When doing a remodeling project involving tile, marble or granite most of the emphasis is placed on the selection of the tile or stone. The focus is on the color, shape and design of the material to use on the floor, wall and backsplash and the grout becomes an afterthought.
Grout has functionality in bonding the tiles together and preventing the tile and stone edges from chipping so it is important to select the correct type of grout. But also important to the overall look of your floor, wall or backsplash is the selection of the correct color group to achieve the desired finish look.
The best way to choose a grout color is to get several grout samples and space them around and in between your tile, marble or granite samples
There are 3 basic rules to selecting grout colors:
1. MATCHING: this is the best option when using an expensive tile, marble or granite. The Grout lines become less pronounced and the tiles themselves are accentuated.
2. CONTRASTING: this is the best option when using a decorative tile, marble or granite pattern. The contrast color draws attention to the overall pattern and layout of the tile.
3. NEUTRAL: this is the safest option. A light neutral grout in grey, brown or beige may not be exciting but it is the most versatile for all ceramic tiles and stones.
Once deciding on a Matching, Contrasting or Neutral grout… the question becomes should I go light or dark.
Dark Grouts hide dirt and stains however they are more prone to fading and staining from harsh cleaners
Light Grouts however are more likely to show dirt.
The Optimum Grout Shade would be somewhere in a mid tone range that would achieve your overall design look at the same time being easy to maintain .