This stone tile grout guide helps you pick the right grout for marble, travertine, dolomite and onyx. Grout frames every tile, so color, type and joint width all change the final look. Here is how to choose natural stone grout, including mosaic grout, grout for backsplash walls, grout line widths, and how to deal with grout haze.
Stone tile grout: why it matters
Grout fills the joints between tiles and locks the look together. On natural stone, it also needs to be gentle on the surface. Marble and other calcium-based stones can etch, so avoid harsh or acidic products near them. Whether you are grouting stone tiles on a floor or a wall, plan early with the natural stone tile installation guide and project planning guide. Not sure which grout for natural stone suits your project? Ask a pro through find a natural stone contractor.
Sanded, unsanded and epoxy grout for natural stone
Sanded grout holds up in wider joints. Unsanded grout is smooth and often used for narrow joints. Polished and honed marble can scratch, so many installers prefer unsanded or a very fine option for tight joints. That is also why sanded grout for mosaics is a judgment call: small mosaic joints are usually narrow, so ask your installer.
Epoxy grout is another option. It is made to resist staining and moisture, which is why people ask about epoxy grout for mosaics and mosaic tiles in showers and kitchens. It sets fast and is harder to work with, so it is often a job for an experienced installer. Always follow the installer and the grout maker's directions, and test on a spare tile.
Best grout for marble tile
Choosing marble grout for marble tile? Think about color, joint width and finish. White marble such as Bianco Carrara or Thassos White often looks clean with a soft white or light gray joint. That is the usual answer for marble tile grout color. Dark stone like Nero Marquina can look sharp with a matching dark joint.
Want contrast? Marble tile with black grout gives a bold, graphic look, best with black and white marble tile. Marble hex tile grout color works the same way: a matching joint blends the hexagons, while a darker joint outlines each shape. See hexagon mosaics. For marble floor grout, choose a color that hides footprints a little and cleans easily.
Marble tiles grout best with a stone-safe, non-acidic cleaner for cleanup. Keep marble care in mind with how to clean marble floors.
Travertine grout and grouting travertine tile
Travertine has natural pits, and some travertine is filled while some is not. Travertine grouting, and travertine tile grouting in general, starts with knowing which you have. Grout color often follows the stone: travertine tile grout color in warm beige, sand or soft brown suits Ivory, Noce and Walnut. Travertine tile with white grout is a fresher, higher-contrast look, and it shows dirt faster. Read filled vs unfilled travertine and travertine care before you start grouting travertine. Browse travertine floor tile and tumbled travertine tile.
Mosaic grout: small tiles, many joints
Mosaics have more joints per sheet, so grout color shows a lot. Soft, matching grout blends the pattern. Contrast grout draws it out, which is great for basketweave, hexagon and herringbone looks. Narrow joints are common with stone mosaics, so choose mosaic tile grout suited to small spaces. Learn about patterns in stone tile patterns and the Mini-Versailles design guide.
You may see mosaic crystal grout, a sparkly grout made with tiny flecks. It is usually shown with glass mosaics. On natural stone, many people prefer a plain grout so the stone stays the star. If you want sparkle, test it on a spare tile first.
How to grout mosaic tile
Wondering how to grout mosaic tiles, or how to grout a mosaic? The steps are simple, and slow and steady wins.
- Let the setting material cure as your installer or product directions say.
- Mix grout to a smooth, even paste and test a small area first.
- Press it into the joints with a rubber grout float held at an angle. A small grout float for mosaic tile sheets helps.
- Wipe gently with a barely damp sponge, rinsing often, so you do not pull grout out of small joints.
- Buff off haze after the grout dries, as described below.
The same steps apply if you want to know how to grout mosaic tile floor installs, how to grout mosaic floor tile in a shower, or how to grout mosaic art. The best grout for mosaic tile is one matched to the joint width and the room. On floors, check grout depth and finish with extra care. If you are unsure, hire a pro.
Grout for backsplash: what to use
What grout to use for backsplash walls? People also ask what type of grout for backsplash tile, and what type of grout for kitchen backsplash areas. Joints are usually narrow, so unsanded or a fine option often fits, and some people choose epoxy for easier cleaning near the stove and sink. Pick a color that suits the stone, and seal stone and grout as directed. The best grout for backsplash tile, and the best grout for kitchen backsplash use, is the one your installer recommends for your tile and joint width. See backsplash tile, marble backsplash tile and travertine backsplash tile.
Grout color: match or contrast?
- Match the tile: a calm, seamless look. Great for large tiles and small rooms.
- Go slightly lighter or darker: subtle depth and a handmade feel.
- Strong contrast: a graphic pattern. Fun on black and white marble tile and checkerboard tiles.
How to match grout color? Hold grout samples next to the tile in your own light. Grout often dries a little different than it looks wet. Check a small test area first. Order samples to try colors against your stone. Any 5 samples are $25 and ship free.
