Table of Contents
Sanded Vs Unsanded Grout
I made a simple table to know the differences between sanded grout and unsanded grout.
| Sanded Grout | anded Grout | |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Cement and fine sand | Cement and polymer |
| Durability | More durable | Less durable |
| Resistance | Resistant to cracking | More flexible |
| Joints | Suitable for wider joints | Suitable for narrow joints |
| Application | Best for floor tiles | Best for polished tiles |
| Scratching | May scratch smooth surfaces | Won’t scratch smooth surfaces |
| Thickness | Suitable for joints up to 1/2-inch thick | Suitable for joints up to 1/8-inch thick |
| Consistency | Thicker consistency | Thinner consistency |
| Price | Inexpensive | More expensive |
| Availability | Widely available | Less widely available |
| Finish | Rougher finish | Smoother finish |
| Water Resistance | Good | Good |
| Staining | May stain | May stain |
| Color Options | Wide range available | Limited range available |
Let us read more about sanded and unsanded grout.
What Is Sanded Grout?
Sanded grout is a building material used to fill spaces between tiles on floors, walls, and backsplashes. It is made from Portland cement, colored powdered pigments, and silica sand. The sand makes the grout strong and durable, with less chance of cracking or shrinking.
Sanded grout is thicker than unsanded grout, which makes it challenging to apply. Diluting it with water can weaken it and cause small holes to form after curing. However, sanded grout is ideal for floor tiles and grout lines wider than ⅛ inch.
If you want strong and long-lasting grout for your tiles, sanded grout is an excellent choice.
What Is Unsanded Grout?
As the name suggest it does not have quantity of sand. It is a sandless grout.
Unsanded grout is a material used to fill the gaps between tiles. It is made of Portland cement and powdered pigments, but does not contain any sand.
When mixed with water, unsanded grout forms a slurry that is easy to apply with a grout float. However, it is not as strong or durable as sanded grout and may shrink, crack, or wear out over time. Therefore, it is not suitable for heavy-use areas or flooring.
This type of grout is thinner and smoother than sanded grout, making it easier to work into tighter joints. It is ideal for grout lines that are less than ⅛ of an inch and is perfect for backsplashes, shower walls, and other vertical tile surfaces where aesthetics are important.
Unsanded grout is recommended for certain tile types, including marble, limestone, and ceramic tiles with a highly polished or glossy finish. This is because sanded grout can scratch the surface of these materials.
Unsanded grout is a thinner and smoother alternative to sanded grout that is best suited for certain types of tiles and vertical surfaces. It is not as strong or durable as sanded grout, but provides a cleaner and sleeker look.