your vinyl tile is adhering well enough to the subfloor.
- Using a grout float, fill in the grout joints.
- At a time, focus on one area at a time.
- Wipe away any excess grout with a soft cloth. Gently scrub any remaining grout with a sponge after a sufficient drying period to eliminate any haze.
- Do not walk on freshly grouted floors until the manufacturer’s suggested cure period has passed.
Pros Of Grouting Tiles
Grouted Vinyl tiles provide many advantages, including a large variety of styles and a long lifespan. Groutable vinyl tiles have several advantages, some of which are listed below:
Easy To Install
Vinyl tiles are much easier to set up than other types of flooring. Vinyl tiles were previously only available in large, bulky sheets. Installing today’s planks and tiles doesn’t require any hammering or sawing at all. It is unnecessary to wait for it to cure before grouting your tiles if you choose.
Simpler To Shape
There is no need for sophisticated tools like the tile cutter when utilizing vinyl tiles. The utility knife or kitchen shears can be used to shape the tiles in your kitchen.
Easy To Take Care
This is an excellent option for individuals who don’t have time to clean and maintain. You can keep it clean by using a floor brush to remove dust and other debris.
After that, a mop can be used to clean. It’s best to use a moist mop to remove sticky stains and clean up spills. Using a damp mop won’t harm the grout as long as it’s been properly sealed. You can also read about getting rid of sticky floors after mopping.
Rugs can be used to protect the tiles from being damaged. When moving furniture, it is also a good idea to put the safety tips at the bottom so that the tiles aren’t damaged.
Keep Reading: Process To Use Vinyl Flooring Outdoors
Can Be Laid On Existing Tiles
As a bonus, you won’t have to deal with removing the old flooring, which saves time and inconvenience. Excellent and Clean old flooring can be reused.
Durable
Vinyl tiles have this advantage, which explains why they’re so popular right now. It won’t break if you drop something heavy on them, like a cooking pan, unlike ordinary tiles.
Comfortable
Comfortable for the feet since vinyl tiles have a softer surface than other flooring options. During the colder months, it is also comfortable. They’re also incredibly long-lasting.
Cons Of Groutable Vinyl Tile
You may be surprised to learn that the most luxurious vinyl tile is more expensive than you expected. Secondly, the self-adhesive backing on groutable vinyl flooring prevents you from repositioning the tiles once they’ve been laid in place.
The amount of time it takes to grout vinyl tile will increase significantly. This is due to the fact that vinyl tile’s edges are prone to lifting.
However, this can be avoided if the grout is appropriately applied and the tiles are not overly wet during installation. Cracking in the grout between vinyl tiles can cause complications. For this reason, a polymer-added flexible grout is recommended.
Keep Reading: Complete Explanantion On Sealing Stone Before Grouting
Final Verdict
We hope this detailed guide on the query “should you grout vinyl tile” was helpful and solves your query. When compared to stone or porcelain tile, vinyl is a more lightweight and less expensive option.
If you opt to start this project, you don’t need any previous experience, and it will take less time. Additionally, vinyl tile is a long-lasting, adaptable, and comfortable flooring alternative.
Groutable vinyl tiles might be chosen for aesthetic reasons or for the additional protection they provide to your flooring.
If you have any concerns or questions about vinyl tile flooring or the available grouting alternatives, please leave a remark.