Installing grout is an important step with any floor or wall tiling project. Grout keeps tiles locked closely together and prevents water from seeping between them. This step can make or break the appearance of a newly tiled floor or wall, so great care must be taken.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
What you can expect | |||||
Range per square foot: | $2.11 | $4.04 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $253 | $485 | |||
Estimate: $369 | |||||
Grouted Surface Labor, Basic | 5 hours | $152 | $371 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Grout will be mixed, applied, and shaped. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
Grouted Surface Job Supplies | 128 square feet | $100 | $114 | ||
Requisite supplies for the job, including fabrication and polishing disposables, manufacturer-recommended underlayment, fasteners, adhesives, and surface sealants. |
cost to install grout | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot | $0.80 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 120 square foot | $351.96 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 120 square foot | $241.03 - $462.88 |
Cement-based grout is available in two varieties: sanded and unsanded. Sanded is an excellent choice for joints that are wider than 1/8 inch, while unsanded is suitable for more narrow joints. Epoxy grout, which is made of resin and hardener, is an alternative to cement-based grout. It’s also available in sanded and unsanded varieties, and it's a good choice for areas that are exposed to grease and acids.
Grout is typically applied by the tiling contractor as part of the overall tiling project. It's spread across the newly tiled wall or floor with a grout float and pushed deep into the joints between the tiles. The installer then removes the excess from the tiles and smooths the grout lines. After buffing the tiles, the installer may need to apply a sealant to protect it from water. Cost factors include the size of the project and the type of grout used.
Installing grout is more complicated than it looks, and homeowners should consider leaving this task to the professionals. It needs to be mixed with an accurate amount of water, or it can become too runny or thick to work properly. Once it has been applied, the grout lines need to be carefully tooled to create a uniform look. Uneven lines can ruin the appearance of an otherwise attractive tile job.