grout artisan tile the right way and keep it beautiful for years

foundry flats standard issue in sinter

grout is typically seen as a functional element of tile installation, which is true. it does serve a functional purpose. but, there’s so much more to it than that. tile grout doesn’t get the credit it deserves in terms of its contribution to the entire design process. we’re hoping to change that attitude. tile grout also suffers the misconception of being simple, a “one size fits all” element to tile design. but, there are so many understated nuances to grout that choosing the wrong type or color can actually ruin a project. it’s always important to have design experts on your side when selecting both tile and tile grout so it doesn’t become a “do-over” situation.

what is tile grout and why it matters

the purpose of grout in tile installation

grout serves several essential functions that keep tile installations both durable and visually cohesive. it fills the gaps between tiles, protecting their edges from chipping and creating a stable surface that prevents shifting or uneven movement over time.

grout also plays a crucial role in moisture control by sealing the joints and reducing the risk of water seeping behind tiles, which can lead to mold, mildew, or structural damage. together, these benefits ensure that your tile installation remains secure, long-lasting, and well-protected.

how grout impacts both structure and style

grout shapes both the performance and the aesthetic of any tiled surface, making it a key design element as well as a structural one. the width of the grout joint influences how tiles settle and flex, helping the installation handle everyday movement without cracking. its texture and composition also affect durability, determining how well the surface resists moisture, wear, and staining.

visually, grout can completely transform a tile’s appearance: a contrasting color highlights pattern and shape, while a tone-on-tone palette creates a seamless, understated look. even the finish—matte, smooth, or lightly sanded—helps define the overall atmosphere. in short, don’t underestimate tile grout importance: it’s the quiet but essential link between structure and style.

why grout matters even more with artisan tile

with artisan tile, grout becomes especially crucial because handmade pieces naturally vary in tile thickness, size, shape, and edge profile. these subtle irregularities—part of what gives artisan tile its charm—require thoughtful grout application to ensure a secure, even installation. wider or more flexible joints help accommodate variation, preventing stress points and protecting delicate edges from chipping.

to the eye, grout plays an equally important role: it enhances the individuality of each tile, emphasizes texture, and brings coherence to a surface where no two pieces are exactly alike. in artisan installations, grout isn’t just filler—it’s a design tool that completes the story handcrafted tile begins.

choosing the right grout for your tile

common grout types explained

sanded grout contains fine aggregates that make it strong, durable, and ideal for wider joints—typically 1/8" or more. it resists cracking and shrinking, making it a go-to for floor tile or installations with significant surface variation.

unsanded grout, by contrast, has a smooth, grit-free texture suited to narrow joints and delicate tile surfaces like polished stone or glossy ceramics; however, it’s less durable in wide joints and more prone to shrinkage.

epoxy grout is highly stain-, water-, and chemical-resistant, making it excellent for kitchens, showers, and high-traffic areas, though its faster set time and higher price can be challenging for DIYers.

other specialty options include pre-mixed and urethane grouts, which offer ease of use and flexibility but may not be compatible with all tile types. choosing the right grout ultimately depends on joint width, tile material, installation location, and desired performance.

matching grout type to tile material and texture

choosing the right grout begins with understanding how it interacts with your tile’s surface. handmade and irregular tiles often pair best with sanded grout, whose sturdier composition helps support uneven edges and wider joints while adding a grounded, artisanal feel.

glossy or glazed tiles typically benefit from unsanded grout, which is smooth enough to prevent scratching and creates a clean, refined finish.

matte or porous tiles may require sealing before grouting to prevent staining, especially when using pigmented options. for highly textured tiles—such as relief, fluted, or deeply pitted surfaces—epoxy or urethane grout can simplify cleanup and add extra water resistance, though installers should test a small area first.

by matching grout type to your tile’s material and texture, you ensure both optimal performance and a cohesive, intentional aesthetic.

grout color: blend or contrast? thoughts on aesthetics

grout color has an outsized impact on how your tile ultimately looks, and choosing between a blended or contrasting shade can define the entire space. a tone-on-tone approach—matching the grout closely to the tile—creates a seamless, calming finish that highlights surface texture and shape rather than individual joints. this is ideal when you want the tile itself to shine or when working with handmade pieces where subtle variation is already a focal point.

in contrast, choosing a grout that differs noticeably from the tile amplifies pattern, geometry, and layout; think dark grout color for white tile or warm grout outlining terracotta. this bolder look adds rhythm and energy, making the grout part of the design rather than a background element. ultimately, the right choice depends on whether you want your installation to serve as a quiet backdrop or a striking visual statement.

how thick should grout be? design and function considerations

tile spacing guidelines for handmade vs. machine-cut tiles

handmade tiles—like many of clé’s artisanal collections—typically require wider grout joints because their edges, surfaces, and dimensions vary slightly from piece to piece. these natural irregularities are part of their charm, but they also demand spacing that can accommodate variation, prevent lippage, and create a cohesive finished surface. joints of ⅛ inch to ¼ inch (or sometimes more for heavily irregular tiles) are common, allowing the installer to adjust each tile for alignment while celebrating its handcrafted character.

machine-cut or rectified tiles, on the other hand, are manufactured with precise, consistent dimensions and crisp edges. this allows for much tighter grout joints—often ¹⁄₁₆ inch to ⅛ inch—which create a sleek, uniform look ideal for contemporary or minimal designs. with these tiles, spacing is primarily an aesthetic choice rather than a functional necessity. the contrast highlights a key principle: the more artisanal the tile, the more essential the grout joint becomes in creating both visual harmony and long-term performance.

visual differences: thin vs. thick grout lines

grout line thickness dramatically shapes the overall look of a tiled surface. thin grout lines—typically achieved with machine-cut or rectified tiles—create a smooth, continuous appearance where the eye moves effortlessly across the surface. this approach works especially well in modern or minimalist spaces, emphasizing clean geometry and allowing the tile itself to take center stage. with thin joints, the result is refined and understated, ideal when you want the pattern or material to feel seamless.

thicker grout lines, by contrast, introduce more visual rhythm and definition. they highlight the individual shape and character of each tile, making the grid itself an intentional design element. this is particularly true with handmade or irregular tiles, where wider joints help unify variations in size and edge profile while amplifying the artisanal aesthetic. expect a more textured, architectural look—one that embraces depth, shadow, and the inherent nuance of the material.

why joint size shouldn’t be an afterthought

joint size is a crucial design and installation decision that should be considered from the very start of a tiling project. the width of grout lines affects not only the visual rhythm of the surface but also how tiles align and fit together, especially with handmade or irregular tiles. planning joint size early ensures consistent spacing, reduces installation challenges, and helps achieve the intended aesthetic, whether that’s a seamless, modern look or a textured, artisanal composition.

take a look at our tile spacing guide for a comprehensive look at tile joint thickness.