skip to main content

Another Question about Backsplash Materials -- Grout!

12 years ago

The recent post about backsplash materials got me thinking about grout. I'm using white subway tile (I haven't found complaints yet about it being difficult to clean, although it certainly will show dirt). But I'm having a related question about GROUT. The person at the tile shop in my home town strongly cautioned against cementious (sp?) grout, suggesting instead a urethane grout (such as quartz lock) or an epoxy grout (such as laticrete spectra lock). These aren't supposed to stain easily. I haven't found any complaints on these (except for long curing times), but I'm wondering whether anyone has has experience with their tomato sauce, or mole, or wine, etc. staining these grouts.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

willtv
12 years ago
I've had a black & white subway tile backsplash for almost a year and have had no problems keeping it clean.
I too was worried about it becoming a tomato sauce magnet.
We used bright white cementious non sanded grout and applied 2 coats of sealer.
As long as you wipe up any spills or, more appropriately, splashes within a reasonable amount of time you should be OK.
I've read several comments from people who used white epoxy grout about the grout yellowing over time.
barbcollins
12 years ago
We used the Laticrete grout like this in a previous kitchen and I thought it was great!

Laticrete Grout

Admix

DH spilled tea on it overnight and it wasn't stained. I left a broken printer on the counter once and found magenta ink had leaked out. Scared the you know what out of me! But it did not stain the grout.

We grouted another kitchen counter this weekend but Lowes did not have any of that. So we bought the Laticrete Spectralock. It was not hard to work with, but it didn't go as far as we thought. Had to go back and buy more. We ended up buying four containers to do the counters and the mosaic backsplash. Also, the color was "Almond", but the grout looked white after application. I am waiting to go back this weekend to see if it darkens.
Related Discussions
yet another tile backsplash caulking question
Q
Comments (3)
Hello G, The caulking is meant to bridge the seam between tile and a dissimilar material (painted wallboard, granite slab, window casings, etc.). It should also be used at the intersection of two tiled planes. These are all points where cracks may sometimes form if movement occurs. In the case of the seam between a counter top annd a backsplash, the flexible caulk also serves to protect the substrate from moisture which might collect along that joint annd seep through. Shaughnn
...See More
To Backsplash or Not to Backsplash: That is the question!
Q
Comments (9)
I have tile down to my countertops in most of my kitchen, so no 4 inch backsplash. I sooo want to redoo my countertops and backsplash and hopefully I will soon. The backsplash tiles are the cheap 4x4 white ceramic tiles that you can get at any big box store (builder installed). They have held up pretty well, but the grout is starting to get a bit hard to clean (it looks kind of dingy) and the silicone between the countertop and the end of the tile is cracked across the whole length of my counter. It doesn't look like there's any water damage there yet (especially behind the sink), but I think it's just a matter of time. There is one small corner of my kitchen where the builder did put the 4 inch backsplash, probably as an afterthought as it is a separate piece of laminate attached to the counter. I hate that backsplash! It gets dusty and takes up uneccessary space. I also think the no backsplash look is a much cleaner, neater look.
...See More
Grout Question for a Backsplash
Q
Comments (2)
The installation instructions for my glass tiles REQUIRED sanded grout, they strongly advised against unsanded grout. Don't ask me why, that's what the instruction manual said, and I followed these instructions.
...See More
Another question about backsplash to the ceiling
Q
Comments (2)
I vote take the tile to the crown molding. I think it'll look unfinished if you don't. Especially if there's a strong color contrast between the tile and the molding. I've designed to-the-ceiling cabinets, and I have a space with a hood/chimney, with no cabinets above the hood, so the molding helps to visually "connect" the cabinets on either side. I know it made a big (good) difference when I put crown molding into the design plans and continued it across the range/hood area.
...See More
Orlando1
Original Author
12 years ago
Those are very helpful relplies! My GC is urging specifically Quartzlock 2 (Urethane) grout. Other than some complaints about curing times, I can't seem to find anything negative elsewhere on the internet, but most of the posts I've find are from people on the contracting/building end of things, and not on the long-term user side.
barbcollins
12 years ago
Ok, we are back up at the weekend house.

A little disappointed in the color. It's lighter than I wanted, but it still looks ok. But I can tell you this stuff is durable. Last weekend when finishing up I picked up a glass casserole dish to take home to clean (since no kitchen sink here then). I must have had some grout on my fingers because when I took it out of the dishwasher I noticed it. Can't get it off!!!

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Ways Grout–Yes, Grout–Can Add to Your Design

Choose From a Palette of Grout Colors for a Warm, Unified Look

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Hard Questions to Ask When Shopping for Stone

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn all about stone sizes, cracks, color issues and more so problems don't chip away at your design happiness later

MOST POPULAR 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting With Your Designer

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

Thinking in advance about how you use your space will get your first design consultation off to its best start

KITCHEN DESIGN Subway Tile Picks Up Gray Grout

By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting

Heading into darker territory, subway tile offers a graphic new look for kitchens, bathrooms and more

GREEN BUILDING Considering Concrete Floors? 3 Green-Minded Questions to Ask

By Melanie Loftus

Learn what’s in your concrete and about sustainability to make a healthy choice for your home and the earth

MOST POPULAR 19 Kitchen Projects Every Homeowner Should Know About

By Mitchell Parker

Could your kitchen use a new sink, a backsplash, updated hardware, better organization, a good cleaning? Here's how to get started

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Quiz: Which Kitchen Backsplash Material Is Right for You?

By Jennifer Ott Design

With so many options available, see if we can help you narrow down the selection

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — the Tiling and Grouting Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 3 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick the right tile and test it out, then choose your grout color and type

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Share Your Suggestions for These Exteriors, Patios and Baths!

Sponsored

A.I.S. Renovations Ltd.

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County

More Discussions

Before and after

9

Thoughts on making galley kitchen more open?

31

wide double under mount stainless sink

5

Kitchen sink location

4

kitchen countertops

2