Daily Tile Knowledge Sharing Four
Mar 24, 2026
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Ceramic tile grout and grout: difference and selection, details determine appearance
Joint filling is a critical step after tile installation. Grouting materials fall into two main types - cement-based joint fillers and epoxy grouts - with sharp differences in composition, performance and aesthetics, so selection depends on decoration needs and usage scenarios. Traditional cement-based joint filler, made of white cement, quartz sand and pigments, is low-cost and easy to apply, ideal for budget-tight areas with low aesthetic demands like storage rooms and balconies. However, it has clear drawbacks: poor stain resistance, easy to trap dirt, blacken and grow mold; weak waterproofing, allowing moisture to seep through and dampen the base layer; low hardness, prone to wear and fallout, with a short service life of only 1-2 years. Epoxy grout, a new premium option made of epoxy resin, curing agent and pigments, includes real porcelain adhesive and epoxy colored sand. Though more expensive, it delivers superior performance: strong stain resistance, easy to clean, excellent waterproofing to block moisture and protect the base, high wear-resistant hardness and a 5-10 year service life, plus rich colors to match tiles and boost overall aesthetics, fitting all indoor spaces. For tight budgets, use cement fillers in dry, low-traffic zones; for durability and aesthetics, choose epoxy grouts - epoxy colored sand suits rough-textured tiles like antique tiles, while real porcelain adhesive works best for smooth glazed tiles.
Acceptance criteria for ceramic tiles: Only after the tiling is completed can the inspection be qualified
After the completion of tile laying, timely acceptance can avoid problems in the later stage and prevent rework. Acceptance mainly starts from four aspects: flatness, hollowing rate, gap, and appearance. Only when the following standards are met can it be considered qualified. Firstly, flatness inspection: Use a 2-meter ruler to lean against the surface of the ceramic tile and check the gap between the tile and the ruler. The gap should be ≤ 3mm and there should be no obvious height difference. If the gap is too large, it indicates that the paving is not smooth, and it is easy to accumulate water and dirt in the later stage, which may also cause the tile to crack. Secondly, hollowing rate acceptance: Gently tap the surface of the ceramic tiles with a small rubber hammer to check the hollowing condition. According to national standards, the hollowing rate of floor tiles should be ≤ 3%, and the hollowing area of a single tile should not exceed 10%; The hollowing rate of wall tiles should be ≤ 5%, and the hollowing area should not be concentrated in corners or edges, otherwise it is easy to cause tiles to fall off. If the hollowing rate exceeds the standard, it needs to be re laid. Thirdly, gap acceptance: The gaps between ceramic tiles should be uniform and neat, with a gap width that meets the design requirements (usually 1-3mm). The grout or grout inside the gaps should be filled and leveled, without gaps, bubbles, or detachment, to avoid water infiltration. Fourth, appearance inspection: The surface of the tiles should be clean and tidy, without scratches, damages, color differences, missing corners, and other issues. The layout of the tiles should be reasonable, without narrow tiles (width ≤ 5cm). The tile joints at the internal and external corners should be flat and tight, without excessive gaps or misplaced joints. During acceptance, it is necessary to conduct inspections in sufficient lighting conditions, block by block, and promptly request the construction party to rectify any problems found to avoid rework troubles in the later stage.
Daily maintenance of ceramic tiles: Proper maintenance can extend their service life
Although ceramic tiles are durable and easy to clean, proper daily maintenance can effectively extend their service life and keep them aesthetically pleasingmaintain their beauty, with different maintenance methods for different tile types. Firstly, for cleaning: Wipe tile surfaces daily with clean water or neutral detergents like dish soapwashing detergent to remove dust and stains, and avoid strong acid or alkali cleaners such as toilet cleaners and disinfectants to prevent glaze corrosion, dullness, discoloration or cracking. For textured tiles such aslike antique tiles, gaps easily trap dirt, so regularly brush out debris in gaps and repair with grout timely. Secondly, avoid damage: Do not hit or scratch tile surfaces with sharp objects, like blades or hammers to prevent damage and scratches; avoid long-term heavy objects on the same tile area to prevent cracking, and wax polished tiles every 3-6 months to improveboost stain resistance and gloss. For damp areas likesuch as bathrooms and kitchens, keep ventilation and dryness to avoid standing water and slips, inspect grout regularly and repair peeling or cracking promptly to stop moisture seeping into the base layer. Finally, for special issueshandling: Repair surface scratches with polishing powder or professional repair agents based on scratch depth, and re-lay hollow or loose tiles in timely to avoid expanding damage.
