grouting tips

I've created this page to assist you in questions you might have when grouting our shaped ceramic tiles.

what kind of grout do I use?

A Polymer-based sanded ceramic tile grout. This type of grout allows you up to a 1/2" grout line. If mixed properly, it hardens like concrete.

can i mix/press foreign object into my grout?

Yes you can! I like to press in small pebbles or an anthill gravel into my grout to create a rock-like effect. It looks exceptional with granites and SileStone countertop materials. It's also a very environmentally "green" looking ceramic tile grout.

SileStone color swatch with gravel-pressed grout technique
by Diane H. Holycross, artist/owner, Tiles with Style

where can I purchase tiny gravel?

Check with your local gravel yard or landscape shop.

where do I purchase sanded grout?

Home Depot and Lowes have a nice in-store selection of ceramic tile sanded grout colors. If you don't see a color that you like, you can place a special order. This takes about 2 weeks.

what do I use to seal my grout?

I highly recommend that you go the extra mile and purchase an oil-base, silicone, or a teflon ceramic tile grout sealer. These products are expensive, but are designed to repel oils, stains, etc.

Don't use a water-base ceramic tile grout sealer. These need to be re-applied yearly...too much work.

can I mix grouts together to create a specific color?

Yes, if they are of the same brand. Just make sure you mix an ample supply of grout, so you don't run out during your installation! I recommend that you mix colors by weighing the dry grout by color and then mixing it together. That way if you do run out of the mix, you can mix a new batch and the color should match.

can I use more than one color grout during my installation?

YES!!! Because our decorative ceramic tiles are generally installed as a scene, you can use several different grouts to bring your design together.

The pictures below show water fading to land.

This pictures shows a nine-part mermaid in a coral reef. Notice how the beige grout makes her look like one large ceramic tile mermaid.

This is a fabulous example of ceramic tile grout usage. The use of two completely different colors of ceramic tile sanded grout colors.

grouting tips?

Mix your grout per the instructions, failure to do so can cause cracking of the grout during the drying process!

I like to let my grout set up for about 5-10 prior to applying it onto walls. This helps with slumping of the ceramic tile grout from gravity.

how long before I can wipe the grout back?

I recommend you let the grout sit for at lease 15 minutes. You want it to be damp, not wet. If you try to wipe the grout back with your damp sponge too soon, you'll pull the grout out of the spaces, and cause depressions. You want the grout to be level with the decorative ceramic tile.

Our tiles are shaped tiles not shapes on square tiles!

Comments from satisfied ceramic tile clients...

"The tiles arrived and are gorgeous. You did an awesome job! I'm so happy I found your website as I haven't been able to find anything like your tiles ANYWHERE else."
Nanci Bonnell, Battleground, Washington

"There is one place here in California that makes leaf shaped tiles. She charges $100 a sq foot and yours are 10 times better." 
Forrest Mize, Ventura, CA

Our ceramic tiles are 100% handmade in the USA.

Shipping domestically and also to Canada and Europe!