Check out the biggest trends of the season and our expert take on them.
Key Takeaways
Never use tile adhesive as grout. Although both materials are used during tile installation, they perform different jobs: adhesive bonds tiles to the substrate, while grout fills the joints between tiles. The requirement for tile adhesives is different compared to tile grouts, for example, adhesives need bond-strength and compatibility with different substrates.
On the other hand, for tile grouts, chemical resistance, vibrant colours for aesthetics, and abrasion resistance are more important, as they are constantly exposed to external stresses and are visible on a day-to-day basis. Using the appropriate material for each part of the installation helps ensure better bonding, a cleaner finish and appropriate performance over time.
Tile adhesives are formulated to create a strong bond between the back of the tile and the surface underneath. They provide adhesion and bedding, not the finished joint between tiles. Grout, on the other hand, is formulated to fill the spaces between tiles. Its texture, application, and performance characteristics suit joints rather than the area beneath the tile.
For example, grouts should not leave behind any extra material deposition on tile surface after application, as this can lead to a more tedious cleaning process. This is not an issue for tile adhesives, since they are applied behind tiles and are not visible.
Although adhesive and grout are both essential to many tile installations, they should not be treated as interchangeable materials. Their purpose, consistency, and location within the installation differ. Understanding this distinction makes it easier to choose the right product and avoid using an adhesive where a proper joint filler is required.
Material | Primary purpose | Where it is used | Properties required |
|---|---|---|---|
Tile adhesive | Bond the tile securely | Between the tile and substrate | Bond-strength and flexibility |
Grout | Fill and finish tile joints | In the gaps between tiles | Bonding, flexibility, stain-resistance, chemical resistance, abrainsion resistance, and aesthetics. |
The adhesive should provide appropriate contact between the tile and substrate, while the grout should fill the designed gap between adjacent tiles.
Once the tiles have been fixed, choose a tile joint filler based on the installation area and the performance required from the joints. Dry areas may suit a cement-based grout, while wet or high-use areas may benefit from epoxy grout. The right choice also depends on the tile type, joint requirements, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Cement grout is generally not recommended for critical areas like wet areas, external areas, or drywall. However, you may still consider using cement grout for suitable dry-area installations. For example, Roff Rainbow Tile Mate (RTM) is a cement-based filler designed to fill gaps between tiles. It is suitable for floors and walls and a range of ceramic, porcelain, vitrified and natural-stone surfaces.
For wet areas, high-use installations, or situations requiring greater resistance to water, stains, and demanding conditions, epoxy grout can be a suitable choice. Roff Starlike is a high-performance, two-component epoxy-based tile joint filler suitable for internal and external applications, including dry and wet areas. Ideally, use epoxy grout for modern tile installations whenever possible.
The correct grouting process involves more than simply pushing material into the visible gaps. Clean the joints, fill them properly, and finish them evenly, and select grout based on the required joint width and application. Work in manageable sections so you can pack the grout into the joints before it begins to set. This also makes it easier to remove excess material and achieve a consistent finish.
Follow a systematic process to ensure the joints are filled without leaving gaps or excess grout on the tile surface:
Do not choose joint width randomly during grouting. Use the joint width specified for the tile and installation, and choose a grout suitable for that width. For example, Roff Starlike is specified for joints from 1 to 15 mm.
1) Can I use tile adhesive to fill joints?
No, tile adhesive is designed to bond tiles to the substrate, while grout is specifically formulated to fill and finish the joints between tiles. Use a suitable cement-based or epoxy grout, depending on the area and installation requirements.
2) What is the difference between adhesive and grout?
Tile adhesive is applied beneath the tile to bond it to the substrate. Grout is applied between tiles to fill and finish the joints, so the two materials serve different purposes and have different formulations.
3) Which grout is best for bathrooms?
For wet areas like bathrooms, an epoxy grout such as Roff Starlike can be a suitable choice because it is waterproof and designed for wet-area applications. The final selection should follow the specific installation and product recommendations.
4) Is epoxy grout better than cement grout?
Epoxy grout is better than cement grout, especially for critical areas like wet areas or drywalls etc. Epoxy grout is chemical resistant, stain resistant, and generally performs better in comparison to cement grout. Cement grout can still be used for standard installations, while epoxy grout is useful where you need greater resistance to water, stains, abrasion, or demanding use.
5) What joint width do I need?
The required joint width depends on the tile type, tile size, installation conditions and manufacturer’s recommendations. In general, it is recommended to leave a minimum gap of 2mm in between tiles. Maintain the specified gap between tiles rather than fixing them tightly together, and select a grout suitable for that joint width.
This approach ensures the wall isn’t just ‘ready’ but rather bonded to the wall tile adhesive system.
