Knowledge Builders

does marble need grout

by Earnest Swaniawski Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Grout between marble tiles is favorable but not always necessary. Many homeowners prefer the appearance of ungrouted tile. Before installing your marble tiles without grout, consider the function of grout and whether it is appropriate to eliminate the step.

How to install marble tile without Grout?

  • Purchase rectified tiles. ...
  • Lay out the tiles directly onto the area where you will install them. ...
  • Mark any tiles to be cut with a pencil and straightedge. ...
  • Take the tiles up in the opposite order you set them down. ...
  • Press the tiles into the mortar in the same order you laid them out. ...
  • Let the mortar dry for 24 hours.
  • Rectified tiles
  • Tile wet saw
  • Thinset mortar

More items...

How to clean grout between marble tiles?

Method 2 Method 2 of 4: Cleaning with Oxygenated Bleach

  1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach in 2 cups of warm water. Make the solution just prior to use for best results.
  2. Test a small, hidden section of the grout before cleaning the entire floor. Some tiles or grouts may be bleached or discolored by oxygen bleach.
  3. Pour the oxygen bleach solution onto the grout. ...

More items...

Does tile need Grout?

The short answer is no, you should not. Although grout does not add to the stability of the tile installation (unless it is epoxy grout), you still need to grout it. A lot of natural stones, namely granites and marbles, are manufactured to be consistently sized. For the most part all the tiles are identical.

Which type of grout is best for my tile?

Unsanded Grout:

  • Stickier and easier to work with than sanded grout.
  • Perfect for tiling on walls or vertical surfaces.
  • Won’t scratch soft, smooth or polished tile and stone.

image

Can marble tile be laid without grout lines?

Laying a marble floor without grout is possible so long as proper care is taken to assure your layout is perfectly square. You will be butting the tiles up against each other, so there isn't any room to work out problems encountered in the grout joints, as would normally be the case.

What kind of tile does not require grout?

Daltile developed Campisi with Cliks to provide homeowners the best of form and function. These tiles feature patented tongue-and-groove interlocking joints and built-in grout that simply clicks together so no mortar or grout is needed.

What type of grout is best for marble?

Unsanded grout is your best bet when you're working with soft, polished tile like limestone and marble. Always use unsanded grout when working with a soft, smooth, polished tile like limestone or marble, since abrasive sanded grout will likely scratch its surface.

Should marble be sealed before grouting?

Seal Marble Tiles Before Grouting Marble is porous and could easily absorb color from the grout, so it's important to seal the stone before you grout — even if you're using white grout. Just rub the tile's surface with a soft cotton rag that's damp with stone sealer.

Is it OK not to grout tile?

Well, the short answer would be a simple no – you should not attempt to install tile without grout. Why's that, you might wonder. It's not like grout adds to the stability of the tile installation (unless we talk about a few exceptional cases) so why is grout necessary?

Are there alternatives to grout?

Alternatives to traditional cement-based grout include non-cement grout materials such as epoxy grout, latex additives, caulk, silicone sealant, and urethane grout. Also, consider re-design options such as shower panels, laminated wall panels, or paint.

How do you apply grout to marble?

2:259:58GROUTING MARBLE TILE & GROUT REPAIR 101| helpful hints for DIY'ersYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI found that this one's for free is let the Grouch arrive for 10 or 15 minutes especially like onMoreI found that this one's for free is let the Grouch arrive for 10 or 15 minutes especially like on stuff on marble because even if it dries all the way it'll wipe right off of the marble.

What color grout should I use with Carrara marble?

Gray grout will emphasize the dramatic gray veins that mimic real Carrara marble, while the white grout will the porcelain floors light, bright, and elegant.

Can you Regrout marble?

Removing and then re-grouting these lines is a great way to revitalize the look of a marble installation without having to go to the expense and hassle of completely re-doing the floor. It is a relatively easy project, and it can be done quickly, allowing you to make a dramatic improvement with a small investment.

