Are you thinking of installing outdoor tiles for a fantastic and ultra-modern outdoor deck look? Well, let the truth be told, the stunning tanzanite outdoor tiles are your best bet!
Once you have selected the tiles, you want to extend your living space outside. It’s time to install the outdoor tiles and grout them properly. Grouting outdoor tile on any surface is quite similar to grouting an interior tile, only with a few differences.
Let Tanzite Stondecks expert help you step-by-step all along the way!
Grouting Outdoor Tile
It is best if you plan to install and grout the outdoor tiles in good weather while still being prepared to cover any exposed areas if need be. Both pre-mixed and cement-based grouts must be applied when the tile surface and air temperatures are 50 degrees while never exceeding 90 or 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Both types of grout need 72 hours to cure initially and may require up to seven days to cure completely. The tiled surface should be completely protected from water/moisture during this period.
Things You’ll Need
Tools & Equipment
- Utility knife
- Cleaning sponge
- Bucket
- Caulking gun
- For cement-based grout – An electric drill and mixing paddle
- Grout float
- Grout sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Sponge paint brush
Materials
- Grout
- Commercial silicone caulk or other sealant
- Grout sealer
Read more: How to install stone deck?
Instructions for Grouting Outdoor Tiles
Cleaning Tiles
Use a utility knife to properly scrape any excess thin-set mortar that might have remained squeezed out between the outdoor tiles while being laid. The thin-set comes in a different color than the grout and can become visible if not removed properly. After prying out any excess of the thin-set, clean the tile surface with a wet sponge.
Make the Grout
Prepare the cement grout in a bucket, adding water or any other liquid additive, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. Blend the grout properly using a drill and a mixing paddle. Prepare as much grout as you can use within the working time of the product. Let the grout slake or sit for a few minutes if it is mentioned in the mixing instructions by the manufacturer.
If you are using a pre-mixed grout, open the container, this type of grout doesn’t require mixing or otherwise preparation. But, you might need to moisten the surface of outdoor tiles with a wet sponge.
Fill-Up Grout Joints
Work on smaller patches, such as taking a 3 by 3 feet area at a time. Pick some grouting material with a grout float and drop it onto the tile surface. Evenly spread the material over the tiles face and grout joints by making the float move diagonal at a 45-degree angle. Apply some pressure through the float to push the grouting material in the joints.
Get rid of Excess Grout
After you are done applying the grout material onto the tiles and joints, hold the float at 90-degrees to the tile and begin scraping off any excess grouting material for the tile faces by moving diagonally across grout joints and the tiles. Be careful not to move parallel to the joints, as this can pull out the grout from the joints.
Sponging the Tiles
Take a clean bucket and fill it up with some clean water. Wait for the appropriate amount of time – as specified by the product instructions. Then give the tiles a thorough wipe with a somewhat damp grout sponge, cleaning the tiles’ faces and smoothing out the grout joints.
Please make sure the grouting sponge is only moist and not wet. The objective is to gently wipe the tiles clean while being extra careful not to remove the grout from joints. Do not try to get them perfect at this point; you will need to wipe them again too. Wash the grouting sponge as frequently as needed.
Remove Grout Haze
Give time to let the grout set as instructed, then begin buffing the tiles with a microfiber cloth to take away the grout haze from the tile faces. While doing so, remember that you do not have to buff the grout joints. Let the grout cure completely, as instructed by the manufacturer of the grouting product.
Sealing Grout – Optional
This is an optional step.
You can seal the grout with an outdoor specified grout sealer, use a sponge paintbrush, or any other type of applicator. You do not have to seal most premixed grouts, but this might be an option. After application, let the grout sealer cure completely as instructed by the sealant maker.
Outdoor Tile Grouting Tips
The biggest challenge that many first-timers face while outdoor tiles grouting is the curing time of the grout. If the weather is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit or the sun is directly hitting the outdoor tiles, the grout might cure more quickly than the product’s specified time. For this reason, it is best to grout when the sun is not hitting the tiles directly. If the weather is hot, begin grouting in a small area to determine the actual working time before starting larger areas.
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