When it comes to constructing a pristine outdoor space, tiling is everyone's preferred approach. It is a centuries-old construction tactic that is used to add colour, character, and durability to outdoor Tile Gap filler. In tiling, grouting might not be the star of the show, but it sure is the core component of maintaining the prestige of the tiles.
So, grouting is considered a highly necessary step regardless of the type of tile, as it keeps the tile intact for an extended period of time. There are many grouting options available in the market. Two of the most prevalent options are epoxy filler and cement.
However, they both come with a different price tag and style profile, along with many other differences that make UK home owners confused about the best option for their home and facilities. Are you stuck in the same predicament? Then you are at the right place. Follow along with this simple guide.
Why Use Grout for Tiles
Regardless of the flooring type, whether it's tiles, pavers, or natural stone, grouting is highly necessary to fill in the gaps between the paving slabs and get a neat look. The primary role of grout is to keep the flooring intact. Meanwhile, without outdoor tile grout, your tiles can move or crack over time due to factors like heavy traffic and weather changes.
By grouting your tiles, you basically fill the gaps between the paving slabs, locking everything together and making the floor more stable.
Most outdoor floors have high exposure to moisture and water, leading to high chances of water damage. This is where grouting helps to prevent water damage by sealing the floor properly. This seal protects the floor from moisture and water accumulation. This also leads to high durability and stability of your outdoor floors.
Grouting also helps you prevent any kind of weed growth settling between the tiles or slabs. Without grouting, your floor becomes open to dirt, debris, and mould. So by grouting your floors, you make them safe and easy to maintain.
All in all, grouting is a step that could never be ignored as it offers a neat finish and increases the appeal of the floor. For a better-looking and long-lasting outdoor space, try to look for the best epoxy grout for outdoor porcelain tiles.
Types of Grout for Outdoor Paving
While there are many types of grouts available in the market, cement and epoxy grout have been fighting for the crown this past year. So, let's discuss both of them and decide which is better for your upcoming outdoor grouting project.
Epoxy Grout
This type of grout is made by mixing epoxy resins and filler powder. It is non-porous by nature. Epoxy resin is known to be highly stain and chemical-resistant. When compared to traditional grout, epoxy grout is a more budget-friendly and easy-to-maintain option as it does not require sealing treatments to offer longevity for a long time.
There are many reasons why most homeowners with delicate tiles like porcelain often opt for exterior epoxy grout for porcelain pavers.
Epoxy Grout Benefits
- It is highly durable due to its high resistance to chipping, peeling, and cracking.
- It is waterproof, which makes it a perfect choice for your outdoor pool area.
- It is easy to maintain due to its high stain resistance.
Moreover, outdoor epoxy grout is perfect for outdoor areas that are constantly exposed to external factors. Epoxy resin helps your floors look new for an extended period of time and also comes with anti-fading properties.
Whether you are looking for the best flooring for a swimming pool or an outdoor patio, epoxy grouting is a great low-maintenance option for you.
Best Grouting Practices With Epoxy Grout
- Prep the surface thoroughly to avoid bumps and uneven application.
- Grout section by section to avoid quick hardening of the epoxy.
- Gently clean the tiles to get rid of epoxy residue after the application.
Cement Grout
This type of outdoor tile grout is made by mixing cement, water, and sand (occasionally). Unlike the epoxy grout, this one comes with a porous surface. However, the porous nature of the mixture mandates sealing for longevity and like-new appeal.
Cement grout comes in a wide variety of colors and is compatible with UK homeowners looking for vibrant grouting options for their outdoor spaces.
There are two main variations available of outdoor cement grout: sanded grout and unsanded grout. The sanded grout has small sand particles in it and has a grainy texture. It is mostly preferred for wide joints that are greater than 1/8 inch. I
n comparison, unsanded grout has no sand grains in it and has a smooth texture. It is mostly preferred for small joints that are less than 1/8 inch or for tiles that are considered rather delicate.
Benefits of Cement Grout
- It is budget-friendly and perfect for large area projects.
- It is very easy to apply and doesn't require much experience, making it perfect for DIY UK homeowners.
- It is highly accessible as it can be found in most hardware stores in the UK, both online and offline.
Moreover, cement grout is mainly used for residential projects and is perfect for low-traffic areas. This is also a widely preferred grout for decorative tiles.
Upkeep Tips for Cement Grout
- Always seal the grout to protect it from stains and water.
- Select an appropriate type of outdoor cement grout according to the tile sizing.
- Clean the grout thoroughly on a daily basis to prevent mildew buildup.
Key Difference between Two Types of Grouting
Here are the main differences between the two types of outdoor tile grouts to make the decision easy for you.
Longevity
If you are looking for durable grout, epoxy grout is the way to go. It is excellent for heavy-duty floors and is resistant to wear and tear. On the grounds of longevity, cement grout might not match the requirements of a high-traffic area.
Water Resistance
Outdoor epoxy grout comes with waterproofing properties, making it perfect for outdoor areas with high exposure to water, such as garden areas and pool sides. Meanwhile, cement grout is inherently porous and requires a sealing treatment to provide water resistance.
Application Process
If you are a homeowner who wants to DIY your outdoor space grouting, then cement grout is the way to go. Outdoor cement grout is usually easier to apply than epoxy grout, which requires more precision and experience for installation.
Price Range
If you want to go for a budget-friendly option, then choose cement grout, as epoxy grout is on the pricey side due to its advanced properties and high durability. Specifically for homeowners with a high area to cover, it's better to use cement grout.
Ease of Maintenance
Outdoor epoxy grout offers high durability with minimal maintenance, while cement grout requires special sealing treatment with a regular cleaning routine to remain in good shape.
Final Thoughts
These were all the insights into epoxy and cement grout. Hopefully, by now you know what kind of grouting is the best option for your outdoor space. If you’re also planning the installation process, choosing the right adhesive is just as important. Check out our guide on Best Adhesives for Installing Porcelain Paving to ensure a long-lasting, durable finish.
At this point, you might be looking for a credible seller of grouting materials, right? Look no further, Pave Direct has got you covered. We supply a wide range of the best epoxy grout for outdoor porcelain tiles, along with versatile outdoor tiles and flooring solutions. Visit our website today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best grouting option for my outdoor pathway?
Outdoor pathways are places with the most foot traffic, so epoxy grouting is the best option for you. It is made to withstand high traffic and moisture.
What grout to choose when you are on a strict budget?
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then go for epoxy grouting for smaller places and cement grouting for large space projects. Epoxy grout offers longevity but can be pricy for large areas, while cement grouts may require sealing later but are cheaper for large projects.
How do I know which cement grout to choose?
Choosing the right cement grout is relatively easy; all you have to do is look at the size of your tiles. If your tiles are larger than 1/8 inch, then go for sanded cement grout. If your tiles are smaller than 1/8, then choose the unsanded cement grouting.
Is grout necessary for outdoor tiles?
Yes, grouting is necessary, whether you are choosing epoxy or cement. It makes the tile last longer and gives a more appealing and like-new look for an extended period of time. You can avoid the step; however, your tiles would more likely chip or peel with time.
How long does epoxy grout last after application?
Most epoxy grouts last for approximately twenty years. This is the average expectancy noted for epoxy grout; however, there are a lot of factors that can affect the timeline, such as maintaining quality, application, foot traffic, and the demographic of the area.
