Choosing the right color for your tile and grout can make or break how your kitchen looks. For beginners in home buying or renovations, the tile essentially serves as the backsplash, while the grout fills the gaps of the backsplash. Grout is made of a mixture of sand, cement, water, and different color pigments to keep moisture and debris from seeping into the tiles and causing damage. This is especially important, as a kitchen is a high-traffic area for moisture from the sink, cooking, and boiling water over the stove.

When it comes to color and color combination, it’s important to pick what works best for you and your kitchen. Selecting a grout color that pairs well with your kitchen tile will determine how your kitchen looks, what decorations and furniture you use for the rest of the area, and what appliances and types of cabinets you’ll pair with the color. Here’s your guide on what type of grout to use, choosing color combinations for grout and tile, and how to choose the right grout in your kitchen.

What Type of Grout Works Best?

The three main types of grout are sanded, unsanded, and epoxy. Sanded grout appears and feels gritty as it has a sand-like texture that bonds the grout and prevents cracking. This type of grout works best with grout seams one-eighth of an inch or wider. Unsanded grout typically contains fine material particles and is a smoother texture than sanded. This type of grout works best with narrow seams between one-sixth and one-eighth inches wide and won’t scratch stone or tile. Sanded is a more affordable option, while unsanded is stickier, making it easier to work with. Epoxy grout is different from both sanded and unsanded, as it is less porous and doesn’t need to be sealed. It also works well with seams wider than one-eighth of an inch. This stain-resistant grout is quick drying and doesn’t shrink.

What Color Combinations Should You Use?

Choosing your color combination is an important task when adding grout and tiles. Finding an exact color match might be a difficult task, so you’ll want to choose a grout color that contrasts with your tile. White tiles with black grout are a great color combination because they add a clean and sleek look to the space. Light gray pairs well with white and beige also pairs well with brown and tan colors. If you’re looking to add vibrant colors to your kitchen, you can opt for white tiles paired with sage green, pink, blue, or brown. Use metallic or glitter grout to add some extra sparkle to your space. Darker grout makes it easier to hide stains and creates a dramatic effect. Ultimately, choosing a color is all based on personal preference and the design of your tiles.

Maintaining Your Grout and Tiles

If you want to regrout your tile, it’s best to hire a professional to remove the old grout and add the new grout. When using grout, you should seal it as soon as you finish installing it and reseal it about every two years to keep it fresh-looking. When your grout gets dirty, use a toothbrush or small brush and cleaning products like the pink stuff or zep grout cleaner to leave a nice shine.

How Much Grout Do You Need?

Determining how much grout you need depends on the type of grout, the brand you use, and the tile you use. Typically, if you’re using smaller tiles, you’ll want to opt for more grout, and vice versa when using larger tiles. Instructions, along with the amount, are typically found on the packaging of whatever grout you decide to go with. If you have a large kitchen with a lot of backsplash space, it’s important to have enough grout to cover all of the tiles. For this reason, make sure to read the instructions thoroughly and see just how much grout you’ll have available once you start your project.