Color plays such a fundamental role in design. A splash of paint color here, a pop of fabric color there and an entire room can be tied together. And perhaps it’s time to include your grout in that conversation. Colored grouts and their versatility are quickly becoming trendy. Always a bridesmaid, grout is finally getting the attention it deserves.

Sure, grout is basically just water, cement, sand and tint. And it’s a necessary substance for setting tile and filling joints. However, it’s so much more. Grout is a major focal point of any tiled surface. That fact especially hits home when the grout begins to get dirty, stain and discolor.

Today, colored grout is becoming a design element all by itself. Contrasting grouts help highlight another trend—hexagon and non-traditional tile patterns.

Contemporary designers are integrating fluorescent grouts into their design. What was once thought to be ungrout-like, such as a shimmering blue, is now working its way into homes and businesses.  Plus, these new color grout products are stain, crack and shrink resistant, and they set in only a couple of hours.

Grout Color Sealers

For those who already have grout and want to spice things up with a new color, color sealers have gained a lot of traction as of late. Also called grout colorant, epoxy grout colorant and grout paint—but basically the same product—the popularity here is two-fold: color and durability.

Color sealing your existing grout has the added benefit of preventing staining and discoloring, which plagues most grouts.  A quality grout color sealing product will also inhibit the the growth of bacteria with continually acting mildewcides. That makes for a healthier home.

Be aware that some “grout colorant” on the market is actually a type of paint that will not offer the protection of a sealer. And it will peel. Be sure you are getting what you pay for.

Also note that terrazzo or natural stone, which is unglazed, should be sealed prior to grout coloring since the coloring could stain the floor.

Look around your home or businesses and see where a good pop of color could do you wonders.

Then think grout.

This is one of a series of articles written and published on behalf of Stone and Tile PRO Partners.