What can I use instead of tile grout?

Caulk
  • Caulk is silicone, acrylic, or latex based, which is flexible and can help absorb movement, whereas grout can crack.
  • Caulk is used to waterproof joints for space like bath tubs, showers, windows etc.
  • Caulk is strong enough to adhere to tile surfaces without crevices.
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What can we use instead of grout?

Alternatives to traditional cement-based grout include non-cement grout materials such as epoxy grout, latex additives, caulk, silicone sealant, and urethane grout. Also, consider re-design options such as shower panels, laminated wall panels, or paint.
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Can you tile without grout?

In short, the answer is no. You shouldn't attempt to tile without grout. Grout is necessary to protect your tile and the wall behind your tile. However, if you don't like the appearance of grout lines, there is a way that you can minimize them.
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Can I use caulk instead of grout?

The truth is you will need both caulk and grout for your kitchen sink area, and bathroom/shower projects, but they can not be used interchangeably. You can use caulk, where the shower walls meet with the floor as it is more flexible than grout.
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Can silicone be used as grout?

Silicone grout is flexible and can withstand the natural expansion and contraction of the ceramic tiles that occurs as the bathroom is in use. A sealant is applied once the silicone grout has cured to protect the joints and the ceramic tile.
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How To Clean Grout and How to Keep Grout Clean - 4 Things You Need To Know



Can I use glue instead of grout?

Dispersion adhesive will not be fine used as a grout it will let water pass through it and offer no resistance. the water will then pass in to the sub-straight and start to damage it. if you leave it uncorrected in 6 months time you will have big problems so remove the adhesive and use grout.
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Can I use silicone instead of grout in shower?

Grout is a hardwearing emulsion but should only be used between joints of the same plane. This means any corners or bends that your tiles and fittings encounter should be handled with silicone instead. This is because grout is not flexible enough to withstand any structural movement. It is also not entirely waterproof.
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Can you use caulk in between tiles?

There are some instances where a choice between grout and caulk may come up, such as the space between tile and a bathtub. A lot of contractors use grout in situations such as this, but for the most part, caulk should be used.
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Can you use cement as grout?

Terms like cement, mortar, concrete, and grout are often used interchangeably, although there are actually major differences between the strength and application of these materials. Both grout and concrete are cement-based substances that are commonly used in DIY and construction projects.
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What is the thinnest grout line possible?

Smallest size grout lines should not be less than 1/16″. This is an acceptable space that can be properly grouted. When the space between tiles is so little like 1/32″ which is often referred to as “credit card lines” or “penny lines”, it's not possible to fill that space all the way through the bottom of the tile.
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Why do you need grout between tiles?

Grout is a necessary and integral part of many tile jobs for several reasons: It keeps moisture out of the substrate, helps keep tile lines straight and prevents tiles from rubbing against one another and cracking.
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Can you tile without gaps?

Things You'll Need

New technologies have helped to produce a method of tile production that uses compressed clay to produce tiles that are extremely even in size with crisp, straight edges. These tiles, known as vitrified tiles, can be installed with no gap or grout joint between them.
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Can I use white cement as grout?

First, you need to make a grout by mixing white cement and water properly. Clean the gap between the tiles properly before starting the grouting. You should also remove the tile spacers. Now, use a putty blade to apply a well-mixed grout in thick paste consistency on the gaps.
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What happens if you use mortar instead of grout?

The mortar doesn't flow as grout does, and can leave gaps or holes behind as it dries. Over time, the mortar can crack and weaken or cause water to leak through. Only use mortar in place of grout if the tile specifically calls for it.
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Can you use portland cement as grout?

This research indicates that portland cement-lime based mortar has the potential to be an acceptable alternative for grout in reinforced masonry in modified, low-lift applications. In addition, grout proportioned with a higher percentage of lime, similar to mortar, could be acceptable as well.
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How do you fill gaps in tiles?

Silicone sealant is a great way to fill in gaps between tiles, shower screens, baths and sinks. It also stops water seeping in where you don't want it. We'll show you how to put silicone into a gap using a caulking gun. You will also see how to give your silicone a smooth, professional finish and clean up any excess.
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What goes in between tiles?

Grout, which is a cement-based material, is great for filling the spaces between tiles.
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What is a grout pen?

Grout pens add a thin waterproof coating directly over the existing grout lines between tiles. This coating can be tinted to match the current color of your grout so everything looks neat and cohesive. This coloring is applied using a small container that looks like a thick marker or pen.
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Is silicone better than grout?

Grout is porous, which makes it more likely to develop mildew and stains than silicone caulk (the waterproof type, suitable for wet areas). For example, if you apply silicone caulk to seal around the drain in the tile shower floor, you can wipe it clean with a damp rag and it will look as good as new.
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How do you fix a gap between tiles and walls?

How Do You Fill a Gap Between Tile and Wall?
  1. Leave a 1/8 inch (6 mm) gap between the tile edges and the wall.
  2. Fill the gap between the tile and the wall with silicone caulk.
  3. Use silicone caulk at the edges of backsplashes and shower walls to prevent water from infiltrating behind the tile.
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Can you use thin set as grout?

While it's possible to use thinset in place of grout, it's not advisable to use grout in place of thinset. This is because thinset boasts greater structural strength and can be used to fill in the gaps between tiles if grout isn't available.
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Can we mix cement with tile adhesive?

The mixture of cement dries and shrinks. This creates void underneath the tiles after tile installation is done. This results in poor bonding between the tile and cement and also generates an aesthetic problem by allowing fragile areas to develop cracks with time.
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Which is better tile adhesive or cement?

Laying tiles by using tile adhesive with notched trowel requires less amount of material. Adhesive layer is a lot thinner than the mixture of sand-cement, and this leads to lighter load to building structure. A bag of 20 kg tile adhesive can be used to lay tiles on the average area of 4 - 5 m2.
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Is grout same as white cement?

Cement-based grout products are thinner than mortar and building cement, allowing it to flow better into cracks and other areas. It works well, but one of its biggest characteristics, and also its major drawback, is the porous nature of cement-based grout products.
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