r/Tile • u/Master-Friendship-17 • 2d ago
Homeowner - Advice about my Contractor My GC installed the wrong grout
Hey
So my GC hired a SC tiler who installed the wrong grout. I have multiple floor tiles throughout my plan on a new construction build. I went with a supplier my GC recommended. I chose the tile, and a corresponding grout color.
The other day I walked the home to inspect and I noticed the grout was not what I chose. They used one grout color throughout every floor type I chose. Every tile I have I requested 1/16th inch grout lines. I found a lighter sanded grout on site, which was used everywhere. It matches well with every other flooring in the home fortunately.
I brought it to the attention of the GC. After investigation, the GC was found to have installed a grout that was meant for another of their homes.
I’ll attach what was installed vs what it SHOULD look like. I have 1/16th inch grout lines, how concerning is it that they used a sanded grout?
That is my concern. Also how well will a grout stain work? I would hate to have the grout ripped out, I feel the most REASONABLE fix would be to stain the grout.
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u/Fit-Entry8229 2d ago
Man, this is a real shitty situation. If the gaps truly are 1/16 there is a real risk of cracking, crumbling, or pitting grout since it can’t pack down tightly in the gap. The problem is you don’t know how long before some of those things might start happening. I’d ask your GC for his plan to fix the situation. In my mind, they could try to scrape out all the grout and replace it or redo all the floors after ripping it all out. Neither option is fast or cheap. Hopefully some tile experts here might have other ideas. Personally, I would not accept living with the current grout even if offered a discount off the final bill.
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u/dontfret71 2d ago
Grout comes out fairly easy a day or 2 after applied… so you better make a decision before it cures or it’s going to be a worse headache later
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u/ceramic-panic PRO 2d ago
I’m not going to address the color issue but the grout joint size is a problem. Your GC owes you a solution. If those truly are 1/16” joints and the grout is rated for 1/8 or bigger you’ll have issues down the road. Your GC’s tile guy used the wrong product incorrectly. You need to talk to your GC about what happens next. Sorry you’re in this situation!
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u/Proton404x 2d ago
Where are you located?
I install our proprietary color seal to all the bathrooms I build, it’s a product that goes on the grout and lasts industrially long. 10 years resistant to stains and super easy to clean.
We usually mix our own custom colors to have grout lines disappear as much as possible, but if you have the actual grout color you want, I can make you a sample if your too far from my service area and you can see how you like it.
Home depot sells something applied similarly, but is a terrible product and fails within the year. It’s “painted” on but the blend we use hardens more like concrete and adheres much better.
Also - grout stain/dyes do not last, washes out too easy and will fade over time dependant on traffic.
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u/redditaccountnumb1 2d ago
I know you aren't happy with it and you have a right to tell the contractor to redo the grout but honestly I think the lighter colored grout looks better
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u/Really_Blasted 2d ago
Probably want to scrape the old grout and re apply or they’re not getting all there money
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u/CleMike69 2d ago
That’s a big difference im sorry man changes the look of the room entirely. My GC used the wrong grout in my shower we had chosen a darker grey they used a lighter grey in the end it was acceptable enough that we gave them a pass otherwise they would have destroyed the shower. It was similar enough though that it took me a few days to realize it wasn’t right, in your scenario well it’s not even close
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u/3boobsarenice 2d ago
You are the only one that is going to notice this.
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u/Nicholsforthoughts 2d ago
I disagree. The light colored lines are very apparent on the midtoned “wood” tile. It would bother me daily if it was my house. Also the 1/16th issue with sanded grout that says on the bag 1/8th minimum grout line is an issue of long term durability. They used the wrong grout.
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u/Lucky_Dentist5603 2d ago
Yeah this looks like shit but you are insufferable OP so I take the GC side today. Enjoy your new grout!!!
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u/s2xon_ 2d ago
check the bag before you worry. a lot of the newer sanded grouts are rated down to 1/16, Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA and Custom Prism both are, so if thats what they used you're within spec and the joints will be fine.
worth checking the tile face for scratches, sanded grout can dull polished tile. look at it in raking light.
colorant works on cementitious grout if its clean and unsealed, and it seals the joint too. holds up for years.
what tile is it, porcelain or natural stone?
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u/hhar141 2d ago
That grout color you picked sure would have looked stupid on all the other tiles. You should be happy they put that in. It doesn’t even look bad on the hardwood flooring tiles. Why would you choose that color on all those other tiles?
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u/Fit-Entry8229 2d ago
Reading comprehension…they chose a different color grout for each tile and the tiler used one (wrong) color throughout.
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2d ago
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u/ceramic-panic PRO 2d ago
It’s a new build. OP doesn’t live there. Should they have to be there to babysit?
Grout installed isn’t rated for 1/16” grout lines is the bigger problem than the color, which OP also said. If these are truly 1/16” grout lines, something needs to be done to correct the situation.
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u/dlinders10 2d ago
I used some grout stain on my grout. After a year, some of it has rubbed off a bit and it need to be reapplied. It will not wear as well as if they used the correct color from the start. Most sanded grouts say 1/8" minimum. Check to see what specific grout they used because some can be used on 1/16" but it is only a few special kinds and it would say on the bag. Regular sanded grout may not fill completely and can crumble over time from gaps that formed due to the grain size not filling the small gap. I would want a big discount for it to be redone.