Shop Grout

When undertaking any home renovation or construction project, you need a reliable source for materials. That source is Chamberlain Timber Mart (chamberlaintimbermart.ca). Serving the Gravenhurst-Muskoka, Ontario region, our local home improvement store provides an exhaustive selection within our foundational concrete, cement, and masonry department. We stock core products like concrete and cement, essential concrete accessories, and specialized concrete additives to ensure a successful pour. Our range extends to structural elements, including cement blocks, retaining wall blocks, and ICF blocks, alongside finishing touches such as decorative cement products, floor leveller and anchor cement, and waterproofing cement. For volume orders or specific inquiries, please feel free to contact us. For simple re-ordering, you can quickly sign-up for an online account.

What is grout and what is grout used for? Grout is a dense, fluid mixture that hardens upon application, typically consisting of water, cement, and sand or other aggregates. It is primarily used to:

• Fill the joints or gaps between tiles on floors, walls, and countertops.
  
  
• Prevent movement of individual tiles, adding rigidity and strength to the overall installation.
  
  
• Protect the substrate beneath the tiles from water infiltration, dirt, and debris.
  
  
• Enhance aesthetics by providing a uniform finished appearance, whether matching the tile color for a seamless look or contrasting for a bold design.
  
  

Is grout just cement? No, grout is not just cement, although cement is the primary binder in the most common types. Cement is a fine powder that acts as the binding agent when mixed with water. Grout is a finished product made by combining cement with water, fine sand, and other specialized additives (like polymers, latex, or pigments) to improve flow, flexibility, and color. Its composition is specifically designed to be thinner and more fluid than mortar, allowing it to easily flow into the small joints between tiles.

The three main types of grout used in tiling applications are:

• Cementitious grout: The most traditional and common type, which uses portland cement as its main component.
  
  
  • Sanded: Contains fine sand particles for strength, making it ideal for joints that are 1/8-in to 1/2-in wide. The sand helps prevent shrinkage and cracking in larger gaps.
    
    
  • Unsanded (non-sanded): Does not contain sand, resulting in a smoother, stickier consistency. It is best suited for narrower joints, typically 1/16-in to 1/8-in wide, and on delicate surfaces like polished stone that could be scratched by sand.
    
  
  
• Epoxy grout: A two-part system made of epoxy resin and a hardener. It is significantly less porous, highly durable, and extremely resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture. It does not typically require sealing and is the best choice for high-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor patios.
  
  
• Furan resin grout: Similar to epoxy but uses polymers and fortified alcohols instead of epoxy resins. It is mainly used in heavy-duty commercial or industrial settings due to its superior chemical resistance.
  
  

Grout color can dramatically change the look of your tiled surface. Consider these popular approaches:

• Matching the tile: Using a grout color that closely matches the tile color creates a seamless, monolithic look. This approach is great for small spaces where you want the floor or wall to appear larger, or when you want the texture and shape of the tile to be the focus.
  
  
• Contrasting the tile: A contrasting color (e.g., dark gray grout with white tiles) makes the grout lines stand out, highlighting the pattern and shape of the tiles. This is often used for subway tile patterns or intricate designs.
  
  
• Practicality: Lighter-colored grouts show stains and dirt more easily, especially on floors or in high-use areas. Darker or medium-toned grouts are generally more forgiving and easier to maintain long-term.
  
  

Whether you're working on a small backsplash or a full foundation, Chamberlain Timber Mart, your local lumberyard and home improvement store, has the top-quality grout and masonry supplies you need to ensure a professional and lasting finish. From traditional cement-based mixes to high-performance epoxy options, find everything right here in the Gravenhurst-Muskoka, Ontario region. Ready to start your next project? Browse our full selection online or contact us to speak with a masonry expert.