The Ins and Outs of Grout

Dense or flexible? Mildew-resistant or heat-tolerant? Red or white? Grouts nowadays are made from a number of materials that provide a variety of benefits. Better Homes and Gardens Window & Wall Ideas magazine offers this look at the basic types of grouts:

* Portland cement-based: This traditional grouting material is best-suited for walls and floors in dry areas, and is the least expensive option on the market.

* Latex-based: This variety is flexible and good for moist areas, such as bathrooms.

* Epoxy-based: This stain-resistant and high-heat tolerant grout is very dense. These qualities make it well-suited for moist areas.

* Silicone: The most costly of the group, this one is flexible and excellent for moist areas with unstable subsurfaces.

* Colored: Ceramic tiles come in so many colors, sizes, patterns and shapes that it’s easy to lose sight of what holds them together. Today, however, many American tile manufacturers offer grouts in dozens of colors that can either match or contrast with the tile.

For example, a uniform effect can be created by surrounding red tile with red grout. For contrast, try black tile and white grout.