Grout lines: 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 inch joints
Natural stone tile is cut with some natural variation, so joint width helps absorb it. Grouting 1/16 grout lines (use 1/16 inch grout spacers) gives a very tight look, but 1/16 grout lines need well-calibrated tile and a very flat layout. A 1/16 grout line for 12x24 tile, for example, leaves little room for variation. A 1/8 inch grout line, or 1/8 grout line, is a common middle ground and is easier to fill evenly. A 1/4 grout line suits rustic, split-face and tumbled styles, and 1/4 grout lines, also called 1/4 inch grout lines (a 1/4" grout line), read as relaxed and handmade. Which size do you need? A 1/8 grout joint is easier for most projects, but check the tile's edge type and ask your installer.
Large tiles like 24x24 and 12x24 need an even, steady layout. Planning quantity? Try the tile calculator and the quantity and layout review.
Grout haze: what it is and how to remove it
What is grout haze? It is the thin, cloudy film that grout leaves on the tile surface when it dries. Tile grout haze, or grout haze on tile, is common after any install. What does grout haze look like? A dull, chalky or whitish cast, often streaky, and easy to spot on dark or polished stone. You will see it in grout haze before and after photos: dull before, clear after.
- Prevention: wipe grout off the face of the tile as you work, and rinse the sponge often.
- Early removal: the best way to remove grout haze from tile is early: buff dry haze with a clean, dry cloth soon after the grout sets. That is how to remove haze from tile after grouting without harsh products.
- Stubborn haze: how to use grout haze remover: pick one made for your stone, follow its directions, and test a spare tile first.
- Marble and travertine: avoid acidic cleaners. Acid can etch calcium-based stone, so for a grout haze remover marble can take, choose one labeled safe for natural stone.
Removing grout haze from natural stone follows the same rules: go gentle and test first. A grout release for natural stone, applied to porous stone before grouting can make cleanup easier. Ask your installer whether it fits your stone. Heavy or old haze is a job for a pro. See the marble repair guide for dull marks that are not haze.
Sealing and cleaning grout
Grout is porous and can darken with spills. Many people seal grout and stone after installation. Follow the installer's timing, then keep cleaning gentle. See how to seal marble tile and the care and maintenance guide. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft brush. Skip harsh acids and strong bleach on or near stone.
Cracked or stained grout: what to do
Small hairline cracks in grout can come from movement or drying. Stained grout can often be cleaned gently. If grout cracks again and again, or tiles feel loose, have a pro check the base. More in our marble repair guide. Ready to shop? Start with floor tile, backsplash tile and shower wall tile.
Common questions
What grout should I use for natural stone tile?
Pick a grout suited to your joint width and stone, and follow your installer's directions. Test on a spare tile first, especially with marble.
Sanded or unsanded grout for marble?
Narrow joints on polished or honed marble often use unsanded or a very fine option, because sanded grout can scratch. Ask your installer.
What color grout goes with white marble?
A soft white or light gray joint keeps white marble clean and bright. A darker joint gives a graphic look.
What grout works for mosaic tile?
Mosaics have narrow joints and many of them, so choose a grout made for small joints. Matching color blends the pattern, and contrast highlights it.
What grout color goes with travertine?
Warm beige, sand or soft brown usually follows the stone. Test a small area, since color can look different dry.
Should I seal grout on natural stone?
Many people seal both stone and grout after installation. Follow your installer's timing and use a stone-safe cleaner afterward.
Can I use any cleaner on stone grout?
Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Avoid harsh acids and strong bleach on or near stone, since they can damage it.
Why is my grout cracking?
Small cracks can come from movement or drying. If it keeps happening or tiles feel loose, ask a tile professional to check the base.
What is grout haze?
Grout haze is a thin, cloudy film left on tile when grout dries. It looks dull, chalky or streaky, most visibly on dark or polished stone.
How do I remove grout haze from natural stone?
Buff dry haze with a clean cloth soon after the grout sets. For stubborn haze, use a remover labeled safe for your stone, test a spare tile first, and avoid acids on marble and travertine.
How do I grout mosaic tile?
Press grout into the joints with a rubber float, wipe gently with a barely damp sponge, rinse often, and buff off haze when dry. A test area first is smart.
Can I use epoxy grout for mosaic tiles?
Yes, many people do for stain and moisture resistance. It is harder to work with, so ask an experienced installer and follow the maker's directions.
What grout should I use for a kitchen backsplash?
Narrow joints often suit unsanded or fine grout, and some people choose epoxy for easier cleaning. Ask your installer for the best fit for your tile and joint width.
What size grout line should I use: 1/16, 1/8 or 1/4 inch?
1/16 is very tight and needs flat, consistent tile. 1/8 inch is a common middle ground. 1/4 inch suits rustic, tumbled and split-face looks. Check your tile and ask your installer.
How do I match grout color?
Hold grout samples next to your tile in your own light and test a small area, since grout can dry differently than it looks wet.
What color grout goes with marble tile with black grout or hex tile?
A matching joint blends hex marble tile. Black grout gives a bold, graphic outline. White marble often looks clean with soft white or light gray.
What is the best grout for backsplash tile?
The best grout for backsplash and kitchen backsplash walls is one suited to your joint width and stone. Narrow joints often use unsanded or fine grout, and epoxy is an option. Ask your installer.
What is the best way to remove grout haze from tile?
Prevent it by wiping clean as you grout, buff dry haze early, and use a stone-safe haze remover only if needed, following its directions. Avoid acids on marble and travertine.