What happens if I dont seal marble?

If you don't seal your marble floors, any bit of moisture leaking through could cause marble to lose its shiny, glossy look.

What happens if you don't seal marble before grouting?

0:225:13How, when and why you should seal your Marble or stone tile. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSometimes you get some dye streaks reds greens moon Gray's just like a streak of color.MoreSometimes you get some dye streaks reds greens moon Gray's just like a streak of color.

How long after sealing marble can I grout?

Tip. You should wait at least 24 hours after sealing your stone before grouting it.

Do all tiles need grouting?

Warning. Even with rectified tiles, it is not recommended to lay tiles without grout. Grout helps to protect the tiles against movement in case of the house shifting, it also helps make the tiles easier to care for in wet areas. Whenever possible, use rectified tiles with a 1/16-inch grout joint instead.

Can you use Groutless tile in a shower?

Silestone Quartz material are ideal for all surfaces in your bath, such as walls, floors, shower pan, tub deck, and the vanity tops. Quartz material are durable, and require no maintenance.

Is grout necessary between tiles?

Grout is an essential part of your tile installation and choosing the right grout can make all the difference between an installation that looks and performs beautifully over time and one that rapidly deteriorates into a dangerous eye-sore.

Does travertine tile need grout?

This means that unlike ceramic tile (except for rectified tile), travertine's edges are perfect: both perfectly straight and perfectly at 90-degree angles. You only need to butter the back of the travertine tile with mortar, then push it against the other tiles—no gap necessary. No gap means no grout.

Is grout needed for marble?

Everything needs grout. Marble as well. A really good installer, with the proper prep, conditions and material (marble) may accomplish a fine, minimal grout line. Pay attention to manufacturer recommendations as well.

Is there waterproofing on a backsplash?

Waterproofing? No waterproofing on a backsplash. Perhaps you are referring to sealing (which is for stain resistance)?

Can you use a tile setter on a washroom?

Do not use this tile setter ! Walk away from him or you will have to redo your washroom . If there is no grout in joints water will flow under the tiles and within few months your tiles will separate from floor mix .

Do you need grout buffer for tile?

Get this request all the time. I have to explain that whatever the material....tile, marble, granite....EVERYTHING moves incrementally. Material without a grout "buffer" will rub together with temperature and humidity, creating what is referred to as "spalling" or chipping of the edges as it crashes together. Similarly, you tile a large room with variations of temperature, you need to hold the tile away from the walls as well as, many times, a "soft joint" filled with a matching caulk. Why? Ever hear of "tenting?" It can happen and sometimes sounds like a shotgun going off as the tile heaves up. Always use a grout joint.

Is grout waterproof on marble?

There will always be water under the tiles. They’re sponges. Tile and grout are not waterproof. This is why waterproofing is Required.

Can you put tile in direct contact with one another?

You never want tiles in direct contact with one another. Over time, with floor movement, loading, etc, differential movement can result in chipping at the tile edges. Grout is a must especially in a shower! Don't want to get any water under the tiles! Marble is a sponge.

Can you butt grout between tiles?

If you butt them there will be no way to get grout between the tiles and you will have multiple pathways for water to quickly wick through behind the tiles. Not that grout is waterproof, but you don't want water flowing behind the tiles.

When to use gray marble?

As a general rule you should use white when you want to draw attention to the marble. Use gray when you want a softer look that’s not as bold.

What color goes well with marble?

Bright White. A very pure white that looks great with marble. if you want your backsplash or bathroom marble to stand out then bright white is a great way to do it. The brighter the white the more attention is attracts. However white is harder to keep clean which can be an issue in a shower. Arctic White.

What is the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?

The difference is the texture. Unsanded grout is much smoother. Sanded grout has a sandy texture. The light catches all those little specs which makes unsanded look a tiny bit darker. It’s not a huge difference but it’s noticeable. When you look at a photo or create samples make sure you use the correct grout type.

