5 Best Tile Grouts For The Outdoors

When you think of tile grout, you may typically think of tile located indoors, such as bathroom walls or kitchen floors. However, outdoor areas, such as patios and verandas, are often made of tile. And as you'd expect, at some point, they may require a re-grout. But what is the best tile grout for outdoor use? We have researched the answer to this question, and we've found quite a few for you.

Here are 5 awesome outdoor grouts to consider:

  1. Jennifer's Mosaics White Powdered Grout
  2. Saltillo #09 Natural Gray Grout
  3. Prism #640 Arctic White Grout
  4. Fusion Pro Bright White Grout
  5. Polyblend Plus #165 Delorean Gray Sanded Grout

Grout is not only extremely effective at adjoining outdoor tile, but it also helps tiles to become more moisture-, chip-, and damage-resistant. Continue reading to learn more about the best ones to use outdoors.

A worker applying tile grout on floor, 5 Best Tile Grouts For The Outdoors

What to Look For In an Outdoor Tile Grout

Determine the type of grout that you want

Epoxy-based grouts are leading the way ahead of cement-based grout as they offer a higher quality seal against moisture, dirt, and debris. Cement grout is porous by nature and prone to absorbing moisture. However, it was still available as it's typically a less expensive option. When looking for outdoor grout, be sure to check whether it's epoxy or cement-based (aka "sanded").

Photo of red tile floor

Consider eco-friendly options

If you have pets or young children, you may want to consider an eco-friendly grout. If the grout is eco-friendly, you'll typically see the green recycle sign located on the packaging or listed on the front of the canister. Keep in mind that many eco-friendly grouts are also UV rated, which means they are more resistant to fading.

Decide if you want an all-in-one grout

Check to see if the grout is also a sealant or needs a sealant to be applied afterward. This speaks to the porosity of the grout. If you live in an area prone to precipitation and are worried about moisture, you'll need a grout that is also a sealant, or you'll need to apply a sealant after you apply the grout. Remember, sealants will keep you from having to re-grout prematurely.

Consider the application process

Check to see if the grout is pre-mixed. This means that you can simply place it on a trowel and apply it to the tile joints. If it doesn't say specifically that it's pre-mixed, you will also need to purchase a bucket and grout mixer so that you can mix the grout with water (or another liquid additive) before the application.

Pre-mixed grout is typically made with polymers such as acrylic or silicone. If you're looking for something simple and easy, pre-mixed is the way to go.

5 Great Tile Grout Products for the Outdoors

1. Jennifer's Mosaics White Powdered Grout

Here is a grout that goes great on mosaic or natural stone tiles. The grout provides a water-resistant seal to tile, giving it awesome strength and durability. You simply need to mix it with water and apply it to the towels using a trowel. It's a sand-based grout that can be used for multiple purposes, and it provides great resistance and uniformity for both indoor and outdoor use.

Read more details about this product on Amazon.

2. Saltillo #09 Natural Gray Grout

Here is another pre-blended cement-based grout to consider. If you want something simple and easy to use, look no further. You can use this grout on thin and thick joint lines, and it sets in about 2-4 days. It's best used for non-vitreous and semi-vitreous tile and it's surprisingly strong. You can also increase the strength of this grout by mixing it with thin-set mortar instead of water.

Find more info about this grout here.

3. Prism #640 Arctic White Grout

This grout offers consistent color with no sun-fading. It also holds up well in extreme temperatures or humid conditions. The grout has a quick-setting formula that works perfectly for dense or thick joint lines, and it's made of both sand and recycled glass for easy spreading and smooth consistency.

You don't have to worry about this grout shrinking or turning brown. It dries and cures in 4 days and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Check out more details about this grout here.

4. Fusion Pro Bright White Grout

Here is a stain-proof and crack-resistant grout that's worth looking at. It's perfect for high-traffic areas and works well on both stone or manufactured tiles. It can be used for interior and exterior surfaces, and this patented formula has antimicrobial properties for great stain resistance.

This is a sanded grout that doesn't require any sealing after its application. It's also easy to spread and comes with a lifetime warranty if you purchase other products by Fusion Pro.

Read more details about it here.

5. Polyblend Plus #165 Delorean Gray Sanded Grout

This grout by Polyblend is another cement-based option that provides solid and durable adhesion for all types of tile. It's shrink and crack-resistant, and it can fill joint lines that are up to 1/2-inch thick. It takes about 3 days to cure and provides a solid and strong hold on ceilings, pools, fountains, countertops, decks, showers, and other surfaces.

Learn more about it here.

What Tiles Can Be Used Outside?

You have a few different options when it comes to tiling the outside. Here are the most popular tile choices.

Slate

Slate comes in different colors and finishes, which gives you a lot of options to work with. It's also very durable. It has an uneven surface which can provide wonderful anti-slip properties when used on a deck, patio, or porch.

Slate works well to complement homes that are older or have a more rustic feel. That being said, you can also use it to add a bit of spice to contemporary decor. If you're looking for a tile that can add texture to your home's exterior, slate is a good bet.

Limestone

You'll usually find limestone in creamy beige, greys, or off-white tones, making it great for summer settings. However, you can get customized tiles to match any color that you want. Outdoor limestone also has a textured surface, which can be beneficial for anti-slip properties.

When purchasing limestone tile for outdoor use, be sure that it states that it is used for this exclusively, as indoor limestone tiles don't handle frost and cold weather well.

Sandstone

Sandstone is another popular choice for outdoor tiles. If you're looking for something that goes well with all types of designs and styles, here's your best bet. It's also super-easy to keep clean and apply. It has great slip resistance and can add texture to outdoor surfaces and create rustic or more traditional looks.

Porcelain

The great thing about outdoor porcelain is that it can look like natural stone or wood. The patterns are pretty endless. It's also resistant to fading and scratching. If you go with porcelain, be sure to find tiles that offer slip resistance, as this can be an issue with these tiles. Note that you can use porcelain tiles to give your homemade Victorian-style or Mediterranean-type vibe. You'll be happy to know that the tiles aren't that expensive.

How Thick Should Tiles Be When Used Outside?

It's best to use outdoor tiles that are anywhere from 18 to 20mm thick. Thinner tiles or not as durable as outdoor tiles. Also, these tiles aren't strong enough to withstand the heavy weight of outside furniture and harsh weather conditions.

How Do You Grout Outdoor Tiles?

Worker applying tile grout on floor

Here are the steps to grout outdoor tiles:

  1. If you are simply replacing the grout and not the tiles, you'll need to clean the tiles by brushing them or spraying them with a water hose.
  2. Next, remove any loose grout or excess mortar from around the joints.
  3. If the tiles if they're unglazed, apply a sealant. This will keep the grout from sticking to them prematurely if it dries too fast.
  4. Mix the grout with water per the instructions on the package if you're not working with a pre-mixed grout.
  5. Next, take your trowel and apply the grout to the joint lines starting in the top left corner and working your way down each tile row, going from left to right.
  6. Apply a sealant to the tiles after you've grouted the entire area. Be sure to apply it in the same order in which you apply the grout.
  7. Take a damp towel or sponge and go over the tiles to remove any grout haze.
  8. Give the grout 3 to 4 days to cure before allowing traffic.

Can You Put New Grout Over Old Grout?

Yes, you can put new grout over tile grout. If you notice any small cracks or crumbling grout, simply scrape out the old grout and cover it with the new grout.

Wrapping Things Up

We hope that this post had helped illustrate the best tile grout to use outdoors and a general method for applying it. Remember, always ensure that the grout you use is suitable for its application, whether it's indoors or outdoors.

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