We Installed New Tile and Nobody Warned Us About the Grout
The tile looked amazing when it was finished. Clean lines, fresh color, brand-new floor, exactly what we pictured when we started the project. For about five minutes, we felt very accomplished.
Then we noticed the grout.
Nobody had really warned us that the grout between all that beautiful new tile was going to become the part of the floor we paid the most attention to. It started looking darker in the high-traffic areas. A spill left a mark that did not seem to completely disappear. The kitchen grout looked different from the grout under the cabinets. Suddenly, instead of admiring the tile, we were staring at the lines between it.
Welcome to one of the least glamorous parts of installing new tile.
New Grout Is Not Maintenance-Free
Grout is an important part of a tile installation, but depending on the type of grout used, it can also be vulnerable to staining and discoloration. Dirt, spills, grease, moisture, and everyday foot traffic can gradually change its appearance, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and other busy areas.