Grouting Floats

About Grouting Floats

Grouting floats are essential hand tools for applying and spreading grout evenly across tiled surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring installations. Featuring a flat rubber or foam face mounted on a sturdy backing with a comfortable handle, these tools press grout firmly into tile joints whilst removing excess material from the surface. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks grouting floats from trusted manufacturers including Vitrex, Faithfull, and Marshalltown, offering everything from economy models for occasional DIY use to professional-grade soft grip floats built for daily site work.

The range includes standard grouting floats for general applications, margin floats for working in tight corners and edges, and rubber grouters designed for specific tile types and grout formulations. Available in various sizes and handle configurations, these tools cater to different application techniques and user preferences, with softer faces being gentler on delicate tiles and firmer rubber options providing greater pressure for textured surfaces.

Applications

Grouting floats are used by various professionals and tradespeople including:

• Professional Tilers: Wall and floor tiling specialists requiring daily tools for commercial and residential installations
• Bathroom Fitters: Tradespeople installing complete bathroom suites including shower enclosures and tiled surfaces
• Kitchen Fitters: Installers working on splashbacks, worktop upstands, and tiled kitchen floors
• Building Contractors: General builders undertaking tiling work as part of renovation and new-build projects
• Maintenance Teams: Property maintenance professionals handling repairs and tile replacement work
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvers tackling bathroom, kitchen, or utility room tiling projects

Choosing The Right Grouting Floats

Consider the size of your project first – larger floor areas benefit from standard-sized floats (typically 250-280mm) that cover ground quickly, whilst wall tiling or smaller spaces may be better served by compact or margin floats offering greater manoeuvrability. Handle design significantly impacts comfort during use; soft grip handles with ergonomic contouring reduce hand fatigue during extended grouting sessions, making them essential for professional tilers or larger DIY projects.

The face material is crucial for performance. Rubber faces provide firm, dense contact ideal for floor tiles and epoxy grouts, whilst foam faces offer gentler application suitable for wall tiles and cement-based grouts. For professional tradespeople, MyToolShed.co.uk recommends investing in established brands like Marshalltown, Vitrex, or Faithfull that offer proven durability and consistent performance. DIY users might find excellent value in economy ranges from Vitrex, which deliver reliable results for occasional use without the premium price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a grouting float and a trowel?

A grouting float features a flat rubber or foam face specifically designed to spread and press grout into tile joints, whilst a trowel has a rigid metal blade used for applying tile adhesive. Floats are used after tiles are set to fill joints, whereas trowels prepare the surface during initial tile installation.

Can I use the same float for wall and floor tiles?

Yes, a standard grouting float works for both applications, though floor work typically requires firmer pressure and benefits from rubber-faced floats, whilst wall tiling often works well with softer foam faces. A quality soft grip float provides versatility for both situations.

How do I clean my grouting float after use?

Clean your grouting float immediately after use, before grout hardens on the face. Rinse thoroughly in clean water, using your fingers or a brush to remove all grout residue from the rubber or foam surface. Proper cleaning extends tool life and ensures consistent performance on future projects.