Grouting footstep tiles

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CotswoldsRetreat
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Grouting footstep tiles

Post by CotswoldsRetreat »

Hi

I am looking to re-grout the tiles on our footstep outside the front door and have attached a picture of how it looks now.

I think the original grout colour was white but is now quite dirty.

I am not sure what type of grout to buy and would appreciate any recommendations.

When grouting bathroom tiles I have seen videos in which a the rounded end of a pipe has been used to make the grouting tidy.

However - after applying the grout to the doorstep tiles I don't know if it should be level with the tiles or slightly recessed.

Again any help here would be appreciated.

Thanks and bye.
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Crooksey
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Re: Grouting footstep tiles

Post by Crooksey »

Mapei Ultracolor Plus would be best, keep it slightly recessed.
haveagohero
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Re: Grouting footstep tiles

Post by haveagohero »

I normally try to get the grout flush with the tiles on outside work, especially if it is perfectly level. I normally grout up really wet then sponge down to make sure the face of the tile is clean, let the surface of the tile dry then put dry grout on top and brush it off level with the grout float, don't need to sponge it down and the moisture from the wet grout underneath mixes with the dry so it cures
CotswoldsRetreat
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Re: Grouting footstep tiles

Post by CotswoldsRetreat »

Sorry for the late acknowledgement of the replies - they are much appreciated.

I'll see what local stockists have Mapei Ultracolor Plus.
royaloakcarpentry
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Re: Grouting footstep tiles

Post by royaloakcarpentry »

I would use a mortar mix, but you haven't got the depth for it. hardly seems to be any depth for grout either.

You might want to take the opportunity to clean the tiles and give them a few coats of sealer.

Be warned about Marpei ultracolour if you use the grey colour. Search the net for all the problems with it..........It can dry patchy!
All The Gear
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Re: Grouting footstep tiles

Post by All The Gear »

You're right there, used Mapei Manhatten and once cured it looked like some of the grout lines had water splashed on them. Had to rake out and re-grout. I used to really like Mapei grouts but find all their colours too grainy now
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Colour Republic
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Re: Grouting footstep tiles

Post by Colour Republic »

Patchy grout colour is normally down one of 2 things. Either mixed incorrectly or too much water used when washing down which makes the polymers rise to the top.

Yes granted you do have to follow Mapei's mixing instructions more closely than most, however it is a great grout when used correctly.
royaloakcarpentry
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Re: Grouting footstep tiles

Post by royaloakcarpentry »

Colour Republic wrote:Patchy grout colour is normally down one of 2 things. Either mixed incorrectly or too much water used when washing down which makes the polymers rise to the top.

Yes granted you do have to follow Mapei's mixing instructions more closely than most, however it is a great grout when used correctly.
Can't entirely agree. The web is alive with the problems of the grey grout drying patchy. I only know because I had the problem myself.

It seems to be limited to the grey. With everyone from DIYer's to commercial tilers with 40 years experience that never have a problem with the other Marpei colours.
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Colour Republic
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Re: Grouting footstep tiles

Post by Colour Republic »

Because grey will show the problem up far more than other colours.

Only had a problem once and I knew it was my error for using more water in the washing stage than I normally would.
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