Can you use grout on vinyl floor tiles?

Vinyl floor tiles are a popular flooring option for many homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance, and affordable cost. Unlike natural stone or ceramic tiles, vinyl tiles have a resilient backing that allows them to be installed without grout. Using grout between vinyl tiles is not recommended, but in some cases may be done if proper precautions are taken.

What is Vinyl Tile Flooring?

Vinyl tile flooring, also known as resilient vinyl tile or vinyl composition tile (VCT), is made of polyvinyl chloride resins, plasticizers, stabilizers, and pigments. The tiles consist of multiple layers:

• A transparent vinyl wear layer on top provides durability and protectiveness
• A vinyl layer containing the design layer underneath
• A solid vinyl backing at the bottom

The wear layer is a clear protective coating that resists scratches, stains, and wear from foot traffic. The design layer is usually a photographic image encapsulated within the vinyl to give the appearance of materials like wood, stone, or ceramic. The solid backing provides stability and allows the tiles to be trimmed and shaped.

Vinyl tiles are designed to be installed without any grout between tiles. The solid backing allows the tiles to fit snugly together. Grout is not necessary to fill any joints or gaps. Vinyl tiles are also designed to be installed with minimal subfloor preparation using just an adhesive.

Can You Use Grout with Vinyl Tiles?

Technically, yes grout can be used with vinyl tiles. However, it is not recommended in most cases. Here are some key considerations on using grout with vinyl floor tiles:

• Grout can stain and discolor vinyl tiles – Grout is porous and will absorb dirt, grease, and moisture. These can leach into the vinyl tiles over time, causing staining, discoloration, and even promotion of mold growth.
• Grout can crack and break down vinyl tiles – Vinyl tiles expand and contract slightly with temperature changes. The rigid grout does not move with the vinyl, which can lead to cracks in the grout over time. This cracking and breakage can damage the vinyl tiles.
• Moisture issues – Any moisture that gets under vinyl tiles can cause damage, mold, and lifting. Using grout provides more opportunities for water to seep underneath and get trapped.
• Difficult to remove grout from vinyl – If reparing or replacing tiles, grout must be fully removed from vinyl. This can be an extremely difficult and time consuming process.

For these reasons, grout is typically not used with vinyl tile installations. The exceptions are some specific applications where grout may provide benefits or be necessary.

When Can Grout Be Used with Vinyl Tiles?

There are a handful of applications where using grout with vinyl tiles may be appropriate:

Outdoor Installations

For outdoor vinyl tile floors, such as patios, porches, or pool decks, using grout can help stabilize the tiles and prevent shifting. The grout fills the joints and helps lock the tiles in place against movement from weather, furniture, foot traffic, etc. Outdoor installations are less prone to moisture and staining issues as well.

Commercial Kitchens

In commercial kitchens, grout may help fill in and seal gaps between vinyl tiles where frequent spills, high heat, and cleaning chemicals can occur. This provides more liquid resistance. Epoxy grout is best for kitchens since it resists staining and damage best.

Bathrooms

Similarly, grouting vinyl tile in bathrooms can help protect against water getting under tiles and provide a more seamless, waterproof surface.

Loose Subfloors

If the subfloor is uneven or damaged, grout can help stabilize vinyl tiles and fill larger gaps between loose flooring. This provides a smoother finish.

Heated Floors

Grouting vinyl tiles over radiant heated floors can help conduct and distribute warmth more evenly across the floor.

How to Grout Vinyl Tiles

If your application calls for grouting vinyl floor tiles, here are some tips to do it properly:

Choose the Right Grout

• Use only unsanded grout. Sanded grout contains abrasive minerals that can scratch vinyl.
• Use a polymer-modified grout for flexibility, adhesion, and resistance to cracking.
• Epoxy grout is best for water resistance and preventing staining.
• Match grout color to your vinyl tile color for minimal appearance of grout lines.

Prepare the Tiles

• Make sure vinyl tiles are fully adhered to the subfloor before grouting.
• Fill any gaps larger than 1/8 inch between tiles to minimize amount of grout needed.
• Run a damp sponge over tiles to remove any dust and promote adhesion.

Apply the Grout

• Work in small sections of about 10 square feet at a time when grouting.
• Hold grout float at a 45° angle to work grout into joints.
• Apply even pressure and fill joints completely without spreading grout on tile surfaces.
• After 5-10 minutes, use a damp sponge in a circular motion to smooth and level grout.
• Avoid excessive water when cleaning off grout haze.

Finishing and Curing

• Once grout has set, buff tiles lightly with a soft cloth to remove any remaining haze.
• Allow grout to cure fully for at least 72 hours before washing or using floor.
• Seal grout once fully cured to protect from stains.

Maintaining Grouted Vinyl Tiles

To keep grouted vinyl tiles looking their best:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris that can get trapped in grout lines.
• Use damp mopping rather than wet mopping to avoid over-saturating grout joints.
• Re-apply grout sealer every 1-2 years to protect from stains.
• Watch for any cracked or damaged grout and re-grout those areas immediately.
• For deep cleaning, use a vinyl tile cleaner rather than harsh chemicals.

Removing Grout from Vinyl Tiles

If you need to remove grout from vinyl tiles, it can be a tedious process:

1. Use a grout saw or rotary tool to cut out the main grout areas and get under the tiles.
2. Apply a 50/50 vinegar and water solution and let sit for 10-15 minutes to help soften the remaining grout.
3. Use a plastic putty knife to carefully chip away at the softened grout without damaging tiles.
4. For any thin grout residue, use a scrub brush and more vinegar solution to scrub it away.
5. Be patient and work slowly to avoid harming the surrounding vinyl tiles.

Conclusion

Although grouting vinyl floor tiles is possible in some instances, it is not normally recommended. The potential for staining, cracking, and other damage to vinyl outweighs any benefits in most cases. For standard vinyl tile installations, the best practice is to fit and adhere tiles tightly without using any grout. If your particular situation does call for grouting vinyl, take precautions to use the right grout products and techniques to minimize harm to the vinyl tiles.