Confused about what kind of Grout to use for your tile application?  Not sure about what’s the difference between Sanded and Non-Sanded grout?

Simply put, Sanded Grout is a heartier grout.  The sand makes the grout stronger which is a better option to fill grout lines 1/8^th inch or greater.  For this reason, sanded grout is normally used in most tile applications.

Non Sanded Grout simply has no sand and is best used for smaller grout lines such as wall tile, most natural stones and Rectified Porcelains.

RULE OF THUMB:

1. Most stone requires non-sanded grout to protect from scratches (exceptions include: Cobblestone and Slate).
2. Spacer sizes 1/16 – 1/8 require a NON-sanded grout. This spacer size is used for natural stone, polished stones, rectified porcelains and some wall tile.  The non-sanded grout will not scratch your product during grouting application.  This gives a smooth and elegant look.
3. Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles MUST have 1/8th inch grout line unless they are rectified.
4. Any spacer size larger than a 1/8th should have Sanded Grout.
5. Make sure to add Grout Admix when mixing your grout for a non permeable bonding seal that last the life time of your floor! Or Seal your Grout 3 days after application and continue to reseal once a year.

Grout Admix

Yvonne’s Tip of the week!

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from my Customers is how to choose a Grout that won’t show dirt.  In the past, if we did not seal our grout…it simply just got dirty looking after a while.  Sometimes even the sealer was not fool proof.  To outsmart the dirt, we learned to choose darker grout colors that seemed to HIDE the dirt better than the lighter colors.  However, if the grout was too dark you had a race track of grout lines on your floor.
LIFE JUST GOT BETTER!  Floor & Decor is now carrying GROUT ADMIX, by The Tile Doctor.  This incredible product is very simple and effective.  To use you simply pour it into your grout as you mix it instead of water.  Once the grout is floated and dries it creates a NON PERMIABLE bond, unable to absorb water and moisture. This means that the sealing process began at the time of mixing and will stay there throughout the life of your tile. No more bending down to seal all those grout lines, no more dirty grout,  and no more mildewed grout in your tub or shower….just BEAUTIFUL color with no fuss!
Grout Admix is very affordable and a great low cost investment for your floors whether you are using sanded or non-sanded grout.  One bottle covers 200 Sq. Ft. for only $29.97 per bottle; a small price to maintain a gorgeous grout color to accent your tile selection.  So, on your next tile purchase, make sure to get your bottle of GROUT ADMIX at Floor & Decor Outlets and NEVER SEAL YOUR GROUT AGAIN!

When it comes to finding the right Contractor for your project, it can be unnerving.  Who do you choose and where do you find them?  Would you trust a “contractor” that makes it a habit of capturing customers in a parking lot?  That would be like choosing a Doctor using the want ads.
When choosing the right contractor for your project:

1. First determine exactly what you would like to have done in your home.
2. Put together a plan to complete your project (including a budget).
3. Make sure the contractor you are considering has INSURANCE (this will be important if something happens like a plumbing leak).  Don’t just take his word for it, GET A COPY!  Call the insurance company to make sure the insurance is still valid.
4. If you’re having structural work done to your home, make sure your contractor is licensed by the county first!
5. Request a list of references and photos and CALL a couple of their references.
6. NEVER give a contractor the full amount of the money owed until the project is completed.
7. If possible go with your contractor at the time of purchasing your tile is smart.  Make sure the receipt for your product is in YOUR name!  Remember, in most cases home improvement project materials are tax deductible.  Make sure to keep your receipts and check with your accountant during tax time.

Still don’t know where to start looking?  Visit one of our local Floor and Decor Outlets locations or visit us online at http://www.flooranddecorinstalls.com/ and let Floor and Decor Outlets Guide you through the process.
Remember, protecting yourself and your investment is a vital part of a successful Remodel!

Prior to Floor and Décor Outlets, I spent 8 years in the Home Building Industry. During that time I learned the process of building a home, designing what goes inside and selling them. When I joined Floor and Décor Outlets at West Oaks in the Houston Area, I knew immediately that I could promote our products with my Design Background. I just needed a Design Center. So, in 2010, when Floor and Décor asked for my help with our new Design Center, I took on the project without hesitation. Now our customers have a place to imagine, to see and touch our products. There they can make their ideas come to life and even discover new ideas they never thought of before.


Most people find it stressful when it comes to designing a kitchen or bathroom…even a simple project as a floor design can be confusing. The construction of a new custom home can be even more overwhelming. It’s nothing our customers are faced with on a daily basis and it can consume you if you don’t have any direction. My job is to not only excite the customer with new ideas and original designs made just for them, but to relieve the stress of remodeling or building by letting them know they have someone to count on for a plan.. I take the customer through the entire process from start to finish. Not only do I shop with the customer, but we start designing immediately. However, the entire concept doesn’t truly come to life until I put the ideas onto the computer and start drawing it out. This gives the customer the power to see the project and make any changes before the install begins. The drawings are given to their contractor along with a complete shopping list of all the items they will need to complete their project. It’s an exciting thing when your customers come back to the store pleased and happy and refer other friends to us for specialized customer service. That’s OUR satisfaction of it all!


Every customer is an individual, right down to their lifestyle. So the design is based upon the family or individual’s needs. I try to put some of their own personality into their home…and THAT makes their project even more special. Our customers know they can come in for a specialized and personal design appt. created just for them. The best thing I can hear all day long is: “ This would have taken us forever…you made it so easy!” I just love watching the look on their faces as they leave our store. I probably get more hugs at the store than I do at home! That’s MY satisfaction of it all! Come visit me at our West Oaks Location in Houston….and lets see what I can design for you!