Why use bounced light on marble?

Bounced light is an important thing to consider and another reason to use real samples instead of photos. At the store, online or in a magazine the coloring around the marble will be different than in your home. Bounced light, shadows and reflections all effect how the grout will look. All these tips are very macro.

Can you use unsanded grout in a bathroom?

If you compare this picture to the previous example you can see how much darker sanded grout is. Even though it’s still white it’s not as bright. You can use unsanded in a bathroom like this because the grout lines are so thin but I like the added durability in a shower. Especially since you have to clean the marble so often to avoid mold and mildew growth.

Is sanded grout better than unsanded grout?

Sanded is stronger which is why it’s used for larger grout lines. Unsanded is much weaker grout but is smoother with a brighter color. If your looking for the best grout color for your marble take into consideration the type of marble, where it’s being installed and the width of the grout lines.

Can you use white grout with marble?

Most people want a light and bright kitchen and everyone these days seems to love marble. It’s just one of the those combinations you really can’t mess up or go wrong with.

How to grout marble?

1. Fill grout joints on natural marble with joints larger than 1/8 inch with sanded grout. Apply the grout in the same fashion, with the tip of the float, and let the grout begin to harden before cleaning with the sponge and water.

How to fill in a hole in marble?

Smear grout across the entire surface if you want to fill in the holes and voids of tumbled marble with grout. Do not let yourself get more than 20 minutes ahead of cleaning or you will have a difficult time washing the grout off, since stone is porous and will soak up the water from the grout.

Can you mix grout with a drill and paddle?

If you purchase a dry-mix grout, which requires adding water, rather than a premixed grout, do not mix it with a drill and paddle. This will whip air into the mixture, leaving behind pinholes in the grout as it cures in the joints. Instead, use a margin trowel to manually mix it, adding water as suggested by the manufacturer.

Can tile be groutless?

Although tile installations can be installed in groutless format, the traditional method calls for grout to be placed in the joints between the tiles. This is true of man-made tiles as well as natural stones such as marble.

How to make a tile wall square?

Measure and pop a chalk line the distance of two tiles (probably 24 inches) from one of the walls. Continue measuring and popping lines the same distance all the way across the room. Do the same from the wall that is perpendicular, and you have determined to be square. You should end up with a grid of lines spanning the room. This will ensure that the installation is square.

Can you pop tiles in both directions?

Set any tiles that you can’t fit flush aside and use them for cuts. Warnings. If you don’t have a square corner, don’t pop the lines in both directions. This will only exaggerate the problem. In that case, pop lines in one direction and use it to keep the tiles square and straight.

Can you lay marble tile without grout?

Laying a marble floor without grout is possible so long as proper care is taken to assure your layout is perfectly square. You will be butting the tiles up against each other, so there isn’t any room to work out problems encountered in the grout joints, as would normally be the case. It would also be helpful to purchase a higher-quality marble tile ...

Why Should You Seal Marble Before Grouting?

Marble tiles are natural stones. These tiles tend to be fairly porous. This leads to water damage or discoloration. Moreover, these tiles tend to stain easily from spills or dirt. You might also have a hard time cleaning the stain. At times, it won’t even come off.

How to seal marble?

Using a sponge, apply a thick, even layer of marble sealant to the stones. The stone should have a glossy look and feel to it afterwards.

How long does it take for sealer to set on marble?

You can use any of this for this process. Allow the sealer to set into the marble for about 15 minutes. But if the tile starts to dry before that, add another layer to maintain the glossiness.

What is the second layer of marble sealant?

The second layer will add a safety coat for the first layer. This layering will make the marble sealant work better.

How long does it take for grout to set?

Now you have to wait at least 24 hours before that grout starts to set. It’ll take about 3 days for it to dry completely.

Does grout sealant help with tile?

Moreover, this sealant will also keep spills, dirt, and debris out of the tile. And will increase its longevity.

Can you use marble tile in a shower?

