Grout

About Grout

Grout is an essential material for completing any tiling project, designed to fill the gaps between tiles to create a watertight, hygienic and professional finish. Whether working on bathroom walls, kitchen splashbacks or floor installations, choosing the right grout ensures durability and maintains a polished appearance for years to come. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of grouting solutions including traditional powder formulations that require mixing, convenient ready-mixed products, flexible grout compounds for areas prone to movement, and innovative grout reviver products that refresh existing tile joints without the need for complete removal and re-grouting.

The grout collection at MyToolShed features trusted brands including Everbuild, UniBond and Evo-Stik, offering everything from standard wall tile grout to specialist flexible formulations and time-saving grout reviver pens. These products cater to both professional tilers completing commercial installations and DIY enthusiasts tackling domestic projects, with options including fast-setting compounds for quick turnaround work and universal flexible grouts suitable for challenging substrates.

Applications

Grout products are used across various trades and applications:

• Professional tilers and ceramic specialists completing residential and commercial tiling projects
• Bathroom fitters installing wet rooms, shower enclosures and bathroom suites
• Kitchen fitters working on splashbacks and tiled worktop surrounds
• General builders undertaking refurbishment and new build projects
• Property maintenance professionals refreshing tiling in rental properties
• Facilities management teams maintaining tiled areas in schools, hospitals and public buildings
• DIY enthusiasts tackling bathroom, kitchen and utility room improvements
• Decorators using grout revivers for quick cosmetic renovations

Choosing The Right Grout

Application Location: Wall tile grout differs from floor grout in formulation. Walls require good adhesion and water resistance, particularly in bathrooms, whilst floors need greater durability to withstand foot traffic and regular cleaning.

Flexibility Requirements: When tiling onto timber floors, over underfloor heating, or using large format tiles (typically over 300mm), select a flexible grout that accommodates substrate movement without cracking.

Setting Time: Fast-set grout formulations significantly reduce waiting times for time-sensitive projects, whilst standard grout offers easier workability for less experienced users but requires longer curing periods.

Powder vs Ready-Mixed: Powder grout provides better value for larger projects and longer shelf life when stored correctly. Ready-mixed options offer convenience for smaller jobs and eliminate mixing inconsistencies, though at higher cost per square metre.

Renovation Solutions: Grout reviver products available at MyToolShed.co.uk provide a cost-effective alternative to re-grouting, allowing you to refresh discoloured grout lines or change colour entirely without removal—ideal for rental properties and quick refurbishments.

Safety Information

When working with grout products, always wear protective gloves as cement-based materials can cause skin irritation and alkaline burns with prolonged contact. Wear safety glasses when mixing powder grout to prevent dust or splashes entering eyes. Ensure adequate ventilation when mixing powder formulations, and consider wearing a suitable dust mask in confined spaces. Store grout products in cool, dry locations away from children and pets, and dispose of hardened grout according to local waste regulations—never pour liquid grout down drains as it can set and cause blockages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does grout take to dry before using the tiled area?

Standard grout typically requires 24-48 hours before light use and up to 72 hours for full cure, depending on product and environmental conditions. Fast-set grout formulations can reduce this to just a few hours. Avoid exposing grout to water or heavy use during curing to ensure proper strength development and prevent discolouration.

Can I change grout colour without removing the existing grout?

Yes, grout reviver products allow you to refresh or completely change grout colour without grinding out old grout. Available in pen applicators for precision work and bottles for larger areas, these coating solutions are ideal for updating tired tiling or correcting poorly matched grout colours with minimal labour and mess.

Do I need flexible grout for my tiling project?

Flexible grout is recommended for installations over timber floors, underfloor heating systems, or when using large format tiles. It's also advisable where substrate movement is expected or where tiles are installed over different materials that expand at different rates. For standard wall tiling on solid, stable backgrounds, regular grout is usually sufficient.