Tile Your Way to Success 2026: Ace the Red Seal Tilesetter Challenge!

Sanded grout is recommended for larger joints in ceramic tile installations because it contains fine sand particles that provide additional strength and help to fill in wider spaces between tiles. The sand increases the overall durability of the grout, making it suitable for joints typically exceeding 1/8 inch in width. This type of grout also minimizes the likelihood of cracking and shrinking, which can occur with unsanded grout in larger joints.

Using sanded grout in larger joints not only ensures a stronger bond but also offers a better aesthetic finish, as it can be matched or contrasted with the tile colors to enhance the overall design. In contrast, unsanded grout, often used for tighter joints (less than 1/8 inch), lacks the sand that lends the necessary structural integrity for wider spaces. Epoxy grout provides chemical resistance and adhesion, making it suitable for certain applications but typically not for most joint sizes. Latex grout, while useful in some settings, does not have the same properties that make sanded grout ideal for larger joints.