Answer: Yes, marble is a great tile for shower walls. However, you have to maintain it properly to keep it looking shiny. And apply the sealant as per required!

How much grout should I use for granite tile?

For most granite and marble tile I install I use either 1/32 or 1/16 inch grout lines. In most other tile I will use 1/16 or 1/8 inch lines.

How big of a grout line should I use for tile?

If they are within 1/16 inch that is the size grout line you can use safely. Please resist the temptation to install your tile without grout. Grout sucks, believe me, I know. By choosing a matching grout, though, you’ll be happier in the end and your tile will last significantly longer.

What happens if you rub two tiles together?

If you continuously rub the edges of two tiles together one or both will eventually chip (and you need to get out of the house more, or at least find another hobby). The expansion and contraction of wood or concrete will do the same thing.

Can you butt tile against grout?

Although in some people’s opinion butting the tiles against one another looks better than having even the smallest grout lines, it is not a recommended installation procedure. Even if all the tiles look like they are the same size I can nearly guarantee they are not.

Can I Install Tile Without Grout?

This is a question I get asked from time to time. The short answer is no, you should not. Although grout does not add to the stability of the tile installation ( unless it is epoxy grout), you still need to grout it.

image

1.How to Install Marble Tile Without Grout | eHow

Url:https://www.ehow.com/how_7658217_install-marble-tile-grout.html

19 hours ago What kind of grout do you use on marble? unsanded grout. Unsanded grout is often the best choice for smooth, polished tiles like marble, even if the joint width is 1/8 or larger. Usually, most contractors use an epoxy-based unsanded grout in these situations – not traditional sanded or unsanded grout.

2.Marble tile--no grout lines? - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5233874/marble-tile-no-grout-lines

22 hours ago Everything needs grout. Marble as well. A really good installer, with the proper prep, conditions and material (marble) may accomplish a fine, minimal grout line. Pay attention to manufacturer recommendations as well. "Marble is perfect".. stone can't handle any movement and I think you may have misunderstood?

3.The Best Grout Color For Marble | Carrara Tile & More

Url:https://gambrick.com/the-best-grout-color-for-marble/

3 hours ago This is because grout is a porous material, and it will also need protection against moisture penetration and staining agents. The second coat of seal will also help to protect the surface of the tiles themselves. Can you use Grout float on marble floor? New grout color can change the look of a room almost as much as an entirely new floor. Use the grout float to apply the grout …

4.How to Grout Marble Tile | Home Guides | SF Gate

Url:https://homeguides.sfgate.com/grout-marble-tile-49100.html

7 hours ago 1. Grout polished marble with tight joints (up to 1/8 inch) with nonsanded grout, since sanded grout will scratch the surface of the marble. Push the grout into the grout joints with the tip of ...

5.How to Lay a Marble Floor Without Grout | Home Guides

Url:https://homeguides.sfgate.com/lay-marble-floor-grout-25971.html

13 hours ago  · Does marble absorb grout? Grout is porous, so it will absorb some of the water in your environment. However, marble is not porous and does not absorb grout. In fact, all of these materials (marble, granite, travertine, and limestone) have a very low absorption rate for liquids such as grout; sandstone has an even lower rate.

6.Should I Seal Marble Tile Before Grouting? [Explained]

Url:https://homearise.com/seal-marble-tile-grouting/

13 hours ago Begin laying the tiles inside the squares. Use the straightedge to make sure the edge of the tiles are straight against the lines. Use your fingers to press the tiles into the thinset, making sure ...

7.Can I Install Tile Without Grout? - The Floor Elf

Url:https://floorelf.com/can-i-install-tile-without-grout

29 hours ago  · The answer is simply a ‘Yes’! You should definitely seal your marble tiles before grouting. This is because these tiles are fairly porous. Thus if you don’t seal them before grouting, they might get stained. Moreover, there’s a chance it might discolor it! These tiles are also prone to water damage.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9